Job 9:3
Job 9:3 in Multiple Translations
If one wished to contend with God, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand.
If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
If he be pleased to contend with him, He cannot answer him one of a thousand.
If a man was desiring to go to law with him, he would not be able to give him an answer to one out of a thousand questions.
If you wanted to argue with God, God could ask a thousand questions that no one could answer.
If I would dispute with him, hee could not answere him one thing of a thousand.
If he delight to strive with Him — He doth not answer him one of a thousand.
If he is pleased to contend with him, he can’t answer him one time in a thousand.
If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one for a thousand.
If someone wanted to argue with God about that, God could ask him 1,000 questions, and that person would not be able to answer any of them!
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 9:3
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 9:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
יַ֭חְפֹּץ
לָ/רִ֣יב
עִמּ֑/וֹ
לֹֽא
יַ֝עֲנֶ֗/נּוּ
אַחַ֥ת
מִנִּי
אָֽלֶף
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יַ֭חְפֹּץ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/רִ֣יב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עִמּ֑/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַ֝עֲנֶ֗/נּוּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
אַחַ֥ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
מִנִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep
אָֽלֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
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 9:3
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.
יַ֭חְפֹּץ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
לָ/רִ֣יב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
עִמּ֑/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.
לֹֽא
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.
יַ֝עֲנֶ֗/נּוּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | 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.
אַחַ֥ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
מִנִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
אָֽלֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
Study Notes — Job 9:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 9:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 9:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:3
- Cambridge Bible on Job 9:3
- Barnes' Notes on Job 9:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:3
- Sermons on Job 9:3
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? 5He moves mountains without their knowledge and overturns them in His anger.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 10:2 | I will say to God: Do not condemn me! Let me know why You prosecute me. |
| 2 | Job 40:2 | “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 57:15–16 | For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me, with the breath of those I have made. |
| 4 | Job 31:35–37 | (Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. Surely I would carry it on my shoulder and wear it like a crown. I would give account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince.)— |
| 5 | Psalms 40:12 | For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me. |
| 6 | Job 33:13 | Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks? |
| 7 | Job 9:20 | Even if I were righteous, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would declare me guilty. |
| 8 | Romans 9:20 | But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” |
| 9 | Psalms 19:12 | Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. |
| 10 | Job 23:3–7 | If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would learn how He would answer, and consider what He would say. Would He contend with me in His great power? No, He would certainly take note of me. Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge. |
Job 9:3 Summary
This verse means that if we tried to argue with God, we wouldn't be able to come up with a good answer even one time out of a thousand. This is because God is all-wise and all-powerful, and His ways are much higher than ours, as seen in Isaiah 55:9. It's like trying to have a debate with someone who knows everything and has all the power - we would quickly realize how limited our understanding is, as encouraged in Psalm 131:1 and Romans 11:33-36. By recognizing this, we can learn to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, even when we don't understand what's happening in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'contend with God' in Job 9:3?
To contend with God means to argue or dispute with Him, which is a futile effort, as seen in Job 9:3, and supported by other scriptures like Job 38:1-7 and Isaiah 40:18, where God's power and wisdom are emphasized.
Why can't humans answer God 'one time out of a thousand'?
Humans cannot answer God 'one time out of a thousand' because of God's infinite wisdom and knowledge, as stated in Psalm 147:5, which says God's understanding is infinite, making it impossible for humans to fully comprehend or argue against His ways.
Is this verse saying that God is unfair or unapproachable?
No, this verse is not saying that God is unfair or unapproachable, but rather that He is all-wise and all-powerful, as seen in Job 9:4 and Jeremiah 32:17, and that humans must approach Him with humility and reverence, as encouraged in Psalm 95:6 and Hebrews 4:16.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Job?
This verse relates to the overall theme of the book of Job by highlighting the mystery of God's sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding, which is a central issue in Job's struggle to comprehend his suffering, as seen in Job 1:1-3 and Job 42:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I try to 'contend with God' in my own life, and how can I learn to trust in His wisdom instead?
- In what ways do I feel overwhelmed by the complexities of life, and how can I apply the principle of Job 9:3 to those situations?
- How does the realization of God's infinite wisdom and power affect my prayer life and my relationship with Him?
- What are some areas where I need to surrender my own understanding and trust in God's sovereignty, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 11:33-36?
Gill's Exposition on Job 9:3
If he will contend with him,.... If God will contend with man, so Sephorno; enter into a controversy with him, litigate and dispute the point in law, whether he is just or not, man cannot answer to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:3
If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:3
If God be pleased to contend (to wit, in judgment; debate or plead; for so this word is oft used, as 4:1 ; compare ) with man. One of a thousand; either to one accusation or argument among a thousand which God shall produce against him, or one time of a thousand. So far will he be from being able to maintain his own innocency against God, if God set himself against him as his adversary.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:3
Job 9:3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.Ver. 3. If he will contend with him] If any one would be so fool hardy, or adventurous, as to dispute with God about his judgments, he could not, though he were never so wise, or well skilled, answer him one objection of a thousand, but must needs yield and say, I am no fit match for God. The Jewish doctors (and after them Vatablus) set this sense upon the text, If he (that is, if man) should contend with him (that is, with God, as, through the Luciferian pride of his heart, he is apt enough to do), he would not answer him one of a thousand; God would not honour him so far as to answer so contemptible an adversary, and so slight and senseless arguments; if he vouchsafe an answer, it shall not be so much as the echo giveth the voice; it shall not be to one article or argument of a thousand. Egregius quidem sensus, saith Mercer; this is a good sense, but the other is better, and well agreeth with Job 9:14.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:3
(3) If he will contend with him.—If man choose to contend with God, he cannot answer Him one question of a thousand, once in a thousand times.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:3
Verse 3. If he will contend with him] God is so holy, and his law so strict, that if he will enter into judgment with his creatures, the most upright of them cannot be justified in his sight. One of a thousand.] Of a thousand offences of which he may be accused he cannot vindicate himself even in one. How little that any man does, even in the way of righteousness, truth, and mercy, can stand the penetrating eye of a just and holy God, when all motives, feelings, and objects, come to be scrutinized in his sight, on this ground, no man living can be justified. O, how necessary to fallen, weak, miserable, imperfect and sinful man, is the doctrine of justification by faith, and sanctification through the Divine Spirit, by the sacrificial death and mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ!
Cambridge Bible on Job 9:3
3. if he will contend] Or, if he would; if he (man) should desire to contend with God. “To contend” is a legal term meaning to enter a plea with, the idea of a court or judge being in the mind of the speaker. Here man is supposed to have a plea with God on the question of his innocency, or on any question involving his righteousness. The question in Job 9:4, “Who hath hardened himself against Him?” makes it probable that man is here considered the appellant. Others take the subject to be God: if He were pleased to contend with him (man), cf. Job 9:14; Job 9:16. This suits the second half of the verse, but seems less suitable to the general connexion. he cannot answer him] Or, he (man) could not answer him (God) one of a thousand of the questions with which in His infinite wisdom (Job 9:4) He would ply him.
Barnes' Notes on Job 9:3
If he will contend with him - That is, if God enters into a controversy with man. If he chooses to charge crime on him, and to hold him responsible for his deeds.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:3
3. One of a thousand — Referring either to questions with which God, in case of argument, might ply the soul, (as in chap. 38,) or more probably to the sins which that soul has committed.
Sermons on Job 9:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Truth About Responsibility by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the controversial topic of responsibility and who is to blame for our problems. He discusses the common belief that Satan is responsible for |
|
Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends. |
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Look Into Those Languid Eyes! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of seeking a deep, personal connection with Jesus, urging believers to confront their spiritual apathy and return to the cross for renewal. |
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Discovering God's Graces by Charles E. Cowman | Charles H. Spurgeon preaches about how trials and afflictions are often used by God to develop and reveal the graces within us. Just like how faith shines brighter in times of adve |
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Your Excuses by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the idea that sinners often contend with God and make excuses for their actions. He explains that there are two types of contending with God |
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Job #4: God's Appearance by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for humility and self-awareness in the presence of God. He references biblical examples such as Eli and Daniel, who recognized their |
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Suffering by Ralph Shallis | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and the revelation of God's greatness in nature. He highlights various verses where God questions Job about his understandin |