Job 9:2
Job 9:2 in Multiple Translations
“Yes, I know that it is so, but how can a mortal be righteous before God?
I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
Of a truth I know that it is so: But how can man be just with God?
Truly, I see that it is so: and how is it possible for a man to get his right before God?
“Yes, I know all that! But how can anyone be right before God?
I knowe verily that it is so: for howe should man compared vnto God, be iustified?
Truly I have known that [it is] so, And what — is man righteous with God?
“Truly I know that it is so, but how can man be just with God?
I know it to be so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
Indeed I know it is so, and that man cannot be justified compared with God.
“Yes, I certainly know that much of what you said is true. But ◄how can anyone say to God, ‘I <am innocent/have not done what is wrong> and prove it?’/no one can say to God ‘I <am innocent/have not done what is wrong> and prove it.’► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 9:2
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 9:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֭מְנָם
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
כִי
כֵ֑ן
וּ/מַה
יִּצְדַּ֖ק
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
עִם
אֵֽל
אָ֭מְנָם
ʼomnâm
H551
truly
Adv
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כִי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כֵ֑ן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
יִּצְדַּ֖ק
tsâdaq
H6663
to justify
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
human
N-ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
אֵֽל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 9:2
אָ֭מְנָם
ʼomnâm
H551
"truly"
Adv
This Hebrew word means truly or surely, used to emphasize the truth of something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, such as in Genesis and Deuteronomy. It confirms the authenticity of a statement.
Definition: verily, truly, surely
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: indeed, no doubt, surely, (it is, of a) true(-ly, -th). See also: Ruth 3:12; Job 19:4; Isaiah 37:18.
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִי
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.
כֵ֑ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יִּצְדַּ֖ק
tsâdaq
H6663
"to justify"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
"human"
N-ms
Enosh refers to a human or mankind in general, used to describe individuals or people as a whole in the Bible.
Definition: 1) man, mortal man, person, mankind 1a) of an individual 1b) men (collective) 1c) man, mankind Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: another, [idiom] (blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, [idiom] in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some ([idiom] of them), [phrase] stranger, those, [phrase] their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word. Compare H376 (אִישׁ). See also: Deuteronomy 32:26; Psalms 8:5; Psalms 9:20.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
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.
אֵֽל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
Study Notes — Job 9:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 9:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 9:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:2
- Cambridge Bible on Job 9:2
- Barnes' Notes on Job 9:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:2
- Sermons on Job 9:2
Context — Job: How Can I Contend with God?
1Then Job answered:
2“Yes, I know that it is so, but how can a mortal be righteous before God?
3If one wished to contend with God, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand. 4God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has resisted Him and prospered?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 4:17 | ‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God, or a man more pure than his Maker? |
| 2 | Romans 3:20 | Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. |
| 3 | Job 25:4 | How then can a man be just before God? How can one born of woman be pure? |
| 4 | Psalms 143:2 | Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You. |
| 5 | Job 14:3–4 | Do You open Your eyes to one like this? Will You bring him into judgment before You? Who can bring out clean from unclean? No one! |
| 6 | Job 33:9 | ‘I am pure, without transgression; I am clean, with no iniquity in me. |
| 7 | Psalms 130:3 | If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand? |
| 8 | 1 Kings 8:46 | When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to his own land, whether far or near, |
| 9 | Job 34:5 | For Job has declared, ‘I am righteous, yet God has deprived me of justice. |
| 10 | Job 32:2 | This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God, |
Job 9:2 Summary
This verse means that Job is recognizing how big the difference is between God's perfection and human imperfection. He's wondering how anyone can be considered good enough for God, which is a question that is answered in other parts of the Bible, like Romans 5:1 and Philippians 3:9. Job is showing that he knows God is holy and that humans are sinful, and he's trying to understand how to bridge that gap. This is something that we can all relate to, as we try to navigate our own relationships with God and understand how to live in a way that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Job mean when he says 'how can a mortal be righteous before God'?
Job is expressing his understanding that God is perfect and holy, and he is questioning how any human can be considered righteous in God's sight, as seen in Psalm 14:3 and Romans 3:10-12.
Is Job saying that it's impossible for humans to be righteous?
Job is not saying it's impossible, but rather, he's acknowledging the vast difference between God's holiness and human sinfulness, as stated in Isaiah 64:6 and Jeremiah 17:9.
How does this verse relate to the concept of salvation?
This verse highlights the need for salvation, as humans cannot achieve righteousness on their own, but rather, it is a gift from God, as explained in Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5-6.
What is the significance of Job's statement in the context of his suffering?
Job's statement shows that despite his suffering, he still recognizes God's sovereignty and holiness, and he is seeking to understand how to reconcile his circumstances with God's character, as seen in Job 1:21 and Job 2:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to achieve righteousness on my own, and how can I surrender those efforts to God?
- How does the concept of God's holiness and human sinfulness impact my daily life and relationships?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and respect God's sovereignty, even in the midst of difficult circumstances?
- What does it mean for me to 'be righteous before God', and how can I pursue that in my own life, with the help of Scripture and the Holy Spirit?
Gill's Exposition on Job 9:2
I know [it is] so of a truth,.... That is, that God is just, and does not pervert justice and judgment, as Bildad had observed, Job 8:3; Job was a man of great natural parts and capacity; he had a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:2
I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? I know it is so - that God does not "pervert justice" . But how should a man be just with God?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:2
I know it is so, to wit, as you say, that God is just in all his ways, that he doth ordinarily bless the righteous, and punish the wicked. But how should man be just? Heb. and how, &c.? i.e. and I know that no man is absolutely just, or can defend his righteousness, if God be severe to mark what is amiss in him. With God; either, 1. Being compared with God; or, 2. Before God, as the same phrase is taken, , if he be brought before God’ s tribunal to debate the matter with him.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:2
Job 9:2 I know [it is] so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?Ver. 2. I know it is so of a truth] Bildad’ s argument was, God, who hath punished thee, is just, therefore thou art unjust. Job grants the antecedent here, but denies and refutes the consequent, Job 9:22-23, &c. To Eliphaz also Job grants, not only that man could not be more just than God, as he had said, Job 4:3, but also that none could ever be found so just that he might any way be compared to God. Job is one of those candidates of immortality, who can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth, 2 Corinthians 13:8, every parcel whereof he accounted precious, and could not but be a friend to it, though brought by them who seemed his enemies; this spoke him ingenuous and humble, a well tempered champion for the truth. Athanasius is said to be such another, and so Mr Bucer. Helvidius is taxed by Jerome for the contrary, and Bishop Montague, by Dr Rivet. But how should man be just with God?] Mr Broughton translateth, And how can man be just before the Omnipotent? Sorry, sickly, wretched man, how can he be just (sc. by an inherent righteousness; by an imputed he may) before the most Holy and Almighty God; or compared to him? Job afterwards, setting himself by God, and considering the infinite distance and disproportion, crieth out, "I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes," Job 42:5-6.
I say likewise, "Woe is me, for I am undone," Isaiah 6:5. He that hath looked a while intentively upon the body of the sun is so dazzled with the beams thereof, that he can see nothing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:2
Verse 2. I know it is so of a truth] I acknowledge the general truth of the maxims you have advanced. God will not ultimately punish a righteous person, nor shall the wicked finally triumph; and though righteous before man, and truly sincere in my piety, yet I know, when compared with the immaculate holiness of God, all my righteousness is nothing.
Cambridge Bible on Job 9:2
2. It is not quite easy to see what form of the maxim of the friends it is to which Job gives his sneering assent in this verse, when he says, To be sure I know that it is so. In Job 9:10 he quotes words from Eliphaz, ch. Job 5:9, verbatim, and he may refer to the form in which this speaker put forward the principle common to them all, Shall man be righteous before God? ch. Job 4:17. In this case the second member of the verse merely explains the words that it is so, Of a truth I know that it is so: How shall man be righteous with God? Job, however, gives a different turn to the words, meaning by them, How shall man substantiate his righteousness, and make it to appear, when he has to maintain it in the face of the overpowering might of God? (Job 9:3). Or, Job may attach his reply to Bildad’s question, Will God pervert right? (ch.
Job 8:3). To which he replies: Of course—but how shall man have right with God? God’s power makes right. Job does not quibble with words. He speaks from the point of view of his own circumstances and the construction which he put on them. His afflictions were proof that God held him guilty, while his own conscience declared his innocence. But he was helpless against God’s judgment of him. In the view of his friends and all men, and even himself, his afflictions were God’s verdict against him. And his answer is that man must be guilty before God because he cannot contend with an omnipotent power resolved to hold him guilty.
Barnes' Notes on Job 9:2
I know it is so of a truth - Job here refers, undoubtedly, to something that had been said before; but whether it is to the general strain of remark, or to some particular expression, may be doubted.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:2
First division — THE FACT THAT GOD IS JUST (Job 8:3) AND PURE, (Job 4:17,) DOES NOT SOLVE THE MYSTERY OF THE TO THE ON THE PART OF AN GOD, Job 9:2-12.
Sermons on Job 9:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What Is Your Life? by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon titled "What Is Your Life?" Dr. McGee explores the brevity and uncertainty of human life. He emphasizes that life is a place of decision and preparation for eternity |
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Through the Bible - Job - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, Eliphaz begins by sharing a secret truth that was whispered to him in a vision. He emphasizes the fear and awe he experienced in the presence of God. Eliphaz critic |
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(Genesis) 28 - Abraham and Justification by Faith by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing the previous chapter in the Bible where Abram wins a great victory against the kings from the east and retrieves his nephew Lot. A |
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(Second Coming of Christ) 10 the Supper of the Great God by Aeron Morgan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings of the Word of God. He warns that a fearful day is coming, known as the Armageddon, where there will |
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How Should Man Be Just With God? Job 9 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby explores the profound struggle of Job, a righteous man grappling with the concept of being just before God amidst his suffering. Despite his uprightness, Job's se |
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Job 9:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the profound relationship between God and man, emphasizing Job's struggle to understand how a mere human can be just before an all-powerful God. He highlights |
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Job 9:2 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the profound need for a mediator, or 'daysman,' as expressed by Job in his suffering. He emphasizes Job's isolation and despair, highlighting the contrast betw |