Job 9:19
Job 9:19 in Multiple Translations
If it is a matter of strength, He is indeed mighty! If it is a matter of justice, who can summon Him ?
If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead?
If we speak of strength, lo, he is mighty! And if of justice, Who, saith he, will summon me?
If it is a question of strength, he says, Here I am! and if it is a question of a cause at law, he says, Who will give me a fixed day?
If it's a question of strength, then God is the strongest. If it's a question of justice, then who will set a time for my case?
If we speake of strength, behold, he is strog: if we speake of iudgement, who shall bring me in to pleade?
If of power, lo, the Strong One; And if of judgment — who doth convene me?
If it is a matter of strength, behold, he is mighty! If of justice, ‘Who,’ says he, ‘will summon me?’
If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead ?
If strength be demanded, he is most strong: if equity of judgment, no man dare bear witness for me.
If I would try to ◄wrestle with/fight against► him, there is no way that I could defeat him, because he is stronger than I am. If I would request him to appear in court, there is no one who could [RHQ] force him to go there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 9:19
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 9:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
לְ/כֹ֣חַ
אַמִּ֣יץ
הִנֵּ֑ה
וְ/אִם
לְ֝/מִשְׁפָּ֗ט
מִ֣י
יוֹעִידֵֽ/נִי
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לְ/כֹ֣חַ
kôach
H3581
reptile
Prep | N-ms
אַמִּ֣יץ
ʼammîyts
H533
strong
Adj
הִנֵּ֑ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
לְ֝/מִשְׁפָּ֗ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Prep | N-ms
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יוֹעִידֵֽ/נִי
yâʻad
H3259
to appoint
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 9:19
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.
לְ/כֹ֣חַ
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
Prep | N-ms
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
אַמִּ֣יץ
ʼammîyts
H533
"strong"
Adj
The Hebrew word for strong or mighty, used to describe courageous people like King David. It appears in 1 Samuel 31:12, where the men of Jabesh-gilead show strength in rescuing Saul's body. This word emphasizes bravery and power.
Definition: strong, mighty
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: courageous, mighty, strong (one). See also: 2 Samuel 15:12; Isaiah 28:2; Isaiah 40:26.
הִנֵּ֑ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | 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.
לְ֝/מִשְׁפָּ֗ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Prep | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יוֹעִידֵֽ/נִי
yâʻad
H3259
"to appoint"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To appoint or agree on something, like setting a time to meet or making a plan, as seen in Esther when the king appoints a new leader. It can also mean to gather or assemble people for a purpose.
Definition: 1) to fix, appoint, assemble, meet, set, betroth 1a)(Qal) to appoint, assign, designate 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to meet 1b2) to meet by appointment 1b3) to gather, assemble by appointment 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet 1d) (Hophal) to be set, be placed before, be fixed
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: agree,(maxke an) appoint(-ment, a time), assemble (selves), betroth, gather (selves, together), meet (together), set (a time). See also: Exodus 21:8; 2 Samuel 20:5; Psalms 48:5.
Study Notes — Job 9:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 9:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 9:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:19
- Cambridge Bible on Job 9:19
- Barnes' Notes on Job 9:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:19
- Sermons on Job 9:19
Context — Job: How Can I Contend with God?
17For He would crush me with a tempest and multiply my wounds without cause.
18He does not let me catch my breath, but overwhelms me with bitterness.
19If it is a matter of strength, He is indeed mighty! If it is a matter of justice, who can summon Him ?
20Even if I were righteous, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would declare me guilty. 21Though I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 9:32–33 | For He is not a man like me, that I can answer Him, that we can take each other to court. Nor is there a mediator between us, to lay his hand upon us both. |
| 2 | Job 9:4 | God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has resisted Him and prospered? |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 1:25 | For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 10:22 | Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? |
| 5 | Job 40:9–10 | Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His? Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and clothe yourself with honor and glory. |
| 6 | Matthew 6:13 | And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’ |
| 7 | Psalms 62:11 | God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: that power belongs to God, |
| 8 | Job 36:17–19 | But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have seized you. Be careful that no one lures you with riches; do not let a large bribe lead you astray. Can your wealth or all your mighty effort keep you from distress? |
| 9 | Job 33:5–7 | Refute me if you can; prepare your case and confront me. I am just like you before God; I was also formed from clay. Surely no fear of me should terrify you; nor will my hand be heavy upon you. |
| 10 | Job 31:35 | (Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. |
Job 9:19 Summary
This verse means that Job is recognizing God's incredible power and authority, and that no one can stand against Him or question His actions. It's like saying, if you're in a contest of strength, God would always win, and if you're in a court of law, God is the highest judge and no one can summon Him to appear. This reminds us that God is in control, and we can trust Him even when we don't understand what's happening, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job saying about God's power in this verse?
Job is acknowledging that God is incredibly mighty and strong, and if it's a matter of strength, no one can stand against Him, as seen in Jeremiah 32:17 where it says God's power is beyond human understanding.
Is Job implying that God is not just?
Job is not saying God is unjust, but rather that if it's a matter of justice, who can summon or call God to account, emphasizing God's sovereignty and authority, similar to what is stated in Romans 9:20 where it says who can question God's actions.
How does this verse relate to Job's overall situation?
This verse shows Job's recognition of God's power and authority, even as he struggles to understand why he is suffering, as expressed in Job 10:2 where he wishes to argue his case before God.
What can we learn from Job's statement about God's might?
We can learn that God's power is not to be feared in a negative sense, but rather respected and trusted, as Psalm 23:4 reminds us that even in difficult times, God is with us and His rod and staff comfort us.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I feel overwhelmed by God's power, and what does this reveal about my trust in Him?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and respect God's sovereignty in my life, even when I don't understand His ways?
- What are some areas where I struggle to trust God's justice, and how can I surrender those concerns to Him?
- How can I balance the recognition of God's mighty power with the understanding of His love and care for me, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3?
Gill's Exposition on Job 9:19
If [I speak] of strength, lo, [he is] strong,.... Or think of it, or betake myself to that, and propose to carry my point by mere force, as some men do by dint of power and authority they are possessed of; alas!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:19
If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead? If I speak of strength, lo he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:19
If my cause were to be decided by power, lo, he is strong, i.e. stronger than I. If I would contend with him in a way of right, there is no superior judge that can summon him and me together, and appoint us a time of pleading before him, and oblige us both to stand to his sentence; and therefore I must be contented to sit down with the loss.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:19
Job 9:19 If [I speak] of strength, lo, [he is] strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time [to plead]?Ver. 19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong] Neither by might nor right can I deal with him. Broughton renders it, As for force, he is valiant. The Lord is a man of war, saith Moses, Exodus 15:3. Yea, he is the Lord of arms, saith David, Psalms 84:1-12 Yea, he alone is a whole army of men, van and rear both, saith Isaiah, Isaiah 52:12, there is no doubt, then, but he will carry the day, since no creature is able to grapple with him. The weakness of God (if any such thing there were) is stronger than men, 1 Corinthians 1:25, and by the weakest means he can effect the greatest matters, as once he did in Egypt. And if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead?] Who shall appoint the time and place for our meeting? If I shall go about to sue him at law, I shall have but a cold suit, an ill pull of it; for who shall make him appear, or bring him to his answer? and where shall I find an advocate, a patron, to plead my cause? yea, where shall I get a witness? for so the Vulgar reads it, Nemo audet pro me testimonium dicere; no man shall be so bold as to give an evidence for me, or be a witness on my side.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:19
(19) If I speak of strength.—All this is the most uncompromising acknowledgment of the absolute inability of man to stand in judgment before God. The whole of this is so very abrupt and enigmatical that it is extremely difficult to be sure of the argument, though naturally the general drift of it is obvious enough. “If it were a trial of strength—Who is Almighty?—and if it was a matter of judgment, is He not judge and court together? and what authority that He would acknowledge could give me the opportunity of pleading my cause before Him? Were I righteous, my own mouth would show me wicked; were I perfect, then would it or He prove me perverse. Were I perfect, I should not know myself, or know it myself. I despise my life under such conditions; therefore, said I, it is all one: He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked alike.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:19
Verse 19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong] Human wisdom, power, and influence avail nothing before him. Who shall set me a time] מי יועידני mi yoideni, "Who would be a witness for me?" or, Who would dare to appear in my behalf? Almost all the terms in this part of the speech of Job, Job 9:11-24, are forensic or juridical, and are taken from legal processes and pleadings in their gates or courts of justice.
Cambridge Bible on Job 9:19
11–24. From the operation of this terrible force in the physical world Job passes on to describe its display among creatures, and to shew how it paralyses and crushes them.
Barnes' Notes on Job 9:19
If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong - There has been a considerable variety in the interpretation of this passage. The meaning seems to be this.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:19
19. If… of strength — Many moderns see in the abrupt and startling δπδ, behold! and ξιιεςιγπι, who will cite me! the responses of Deity, and read, If it be a question of the strength of the strong.
Sermons on Job 9:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Humanizing God by Lou Sutera | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the judgment of God. He highlights that those who engage in sinful behavior are deserving of death and that |
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Job 9:32 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores Job's profound struggle and despair, emphasizing the vast chasm between God and man that Job recognizes. He reflects on Bildad's advice to Job, highlighting th |
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Christian, Are You Refusing God? by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not refusing God's voice, drawing parallels between the consequences faced by those who rejected God's warnings in the past and the greater |
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Of the Names of God. by John Gill | John Gill explores the significance of the names of God, emphasizing that understanding these names is essential for knowing God Himself. He explains that God's names reflect His n |
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Lessons From the Recent Earthquake by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the recent earthquake, drawing lessons from the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. He emphasizes the majesty and power of God, the sinfulness of the worl |
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Of the Blessedness of God. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the blessedness of God, emphasizing that God's nature is inherently blessed, eternal, and self-sufficient. He argues that God's happiness is independent of ex |
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The Grace of Yielding - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of yielding and recognizing one's weaknesses. He refers to a verse from Acts chapter 17, where Paul speaks about God overlooking t |