Job 9:20
Job 9:20 in Multiple Translations
Even if I were righteous, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would declare me guilty.
If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me: Though I be perfect, it shall prove me perverse.
Though I was in the right, he would say that I was in the wrong; I have done no evil; but he says that I am a sinner.
Even though I am right, my own mouth would condemn me; even though I am innocent, he would prove me wrong.
If I woulde iustifie my selfe, mine owne mouth shall condemne mee: if I would be perfite, he shall iudge me wicked.
If I be righteous, Mine mouth doth declare me wicked, Perfect I am! — it declareth me perverse.
Though I am righteous, my own mouth will condemn me. Though I am blameless, it will prove me perverse.
If I justify myself, my own mouth will condemn me: if I say , I am perfect, that also will prove me perverse.
If I would justify myself, my own mouth shall condemn me: if I would shew myself innocent, he shall prove me wicked.
Even though I was innocent, what I would say would cause him to say that I must be punished [MTY]; even though I had not done anything wrong, he would prove that I am guilty.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 9:20
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 9:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
אֶ֭צְדָּק
פִּ֣/י
יַרְשִׁיעֵ֑/נִי
תָּֽם
אָ֝֗נִי
וַֽ/יַּעְקְשֵֽׁ/נִי
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אֶ֭צְדָּק
tsâdaq
H6663
to justify
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
פִּ֣/י
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
יַרְשִׁיעֵ֑/נִי
râshaʻ
H7561
be wicked
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
תָּֽם
tâm
H8535
complete
Adj
אָ֝֗נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
וַֽ/יַּעְקְשֵֽׁ/נִי
ʻâqash
H6140
to twist
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-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 9:20
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.
אֶ֭צְדָּק
tsâdaq
H6663
"to justify"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
פִּ֣/י
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
יַרְשִׁיעֵ֑/נִי
râshaʻ
H7561
"be wicked"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
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.
תָּֽם
tâm
H8535
"complete"
Adj
This word means being complete or perfect, and is used to describe someone who is morally pure and gentle. In the Bible, it describes people like Job, who was called 'blameless and upright'. It is often translated as 'perfect' or 'upright'.
Definition: 1) perfect, complete 1a) complete, perfect 1a1) one who lacks nothing in physical strength, beauty, etc 1b) sound, wholesome 1b1) an ordinary, quiet sort of person 1c) complete, morally innocent, having integrity 1c1) one who is morally and ethically pure
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: coupled together, perfect, plain, undefiled, upright. See also: Genesis 25:27; Job 9:21; Psalms 37:37.
אָ֝֗נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
וַֽ/יַּעְקְשֵֽׁ/נִי
ʻâqash
H6140
"to twist"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to twist or distort something, and can also refer to acting or speaking in a perverse way. It is used to describe someone who is being dishonest or unfair. The KJV translates it as make crooked or perverse.
Definition: 1) to be perverse, twist, pervert, make crooked, prove perverse, declare perverse 1a) (Niphal) to be crooked 1b) (Piel) to twist, distort, pervert, make crooked 1c) (Hiphil) to declare crooked 1d) (Qal) perverse
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: make crooked, (prove, that is) perverse(-rt). See also: Job 9:20; Proverbs 28:18; Proverbs 10:9.
Study Notes — Job 9:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 9:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 9:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:20
- Cambridge Bible on Job 9:20
- Barnes' Notes on Job 9:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:20
- Sermons on Job 9:20
Context — Job: How Can I Contend with God?
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. 22It is all the same, and so I say, ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 15:5–6 | For your iniquity instructs your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty. Your own mouth, not mine, condemns you; your own lips testify against you. |
| 2 | Philippians 3:12–15 | Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well. |
| 3 | Psalms 143:2 | Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You. |
| 4 | Job 32:1–2 | So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 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, |
| 5 | Job 34:35 | ‘Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.’ |
| 6 | Psalms 130:3 | If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand? |
| 7 | Job 9:2 | “Yes, I know that it is so, but how can a mortal be righteous before God? |
| 8 | Job 4:17 | ‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God, or a man more pure than his Maker? |
| 9 | Matthew 12:36–37 | But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” |
| 10 | 1 Timothy 6:5 | and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain. |
Job 9:20 Summary
This verse means that even if Job thought he was perfect, he would still be guilty because of his sinful nature. This shows us that we can't earn God's love by being good, but instead we need to rely on His mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Romans 5:8, which says 'God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us'. It's like trying to clean a dirty window with a dirty cloth - it won't work. We need God to cleanse us and make us new, as promised in 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says 'if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Job mean when he says his mouth would condemn him even if he were righteous?
Job is acknowledging that even if he were perfect, his own words and actions would still be imperfect and deserving of judgment, as noted in Romans 3:23, where it says 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God'
Is Job saying that he is actually guilty of something, or is he just feeling hopeless?
Job is expressing a sense of hopelessness and despair, feeling that no matter how hard he tries, he will still be found guilty, as seen in his statement in Job 9:20, which reflects the idea that 'all have sinned' found in Ezekiel 18:20
How does this verse relate to the concept of original sin?
Job's statement highlights the idea that humanity is inherently flawed and sinful, as discussed in Psalm 51:5, which says 'I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me'
What can we learn from Job's statement about our own relationship with God?
We can learn that our own righteousness is not enough to earn God's favor, and that we must rely on His mercy and grace, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9, which says 'by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Job, may be condemning myself with my own thoughts and words?
- How can I, in my own life, acknowledge my sinfulness and rely on God's mercy and grace, as seen in Psalm 103:12, which says 'as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us'?
- What does it mean to 'despise my own life' as Job says in Job 9:21, and how can I cultivate a similar humility and recognition of my own limitations?
- How can I balance the knowledge of my own sinfulness with the assurance of God's love and forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9, which says 'if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness'?
Gill's Exposition on Job 9:20
If I justify myself,.... Seek for justification by his own righteousness, trust in himself that he was righteous, say that he was so, and pronounce himself a righteous man, what would it signify?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:20
If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. If I justify myself. Maurer translates-`If I were just' - i:e., if I had right on my side [ 'etsdaaq (H6663)].
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:20
If I plead against God mine own righteousness and innocency, God is so infinitely wise and just, that he will find sufficient matter of condemnation from my own words, though spoken with all possible care and circumspection; or he will discover so much wickedness in me of which I was not aware, that I shall be forced to join with him in condemning myself. If I say, I am perfect; if I were perfect in my own opinion; if I thought myself completely righteous and faultless, it, i.e. my own mouth, as he now said, or, he, i.e. God, who is easily understood by comparing this with the former verses, where the same he is oft mentioned, shall also prove me perverse.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:20
Job 9:20 If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: [if I say], I [am] perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.Ver. 20. If I justify myself] If, in default of other pleaders, I should undertake to manage my cause myself, I should be never the nearer. Mine own mouth shall condemn me] i.e. God out of mine own mouth, as finding mine arguments weak and worthless; he knows us better than we know ourselves; and when he comes to turn the bottom of the bag upwards (as once Joseph’ s steward did theirs) all our secret thefts will be revealed, and those will appear to be faults that we little thought of. A Dutch divine, when dying, was full of fears and doubts; said some to him, You have been so employed, and so faithful, why should you fear? Oh, said he, the judgment of man and the judgment of God are different. Vae hominum vitae quantumvis laudabili, si remota misericordia iudicetur; Woe to the most praise worthy man alive, if he meet with judgment without mercy. The best lamb should abide the slaughter, except the ram were sacrificed, that Isaac might be saved. lf I say I am perfect] What if God had said so, Job 1:1, yet Job might not, Proverbs 27:2 2 Corinthians 10:18. Or if he do at any time justify himself, as Job 29:1-25; Job 30:1-31 he doth, it is in his own necessary and just defence, against the charge of his friends. Real apologies we must ever make for ourselves when wronged; verbal, if any, must be managed with meekness of wisdom.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:20
Verse 20. If I justify myself] God must have some reason for his conduct towards me; I therefore do not pretend to justify myself; the attempt to do it would be an insult to his majesty and justice. Though I am conscious of none of the crimes of which you accuse me; and know not why he contends with me; yet he must have some reason, and that reason he does not choose to explain.
Cambridge Bible on Job 9:20
20. In Job 9:20 Job is the speaker; he describes the effect upon him of the might of God,—though he had right on his side his own mouth would make him out wrong; out of terror he would speak at random or say the opposite of what he should say. The word perfect is used as in ch. Job 1:1, not in an absolute sense, but to mean upright and free from transgression. The subject in the second clause is more probably God than it, i. e. my mouth; were Job perfect the effect of God’s power would be that he would appear perverse or wicked.
Barnes' Notes on Job 9:20
If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me - That is, referring still to the form of a judicial trial, if I should undertake to manage my own cause, I should lay myself open to condemnation
Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:20
20. I… perfect — úí àðé. Were I to declare myself innocent, it (my mouth, though some make “God” the subject of the verb) should show (literally, make) me perverse, “betray me.” Renan sees in this a bold hyperbole.
Sermons on Job 9:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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Justification: A Royal Pardon by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes that justification is a royal pardon granted by God, not based on our works but through faith in Jesus Christ. He explains that legal justification declar |
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Militant Evangelism by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story of a father who risks his life to save his son from crocodile-infested waters. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the importance o |
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1996 Christian Youth Conference - Testimony by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth, just as Jesus commanded. He compares the 33-year period of the Book of Acts |
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That Ugly Flesh by Bob George | In this sermon, Paul is emphasizing the importance of repetition in teaching and learning. He is unafraid to repeat his instructions to the believers because he wants them to truly |