Job 9:35
Job 9:35 in Multiple Translations
Then I would speak without fear of Him. But as it is, I am on my own.
Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me.
Then would I speak, and not fear him; For I am not so in myself.
Then I would say what is in my mind without fear of him; for there is no cause of fear in myself.
Then I could speak up without being afraid—but since I am, I can't!”
Then will I speake, and feare him not: but because I am not so, I holde me still.
I speak, and do not fear Him, But I am not right with myself.
then I would speak, and not fear him, for I am not so in myself.
Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me.
I will speak, and will not fear him: for I cannot answer while I am in fear.
If he did that, I would declare that I am innocent without being afraid of him, because I know that I really have not done what is wrong like God thinks that I have.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 9:35
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 9:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַֽ֭דַבְּרָה
וְ/לֹ֣א
אִירָאֶ֑/נּוּ
כִּ֥י
לֹא
כֵ֥ן
אָ֝נֹכִ֗י
עִמָּדִֽ/י
אַֽ֭דַבְּרָה
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-1cs
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אִירָאֶ֑/נּוּ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
כֵ֥ן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
אָ֝נֹכִ֗י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
עִמָּדִֽ/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
with me
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 9:35
אַֽ֭דַבְּרָה
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
אִירָאֶ֑/נּוּ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
כִּ֥י
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.
לֹא
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.
כֵ֥ן
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.
אָ֝נֹכִ֗י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
עִמָּדִֽ/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
"with me"
Prep | Suff
Means 'with me', showing accompaniment, like in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in difficult times.
Definition: with A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A) § 1) with
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: against, by, from, [phrase] me, [phrase] mine, of, [phrase] that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.) See also: Genesis 3:12; 1 Samuel 20:28; Psalms 23:4.
Study Notes — Job 9:35
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Job 9:35 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 9:35
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:35
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:35
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:35
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:35
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:35
- Cambridge Bible on Job 9:35
- Barnes' Notes on Job 9:35
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:35
Context — Job: How Can I Contend with God?
33Nor is there a mediator between us, to lay his hand upon us both.
34Let Him remove His rod from me, so that His terror will no longer frighten me.
35Then I would speak without fear of Him. But as it is, I am on my own.
Job 9:35 Summary
This verse shows Job's desire to have a real and honest conversation with God without being afraid. He wants to be able to talk to God like a friend, but he feels like God is too powerful and intimidating. This is something we can all relate to, as we often feel like we're not good enough or that God is too big and scary (Psalms 139:7-8). But the good news is that God wants us to come to Him just as we are, and to be honest with Him about our fears and doubts (Hebrews 4:16).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Job mean when he says he would speak without fear of God?
Job is expressing his desire to have an open and honest conversation with God without being overwhelmed by fear or intimidation, as seen in his wish for a mediator in Job 9:33 and his desire for God to remove His rod of discipline in Job 9:34.
Why does Job feel like he is on his own?
Job feels isolated and alone in his suffering, as if God is distant and unapproachable, which is a common theme throughout the book of Job, such as in Job 13:24 where he asks why God has hidden His face from him.
Is Job's desire to speak without fear of God a sinful attitude?
While it may seem like Job is being presumptuous or disrespectful, his desire to speak freely with God is actually a desire for genuine relationship and understanding, similar to the Psalmist's cry in Psalms 42:2 to see God's face and know His presence.
How can we relate to Job's feelings in our own lives?
We can all identify with feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by God's power and majesty, but Job's example encourages us to be honest with God about our feelings and to seek a deeper understanding of His character, as seen in Jeremiah 29:12-13 where God invites us to call out to Him and know Him more intimately.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm on my own, and how can I bring those to God in prayer?
- How do I balance my reverence for God's power and majesty with my desire for a personal and intimate relationship with Him?
- In what ways can I be more honest and open with God about my fears and doubts, like Job is in this verse?
- What are some biblical examples of people speaking freely and honestly with God, and what can I learn from their examples?
Gill's Exposition on Job 9:35
[Then] would I speak, and not fear him,.... With a servile fear, though with reverence and godly fear; meaning either at the throne of grace, having liberty of access, boldness of spirit, and freedom
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:35
Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:35
i.e. I would speak freely for myself, being freed from the dread of his majesty, which takes away my spirit and courage, and stoppeth my mouth. But it is not so with me, i.e. I am not free from his terror, and therefore cannot and dare not plead my cause boldly with him; and so have no thing else to do but to case myself by renewing my complaints; as he doth in the next words. Others thus, but I am not so with myself, i.e. I am in a manner beside myself, distracted with the terrors of God upon me. Or rather thus, for I am not so with myself, or in my own conscience, as I perceive I am in your eyes, to wit, a hypocrite and ungodly man. So this is a reason why he could speak to God without slavish fear, because he was conscious to himself of his own integrity: I have a good conscience within myself, and therefore could use boldness in speaking to God, provided he would not deal with me in strict justice, but upon the terms of grace and mercy which he hath proposed to sinners, and with allowance to human infirmities.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:35
Job 9:35 [Then] would I speak, and not fear him; but [it is] not so with me.Ver. 35. Then would I speak, and not fear him] I would come boldly to the throne of grace, and freely pour out my soul into his bosom. If he meant that he would maintain his own cause against God’ s proceedings (as some understand it, grounding upon Job 33:6-7), he was questionless in a very great error, and the flesh had got the hill of the spirit. But it is not so with me] So, how? so as you imagine, Non sum talis, qualem me esse putatis (Vatablus). I am no such one as you take me for, viz. a hypocrite; I am not so self-guilty, say the Septuagint: or thus, It is not so with me; that is, I do not find God answering my suit; for I am still scourged and frightened, so that I scarce know what I say.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:35
(35) It is not so with me.—Literally, I am not so with me. The words are variously understood: “It is not so with me,” i.e., “I am not thus without fear,” as the former part of the verse supposes; or, “I am not so as ye suppose,” i.e., guilty, but innocent; or, “Am I not right with myself?” i.e., inwardly conscious of my integrity and innocence (Job 10:1).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:35
Verse 35. But it is not so with me.] I am not in such circumstances as to plead with my Judge. I believe the sense of these words is nearly as Coverdale has expressed it: - For as longe as I am in soch fearfulnesse, I can make no answere. A natural picture of the state of a penitent soul, which needs no additional colouring. ON the names of the constellations mentioned Job 9:9, and again Job 38:31, c., much has been written, and to little effect. I have already, in the notes, expressed my doubts whether any constellation be intended. Dr. Hales, however, finds in these names, as he thinks, astronomical data, by which he ascertains the time of Job. I shall give his words: - "The cardinal constellations of spring and autumn, in Job's time, were Chimah, and Chesil or Taurus, and Scorpio noticed Job 9:9, and again, Job 38:31-32; of which the principal stars are, Aldebaran, the bull's eye, and Antares, the scorpion's heart. Knowing, therefore, the longitudes of these stars, at present, the interval of time from thence to the assumed date of Job's trial will give the difference of the longitudes; and ascertain their positions then, with respect to the vernal and autumnal points of intersection of the equinoctial and ecliptic; according to the usual rate of the precession of the equinoxes, one degree in 71 years.
See that article, vol. i. p. 185. "The following calculations I owe to the kindness and skill of the respectable Dr. Brinkley, Andrew's Professor of Astronomy in the University of Dublin. "In A.D. 1800 Aldebaran was in 2 signs, 7 degrees, east longitude. But since the date of Job's trial, B.C. 2338, i.e., 4138 years, the precession of the equinoxes amounted to 1 sign, 27 degrees, 53 minutes; which, being subtracted from the former quantity, left Aldebaran in only 9 degrees, 7 minutes longitude, or distance from the vernal intersection; which, falling within the constellation Taurus, consequently rendered it the cardinal constellation of spring, as Pisces is at present. "In A.D. 1800 Antares was in 8 signs, 6 degrees, 58 minutes, east longitude; or 2 signs, 6 degrees, 58 minutes, east of the autumnal intersection: from which subtracting as before the amount of the precession, Antares was left only 9 degrees, 5 minutes east. Since then, the autumnal equinox was found within Scorpio, this was the cardinal constellation of autumn, as Virgo is at present. "Such a combination and coincidence of various rays of evidence, derived from widely different sources, history, sacred and profane, chronology, and astronomy, and all converging to the same focus, tend strongly to establish the time of Job's trial, as rightly assigned to the year B.C. 2337, or 818 years after the deluge, 184 years before the birth of Abram; 474 years before the settlement of Jacob's family in Egypt; and 689 years before their exode or departure from thence." New Analysis of Chronology, vol. ii., p. 57.
Cambridge Bible on Job 9:35
35. If God would meet Job as a man, removing His afflicting rod and laying aside His awful majesty, Job would speak out his innocence and plead his own cause without fear. but it is not so with me] Rather, for I am not so in myself—in my own consciousness I am not so, or such, that I should fear Him. “In myself” is lit. with myself, cf. ch. Job 10:13, Job 23:14, Job 27:11, and St Paul’s by myself, 1 Corinthians 4:4.
Barnes' Notes on Job 9:35
Then would I speak, and not fear him - I should then be able to maintain my cause on equal terms, and with equal advantages. But it is not so with me - Margin, I am not so with myself.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:35
35. But it is not so with me — For not so am I with myself. “I am not myself,” (Vulgate;) that is, “I have no command of myself.” Hitzig and Umbreit render it, “For so I know not myself.” The margin,