Job 9:14
Job 9:14 in Multiple Translations
How then can I answer Him or choose my arguments against Him?
How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?
How much less shall I answer him, And choose out my words to reason with him?
How much less may I give an answer to him, using the right words in argument with him?
So how much less could I answer God, or choose my words to argue with him!
Howe much lesse shall I answere him? or howe should I finde out my words with him?
How much less do I — I answer Him? Choose out my words with Him?
How much less will I answer him, and choose my words to argue with him?
How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?
What am I then, that I should answer him, and have words with him?
“So, if God took me to court, what could I say [MTY] to answer him?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 9:14
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 9:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֭ף
כִּֽי
אָנֹכִ֣י
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑/נּוּ
אֶבְחֲרָ֖ה
דְבָרַ֣/י
עִמּֽ/וֹ
אַ֭ף
ʼaph
H637
also
DirObjM
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָנֹכִ֣י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑/נּוּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
אֶבְחֲרָ֖ה
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-1cs
דְבָרַ֣/י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp | Suff
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 9:14
אַ֭ף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אָנֹכִ֣י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑/נּוּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אֶבְחֲרָ֖ה
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-1cs
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
דְבָרַ֣/י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Job 9:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 9:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 9:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:14
- Cambridge Bible on Job 9:14
- Barnes' Notes on Job 9:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:14
- Sermons on Job 9:14
Context — Job: How Can I Contend with God?
12If He takes away, who can stop Him? Who dares to ask Him, ‘What are You doing?’
13God does not restrain His anger; the helpers of Rahab cower beneath Him.
14How then can I answer Him or choose my arguments against Him?
15For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy. 16If I summoned Him and He answered me, I do not believe He would listen to my voice.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 8:27 | But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. |
| 2 | Job 9:3 | If one wished to contend with God, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand. |
| 3 | Job 4:19 | how much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who can be crushed like a moth! |
| 4 | Job 11:4–5 | You have said, ‘My doctrine is sound, and I am pure in Your sight.’ But if only God would speak and open His lips against you, |
| 5 | Job 33:5 | Refute me if you can; prepare your case and confront me. |
| 6 | Job 25:6 | how much less man, who is but a maggot, and the son of man, who is but a worm!” |
| 7 | Job 23:4 | I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. |
| 8 | Job 23:7 | Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge. |
Job 9:14 Summary
In Job 9:14, Job is saying that he doesn't think he can argue with God or come up with good arguments against Him. This is because Job recognizes that God is all-powerful and all-wise, and he is just a human being. This verse teaches us to be humble and recognize our limitations when we are dealing with God, as also seen in Psalm 46:10, where it says we should be still and know that He is God. By acknowledging our limitations and God's sovereignty, we can learn to trust in His goodness and wisdom, even when we don't understand what is happening, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job's attitude towards God in this verse?
Job is expressing a sense of humility and awe, recognizing that he is not capable of arguing with God, as seen in Job 9:14, and this is similar to the attitude expressed in Romans 9:20, where it says we should not question God's actions.
Is Job saying he has no right to speak to God?
While Job is acknowledging his limitations, he is not saying he has no right to speak to God, but rather, he is aware of his own insignificance in comparison to God's power and wisdom, as stated in Isaiah 40:18, where it asks who can compare to God.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty, as Job recognizes that God's power and authority are beyond human comprehension, and this is a theme that is also seen in Psalm 115:3, where it says God does whatever He pleases.
What can we learn from Job's response in this verse?
We can learn the importance of humility and recognizing our limitations when approaching God, as Job does in Job 9:14, and this is also taught in Proverbs 9:10, where it says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to argue with God or justify my actions, and how can I apply the humility expressed in Job 9:14?
- How do I respond when faced with circumstances that are beyond my control, and what can I learn from Job's attitude in this verse?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's power and wisdom, as expressed in Job 9:14?
- How can I balance my desire to understand and question God's actions with the recognition of my own limitations and God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Job 9:14
How much less shall I answer him,.... Who is wise in heart, and mighty in strength, and has done and does the many things before related; who is invisible, passes by, and onwards insensibly; so that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:14
How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:14
Since no creature whatsoever can resist his power, and no man living can search out or comprehend his counsels and ways; how can I, who am a poor, contemptible, dispirited creature, contend with him? Answer him, i.e. answer his allegations and arguments produced against me. Choose out my words to reason with him, Heb. choose my words with him, i.e. shall I try whether God or I can choose fitter words, or stronger arguments? or shall I contend with him, and expect to get the better of him by using choice, and forcible, and elegant words, as one man doth with another?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:14
Job 9:14 How much less shall I answer him, [and] choose out my words [to reason] with him?Ver. 14. How much less shall I answer him] If heaven, earth, and sea cannot stand before him; if strongest men, and strongly befriended and seconded, cannot make their party good with him, it is not for me to stout it out; but rather to stoop and strike sail, seeking to disarm his indignation by a humble yielding; especially since I am not able to hold discourse with him, to answer him one of a thousand; I not only have not arguments, but I lack fit words; not argumentative words only, but persuasive also. And choose out my words to reason with him?] Heb. Shall I choose out words with him? Broughton renders it, Shall I choose to word it with God? Surely my best eloquence in this case will be a submissive silence. It can be neither wisdom nor duty in me to deal with and undertake God, either with an open or a closed hand, either with logical subtilties or rhetorical flourishes. If I should either be respondent or opponent, I should come off with loss.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:14
Verse 14. How much less shall I answer] I cannot contend with my Maker. He is the Lawgiver and the Judge. How shall I stand in judgment before him?
Cambridge Bible on Job 9:14
14. Job now draws an inference from this instance to his own—how much less should he meet God in a hostile plea? choose out my words] In a plea against God circumspection and careful selection of language would be needful, but the self-possession and calmness requisite for this would be destroyed by His overbearing might, and the terror of His majesty.
Barnes' Notes on Job 9:14
How much less shall I answer him? - I, who am so feeble, how can I contend with him?
Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:14
14. How… shall I answer him — In the Hebrew the “I” is emphatic; such as I.
Sermons on Job 9:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Omnipresence and Immanence by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the distance between humanity and God. He shares a personal experience of praying with a friend on a hill, feeling both the darkness and the |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 1-9 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being motivated by the love of Jesus Christ. He references the apostle Paul's statement that the love of Christ constrains |
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Attributes of God - Wrath, Eternity, Infiity and Foreknowledge by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the finite nature of human life and the infinite nature of God. They emphasize the privilege of serving God and encourage young people to de |
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The Universality of Prayer by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of food scarcity in the world and attributes it to the influence of the evil one. He emphasizes that God always provides plenty of |
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Attributes of God #7 "The Omnipresence of God" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer explores the omnipresence of God, emphasizing that God is not limited by space and is present everywhere, close to all creation. He explains that while God is always nea |
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Attributes of God #8 "God's Omnipresence and Immanence" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes God's omnipresence and immanence, explaining that God is everywhere and penetrates all things, yet many Christians feel a sense of divine remoteness due to th |
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The Infinite Condescension of Jehovah, Manifested in Dwelling on the Earth. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the profound mystery of God's condescension in choosing to dwell on earth, as illustrated by Solomon's dedication of the temple. He emphasizes the incredible |