Job 10:6
That thou enquirest after mine iniquity, and searchest after my sin?
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 5
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תְבַקֵּ֥שׁ
That thou enquirest
H1245
תְבַקֵּ֥שׁ
That thou enquirest
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
2 of 5
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
Cross References
Psalms 44:21Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.Psalms 10:15Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none.Job 14:16For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?Jeremiah 2:34Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these.Zephaniah 1:12And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law required evidence for conviction. Job's imagery of God 'searching' reflects legal proceedings where prosecutor gathers evidence. Job protests that such searching is unnecessary (God already knows all) and unjust (there's no sin to find).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the gospel transform divine omniscience from terrifying surveillance to comforting care?
- What does Job's experience teach about the difference between divine knowledge and our experience of being known?
- In what ways should we invite divine searching (Psalm 139:23-24) rather than dread it?
Analysis & Commentary
Job asks about divine motivation: 'That thou enquirest after mine iniquity, and searchest after my sin?' The verb 'enquirest' (baghash, בָּגַשׁ) means to seek or search out. 'Searchest' (darash, דָּרַשׁ) similarly means to investigate or inquire. Job pictures God as detective searching for evidence to condemn him. The phrase assumes persistent, thorough investigation—not casual glance but determined pursuit.
Job's question contains bitter irony: if God is omniscient (verse 4), why must He search? The answer lies in divine justice's thoroughness—God doesn't punish capriciously but based on evidence. But to Job, this searching feels oppressive rather than just. He experiences divine omniscience as prosecutorial scrutiny, not pastoral care. Same reality (God knows everything), different pastoral experience.
Psalm 139 provides different perspective on divine searching: 'Search me, O God, and know my heart' (v. 23). David invites the investigation Job dreads. The difference is confidence in divine mercy versus fear of divine prosecution. The gospel transforms our response to divine searching—Christ bore the prosecution so we can welcome divine examination as purifying rather than condemning.