Job 10:14
If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 6
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
חָטָ֥אתִי
If I sin
H2398
חָטָ֥אתִי
If I sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
וּשְׁמַרְתָּ֑נִי
then thou markest
H8104
וּשְׁמַרְתָּ֑נִי
then thou markest
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Cross References
Job 7:21And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.Psalms 130:3If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?Psalms 139:1O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.Job 9:28I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent.Exodus 34:7Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.Numbers 14:18The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern concepts of divine justice often emphasized retribution—gods punished sin severely. Job's complaint reflects this understanding while longing for something more—mercy that transcends mere justice. This longing finds fulfillment in gospel grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's bearing of our sins transform divine watchfulness from threatening surveillance to caring providence?
- What does Job's complaint teach about the insufficiency of mere justice without mercy?
- In what ways does the gospel provide the acquittal Job desperately seeks?
Analysis & Commentary
Job describes divine watchfulness: 'If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity.' The verb 'markest' (shamar, שָׁמַר) means to watch, guard, or observe closely. 'Acquit' (naqah, נָקָה) means to declare innocent or cleanse. Job protests God's prosecutorial vigilance—watching for sin to condemn rather than extending grace to forgive. Every sin is noticed and punished; no mercy is granted.
Job's complaint raises profound questions about divine justice and mercy. Is God only prosecutor, never advocate? Only judge, never redeemer? Job's limited revelation makes God seem harsh. But fuller biblical revelation shows God as both just and justifier (Romans 3:26)—He doesn't overlook sin but provided the sacrifice that satisfies justice while extending mercy. Job wants acquittal; God will provide it through Christ's righteousness.
The believer's experience differs from Job's dread: 'There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus' (Romans 8:1). God does mark our sins—every one—but Christ bore their penalty. Divine watchfulness becomes providential care rather than prosecutorial surveillance. The Father watches not to condemn but to conform us to Christ's image.