Job 9:30
Job 9:30 in Multiple Translations
If I should wash myself with snow and cleanse my hands with lye,
If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
If I wash myself with snow water, And make my hands never so clean;
If I am washed with snow water, and make my hands clean with soap;
Even if I wash myself with pure mountain water and clean my hands with soap,
If I wash my selfe with snowe water, and purge mine hands most cleane,
If I have washed myself with snow-water, And purified with soap my hands,
If I wash myself with snow, and cleanse my hands with lye,
If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
If I be washed as it were with snow waters, and my hands shall shine ever so clean:
If I washed myself with snow or cleansed my hands with lye/soap to get rid of my guilt,
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 9:30
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 9:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
הִתְרָחַ֥צְתִּי
במו
בְ/מֵי
שָׁ֑לֶג
וַ֝/הֲזִכּ֗וֹתִי
בְּ/בֹ֣ר
כַּפָּֽ/י
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
הִתְרָחַ֥צְתִּי
râchats
H7364
to wash
V-Hithpael-Perf-1cs
במו
bᵉmôw
H1119
in/at/by
Prep
בְ/מֵי
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
שָׁ֑לֶג
sheleg
H7950
snow
N-ms
וַ֝/הֲזִכּ֗וֹתִי
zâkak
H2141
be clean
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
בְּ/בֹ֣ר
bôr
H1253
lye
Prep | N-ms
כַּפָּֽ/י
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | 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 9:30
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.
הִתְרָחַ֥צְתִּי
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
V-Hithpael-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
במו
bᵉmôw
H1119
"in/at/by"
Prep
This Hebrew word means in, at, by, or with, and is used to show location or relationship. It is translated as for, in, into, or through in the KJV Bible. The word is used to describe a sense of place or direction.
Definition: in, at, by
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: for, in into, through. See also: Job 9:30; Psalms 11:2; Isaiah 25:10.
בְ/מֵי
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
שָׁ֑לֶג
sheleg
H7950
"snow"
N-ms
Sheleg means snow in Hebrew, likely due to its white color. It is also used in Aramaic as te.lag.
Definition: snow Aramaic equivalent: te.lag (תְּלַג "snow" H8517)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: snow(-y). See also: Exodus 4:6; Psalms 51:9; Psalms 147:16.
וַ֝/הֲזִכּ֗וֹתִי
zâkak
H2141
"be clean"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
To be clean means to be pure or bright, physically or morally, as seen in Psalm 51:7 where David asks God to purify him.
Definition: 1) to be pure, be bright, be clean, be bright, clean 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be bright, be shining 1a2) to be clean, be pure 1b) (Hiphil) to cleanse, make cleanse, make clean
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: be (make) clean, be pure(-r). See also: Job 9:30; Job 25:5; Lamentations 4:7.
בְּ/בֹ֣ר
bôr
H1253
"lye"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a type of lye or soap used for washing or a substance used in metal smelting. It is also used to describe something as pure. The KJV translates it as purely or never so.
Definition: lye, potash, alkali used in smelting metal
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] never so, purely. See also: Job 9:30; Isaiah 1:25.
כַּפָּֽ/י
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
Study Notes — Job 9:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 9:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 9:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:30
- Cambridge Bible on Job 9:30
- Barnes' Notes on Job 9:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:30
- Sermons on Job 9:30
Context — Job: How Can I Contend with God?
28I would still dread all my sufferings; I know that You will not acquit me.
29Since I am already found guilty, why should I labor in vain?
30If I should wash myself with snow and cleanse my hands with lye,
31then You would plunge me into the pit, and even my own clothes would despise me. 32For He is not a man like me, that I can answer Him, that we can take each other to court.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 2:22 | Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me,” declares the Lord GOD. |
| 2 | Psalms 26:6 | I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD, |
| 3 | 1 John 1:8 | If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. |
| 4 | Job 31:7 | If my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has followed my eyes, or if impurity has stuck to my hands, |
| 5 | Romans 10:3 | Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 4:14 | Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you? |
| 7 | Proverbs 28:13 | He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. |
| 8 | Isaiah 1:16–18 | Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. |
Job 9:30 Summary
[Job 9:30 means that even if we try our best to be good and clean, it's not enough to make us right with God. We need God's help and forgiveness, just like David asked for in Psalm 51:7. Job is saying that no matter how hard he tries, he can't make himself perfect, and that's a feeling we can all relate to. This verse reminds us that we need to trust in God's love and mercy, rather than our own efforts, to be made right with Him (Romans 3:20).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of washing with snow and cleansing with lye in Job 9:30?
In this verse, Job is using these symbols of cleansing to convey the idea that even the most extreme forms of purification would not be enough to make him righteous before God, as seen in Psalm 51:7 where David also acknowledges the need for spiritual cleansing.
Is Job saying that he is completely without hope in Job 9:30?
No, Job is expressing his feelings of desperation and frustration, but he still holds onto his faith in God, as evident in Job 13:15 where he says 'Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him'.
How does this verse relate to the concept of self-righteousness?
Job 9:30 highlights the futility of trying to achieve righteousness through our own efforts, a theme also explored in Isaiah 64:6 where it is written that our righteous acts are like filthy rags, emphasizing our need for God's mercy and grace.
What can we learn from Job's expression of helplessness in this verse?
We can learn that true humility and recognition of our limitations are essential in our relationship with God, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6 where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I try to 'wash myself with snow' or rely on my own efforts to achieve righteousness, and how can I surrender these to God?
- How do I respond when I feel like my best efforts are not enough, and what can I learn from Job's experience in this verse?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Job 9:30 to my daily life, recognizing the limitations of my own strength and the importance of trusting in God's power and mercy?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of God, and how can I deepen my understanding of His nature and my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Job 9:30
If I wash myself with snow water,.... As it came from heaven, or flowed from the mountains covered with snow, as Lebanon, see Jeremiah 18:14; or was kept in vessels for such use, as being judged the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:30
If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; Snow water - thought to be more cleansing than common water, owing to the whiteness of snow. "I shall be whiter than snow" (Psalms 51:7; Isaiah 1:18).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:30
If I wash myself; either, 1. Really, by sanctification, cleansing my heart and life from all filthiness; or rather, 2. Declaratively or judicially, i.e. if I clear myself from all imputations, and fully prove my innocency before men. With snow water, i.e. as men cleanse their bodies, and as under the law they purified themselves, with water, which he here calls water of snow, either because by its purity and brightness it resembled snow; or because in those dry countries, where fresh and pure water was scarce, snow water was much in use; or because that water might be much used among them in some of their ritual purifications, as coming down from heaven.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:30
Job 9:30 If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;Ver. 30. If I wash myself with snow water] Some take the former words, I am wicked, to be Job’ s confession of his own sinfulness in comparison of God’ s surpassing holiness. And then this followeth very fitly, Though I wash myself with snow water, i.e. with water as clear as snow is white. Some read it aquis vivis for aquis nivis, spring water for snow water. And make my hands never so clean] Though I wash my hands with soap (so some read it), as Jeremiah 2:22 Malachi 3:2; or, though I wash mine hands in a well (where there is no want of water), both inside and outside, as James 4:8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:30
Verse 30. If I wash myself with snow water] Supposed to have a more detergent quality than common water; and it was certainly preferred to common water by the ancients. Of this we find an example in an elegant but licentious author: Tandem ergo discubuimus, pueris Alexandrinis AQUAM in manus NIVATAM infundentibus, aliisque insequentibus ad pedes. - PETR. Satyr., cap. xxxi. "At length we sat down, and had snow water poured on our hands by lads of Alexandria," c. Mr. Good supposes that there is an allusion here to the ancient rite of washing the hands in token of innocence. See Psalms 26:6: I will WASH my hands in INNOCENCY and Psalms 73:13: Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and WASHED my HANDS IN INNOCENCY. And by this ceremony Pilate declared himself innocent of the blood of Christ, Matthew 27:24.
Cambridge Bible on Job 9:30
30. with snow water] This is according to one reading (bemê). According to another (bemô), with snow. The latter is better; snowwater is turbid and foul, ch. Job 6:16; snow is the symbol of the most perfect purity, Isaiah 1:18, Psalms 51:7. Locman’s 23rd fable illustrates this Oriental idea very well: “A negro stripped himself of his clothes one day and began rubbing his body with snow. He was asked, Why do you rub yourself with snow? He answered, Perhaps I shall become white. A wise man passing by said to him, You fellow, don’t fatigue yourself, your body may well make the snow black, but it will never make you white. The moral is &c.” make my hands never so clean] lit. cleanse my hands with lye, or, potash.
Barnes' Notes on Job 9:30
If I wash myself with snow water - If I should make myself as pure as possible, and should become, in my view, perfectly holy. Snow water, it seems, was regarded as especially pure.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:30
30. A specimen of abortive labour. Snow water was regarded by the ancients as possessed of peculiarly cleansing power.
Sermons on Job 9:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Confessing Sinner, and a Forgiving God by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of acknowledging our sinful nature and the impossibility of achieving perfection in ourselves. He emphasizes that true perfection is foun |
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Our Daily Homily - Psalms Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of spiritual purity and the importance of approaching God with a clean heart, as illustrated in Psalms 26:6. He explains that true cleansing com |
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John 11:53 to End. Christ Retires to Ephraim. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the wicked suggestion of Caiaphas leading to the plot to put Jesus to death, emphasizing the guilt of those who propose evil schemes and the cons |
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A Sermon That Has Angered Many - Examine Yourself by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of focusing on eternal things. He warns against being enslaved to the things of this present |
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A Divided Heart by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of a divided heart, emphasizing that such a condition leads to spiritual faultiness both individually and within the church. He warns that a divid |
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(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 1. in the Crucible of Suffering by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fourth test that Job faced, which was the counsel of his three friends. These friends, who were oriental philosophers, constantly implied |
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Biblical Assurance (Part 2) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of being truly born again and how to know if one is a genuine believer. He emphasizes the importance of aligning one's lifestyle w |