Job 10:15
Job 10:15 in Multiple Translations
If I am guilty, woe to me! And even if I am righteous, I cannot lift my head. I am full of shame and aware of my affliction.
If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;
If I be wicked, woe unto me; And if I be righteous, yet shall I not lift up my head; Being filled with ignominy, And looking upon mine affliction.
That, if I was an evil-doer, the curse would come on me; and if I was upright, my head would not be lifted up, being full of shame and overcome with trouble.
If I'm guilty I'm in trouble, if I'm innocent I can't hold my head high because I'm totally disgraced as I look at my sufferings.
If I haue done wickedly, wo vnto me: if I haue done righteously, I will not lift vp mine head, being full of confusion, because I see mine affliction.
If I have done wickedly — woe to me, And righteously — I lift not up my head, Full of shame — then see my affliction,
If I am wicked, woe to me. If I am righteous, I still will not lift up my head, being filled with disgrace, and conscious of my affliction.
If I be wicked, woe to me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou my affliction;
And if I be wicked, woe unto me: and if just, I shall not lift up my head, being filled with affliction and misery.
If I am a wicked man, I hope/wish that terrible things will happen to me. But even if I am righteous, I still must bow my head and feel ashamed, because I am very disgraced and feel miserable.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 10:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 10:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
רָשַׁ֡עְתִּי
אַלְלַ֬י
לִ֗/י
וְ֭/צָדַקְתִּי
לֹא
אֶשָּׂ֣א
רֹאשִׁ֑/י
שְׂבַ֥ע
קָ֝ל֗וֹן
וּ/רְאֵ֥ה
עָנְיִֽ/י
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
רָשַׁ֡עְתִּי
râshaʻ
H7561
be wicked
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אַלְלַ֬י
ʼalᵉlay
H480
woe!
Part
לִ֗/י
Prep | Suff
וְ֭/צָדַקְתִּי
tsâdaq
H6663
to justify
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֶשָּׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
רֹאשִׁ֑/י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
שְׂבַ֥ע
sâbêaʻ
H7649
sated
Adj
קָ֝ל֗וֹן
qâlôwn
H7036
dishonor
N-ms
וּ/רְאֵ֥ה
râʼeh
H7202
to see
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
עָנְיִֽ/י
ʻŏnîy
H6040
affliction
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 10:15
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
רָשַׁ֡עְתִּי
râshaʻ
H7561
"be wicked"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Being wicked or acting wrongly is what this Hebrew word describes. In Psalm 37:7, the Bible warns against being wicked and instead encourages trusting in God.
Definition: 1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a2) to be guilty, be condemned 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to condemn as guilty (in civil relations) 1b2) to condemn as guilty (in ethical or religious relations) 1b3) to act wickedly (in ethics and religion)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: condemn, make trouble, vex, be (commit, deal, depart, do) wicked(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 22:8; Job 32:3; Psalms 18:22.
אַלְלַ֬י
ʼalᵉlay
H480
"woe!"
Part
Alayi is a Hebrew word that means woe or alas, expressing sadness or regret. It is used to convey a sense of sorrow or distress. This word is used in the Bible to lament a situation.
Definition: woe! alas!
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: woe. See also: Job 10:15; Micah 7:1.
לִ֗/י
""
Prep | Suff
וְ֭/צָדַקְתִּי
tsâdaq
H6663
"to justify"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
Refers to the act of making something right, either by justifying oneself or being declared righteous by God. It is used to describe God's justice and people's attempts to do what is right. This concept is key to understanding the Bible's teachings on sin and redemption.
Definition: 1) to be just, be righteous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have a just cause, be in the right 1a2) to be justified 1a3) to be just (of God) 1a4) to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character) 1b) (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified 1c) (Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to do or bring justice (in administering law) 1d2) to declare righteous, justify 1d3) to justify, vindicate the cause of, save 1d4) to make righteous, turn to righteousness 1e) (Hithpael) to justify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). See also: Genesis 38:26; Job 33:32; Psalms 19:10.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֶשָּׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
רֹאשִׁ֑/י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
שְׂבַ֥ע
sâbêaʻ
H7649
"sated"
Adj
This word means being sated or satisfied, either in a good or bad way. It can describe being full from eating or having too much of something. The KJV translates it as full or satisfied.
Definition: 1) sated, satisfied, surfeited 1a) sated, abounding, satisfied 1b) surfeited (bad sense)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: full (of), satisfied (with). See also: Genesis 25:8; Job 10:15; Proverbs 19:23.
קָ֝ל֗וֹן
qâlôwn
H7036
"dishonor"
N-ms
This word refers to feelings of shame or dishonor, like when someone does something wrong. It is used in Proverbs to describe the shame of foolish behavior. The Bible teaches that God can restore honor to those who repent.
Definition: 1) shame, disgrace, dishonour, ignominy 1a) ignominy (of nation) 1b) dishonour, disgrace (personal)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: confusion, dishonour, ignominy, reproach, shame. See also: Job 10:15; Proverbs 18:3; Psalms 83:17.
וּ/רְאֵ֥ה
râʼeh
H7202
"to see"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to see or experience something. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of seeing or perceiving. The KJV translates it as see.
Definition: (Qal) seeing
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: see. See also: Job 10:15.
עָנְיִֽ/י
ʻŏnîy
H6040
"affliction"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means affliction or misery, describing a state of trouble or hardship, as seen in the experiences of the Israelites in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) affliction, poverty, misery 1a) affliction 1b) poverty
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: afflicted(-ion), trouble. See also: Genesis 16:11; Job 36:21; Psalms 9:14.
Study Notes — Job 10:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 10:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 10:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 10:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 10:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 10:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 10:15
- Cambridge Bible on Job 10:15
- Barnes' Notes on Job 10:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 10:15
- Sermons on Job 10:15
Context — Job’s Plea to God
13Yet You concealed these things in Your heart, and I know that this was in Your mind:
14If I sinned, You would take note, and would not acquit me of my iniquity.
15If I am guilty, woe to me! And even if I am righteous, I cannot lift my head. I am full of shame and aware of my affliction.
16Should I hold my head high, You would hunt me like a lion, and again display Your power against me. 17You produce new witnesses against me and multiply Your anger toward me. Hardships assault me in wave after wave.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 3:11 | Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. |
| 2 | Job 9:15 | For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy. |
| 3 | Job 9:20–21 | Even if I were righteous, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would declare me guilty. Though I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life. |
| 4 | Job 10:7 | though You know that I am not guilty, and there is no deliverance from Your hand? |
| 5 | Isaiah 6:5 | Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” |
| 6 | Malachi 3:18 | So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” |
| 7 | Psalms 25:18 | Consider my affliction and trouble, and take away all my sins. |
| 8 | Lamentations 1:20 | See, O LORD, how distressed I am! I am churning within; my heart is pounding within me, for I have been most rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; inside, there is death. |
| 9 | Psalms 9:17 | The wicked will return to Sheol— all the nations who forget God. |
| 10 | Job 27:7 | May my enemy be like the wicked and my opponent like the unjust. |
Job 10:15 Summary
[Job is expressing his feelings of shame and guilt, even though he knows he hasn't done anything specifically wrong. He's aware that God sees everything, and this makes him feel humble and small. This is similar to what the Psalmist says in Psalm 51:17, where he talks about having a broken and contrite heart. Job is also recognizing that his difficulties are a result of God's sovereign plan, and he's choosing to trust in God's goodness, as mentioned in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Job feel like he can't lift his head even if he is righteous?
Job feels this way because he is aware of his own sinfulness and the fact that God is a holy God who sees all things, as mentioned in Psalm 139:1-6. This realization humbles him and makes him aware of his own limitations.
What does Job mean by 'I am full of shame and aware of my affliction'?
Job is acknowledging the pain and suffering he is experiencing, and he is also recognizing that his situation is a result of his own sinfulness, as well as the sovereign plan of God, as seen in Isaiah 45:7.
How can I apply Job's attitude to my own life when I'm facing difficulties?
We can apply Job's attitude by recognizing our own sinfulness and limitations, and by humbly acknowledging God's sovereignty in our lives, as mentioned in Romans 11:33-36. This helps us to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, even when we don't understand our circumstances.
Is Job saying that he is guilty of some specific sin, or is he just acknowledging his general sinfulness?
Job is not specifically mentioning a particular sin, but rather acknowledging his general sinfulness and fallenness as a human being, as mentioned in Romans 3:23. This is a recognition that all humans are sinful and fall short of God's glory.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am walking in shame, and how can I bring those areas before God in prayer?
- How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of my own sinfulness and limitations, and what role does humility play in this process?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when I'm facing difficult circumstances that I don't understand?
- What does it mean for me to 'lift my head' in a spiritual sense, and how can I practically live out my faith in a way that honors God?
Gill's Exposition on Job 10:15
If I be wicked, woe is me,.... In this world, and to all eternity; afflictions will abide me here, and everlasting wrath hereafter: these are the woes that belong to a wicked man; that is, a profane
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 10:15
If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity. If I sin, then thou markest me. Job is perplexed because God "marks" every sin of his with such ceaseless rigour. If I sin ... if I be wicked.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 10:15
If I be wicked, i.e. an ungodly hypocrite, as my friends esteem me, then I am truly and extremely, and must be eternally, miserable. Righteous, i.e. an upright and good man: so, whether good or bad, all comes to one; I have no relief. Yet will I not lift up my head; or, yet can I not, &c; the future tense being used potentially; yet I have no comfort, nor confidence, or hopes of any good. Lifting up the head or face is oft mentioned as a sign of comfort and confidence, as ; as, on the contrary, grief and shame are described by its dejection or casting down. Confusion, or reproach, from my friends, and from others, , &c., and from God too, who casts me off, and makes me contemptible. I have abundance of shame in the disappointment of all my hopes, and the continuance and aggravation of my misery, notwithstanding all my prayers to God to remove or mitigate it; and I am confounded within myself, not knowing what to say or do. Let my extremity move thee to pity and help me.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 10:15
Job 10:15 If I be wicked, woe unto me; and [if] I be righteous, [yet] will I not lift up my head. [I am] full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;Ver. 15. If I be wicked, woe unto me] Here he bringeth a dilemma, whereby he declareth himself every way miserable, saith Mercer; whether he be bad or good, suffer he must without remedy. "If I be wicked, woe unto me"; woe is the wicked man’ s portion; tell him so from me, saith God, Isaiah 3:10-11. Though he love not to hear on that ear, but can bless himself in his heart, when God curseth him with his mouth, Deuteronomy 29:19. And a godly man setteth the terror of sin’ s woes before his flesh, that slave, that must be frighted at least with the sight of the whip. Woe be to me, saith Paul, if I preach not the gospel, 1 Corinthians 9:16. Or if, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway, 1 Corinthians 9:27; which to prevent, he kept under his body (his corruption), and gave it a blue eye; for we are not debtors to the flesh, saith he, Romans 8:10. We owe nothing but stripes and menaces, cursing it in every respect, &c. And if l be righteous, yet I will not llft up my head] indeed I cannot, because I am so bowed down with changes of sorrows, armies of afflictions: my pains are continued, and I shall surely sink under them; much ado I have now to keep head above water. Others make this a description of Job’ s humility: "I will not lift up my head," viz. in pride, but humble myself to walk with my God, as that poor publican did who stood afar off, and would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, Luke 18:13.
I am full of confusion] Cast upon me by my friends, who reproach me for a hypocrite, and make my cheeks glow. The fulness of an aspersion may possibly put an innocent person to the blush; and it is the property of defamations to leave a kind of lower estimation many times, even where they are not believed. This was the confusion that Job complained of, the stomach of his mind was full of it, even to satiety and surfeit. Therefore see thou mine affliction] My pressing and piercing affliction, see it and remedy it, as Psalms 119:153. Let not all my trouble seem little unto thee, as Nehemiah 9:32. See, Lord, see, behold, it is high time for thee to set in.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 10:15
Verse 15. If I be wicked] I must meet with that punishment that is due to the workers of iniquity. If I be righteous] I am only in the state which my duty to my Creator requires me to be in; and I cannot therefore suppose that on this account I can deserve any thing by way of favour from the justice of my Maker. I am full of confusion] I am confounded at my state and circumstances. I know that thou art merciful, and dost not afflict willingly the children of men; I know I have not wickedly departed from thee; and yet I am treated by thee as if I were an apostate from every good. I am therefore full of confusion. See thou to my affliction; and bring me out of it in such a way as shall at once prove my innocence, the righteousness of thy ways, and the mercy of thy nature.
Cambridge Bible on Job 10:15
15. if I be wicked] Better, were I wicked—guilty of great offences. Job cannot express what would be the punishment of greater sins were e guilty of them, but indicates its incalculable severity by the exclamation, Woe unto me! This the second supposition. and if I be righteous] Rather, and were I righteous. yet will I not lift up] Or, yet must I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion] The words to the end of the verse must mean, being filled with shame and beholding (or, and with the sight of) mine affliction. Were Job righteous he must not lift up his head in the consciousness of innocence or to protest against his being held guilty. This is the third supposition, which is further illustrated in the next verse.
Barnes' Notes on Job 10:15
If I be wicked, woe unto me - The meaning of this in this connection is, “I am full of perplexity and sorrow. Whether I am wicked or righteous, I find no comfort.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 10:15
15. I am full of confusion, etc. — It may also be rendered, being filled with shame and the sight of my misery.
Sermons on Job 10:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Why Do Christians Have to Suffer? by Derek Melton | Derek Melton emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing Christian suffering, highlighting that suffering is a crucial part of the journey for those who love and follo |
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This Is the Portion of a Wicked Man From God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the inevitable connection between wrongdoing and its consequences, as illustrated in the Book of Job. He reflects on the beliefs of Eastern peoples regarding |
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The True Christian by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the characteristics and lifestyle of a true Christian who is born from above, partakes of the divine nature, and is taught by the Holy Spirit. This indiv |
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All Things Conspire for Evil to the Sinner by Charles Finney | Charles Finney delivers a powerful sermon emphasizing the dire consequences of sin, asserting that all things conspire for the ruin of the wicked. He contrasts the fate of sinners |
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Old Testament Stumbling-Blocks Removed. by Daniel Steele | Daniel Steele addresses the misunderstood passages in the Holy Scriptures that seem to justify an unholy life, emphasizing the misinterpretation of texts suggesting sin is necessar |
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The Doctrine of Justification 2. Its Meaning by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical doctrine of justification, explaining it as a legal declaration by God that a sinner is considered righteous based solely on the imputed righteous |
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The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the necessity of conviction of guilt in true religion, emphasizing the rebellion against God that all men are born under His law and have violated i |