Job 13:23
How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.
Original Language Analysis
כַּמָּ֣ה
H4100
כַּמָּ֣ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עֲוֹנ֣וֹת
How many are mine iniquities
H5771
עֲוֹנ֣וֹת
How many are mine iniquities
Strong's:
H5771
Word #:
3 of 7
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
וְ֝חַטָּאתִ֗י
and my sin
H2403
וְ֝חַטָּאתִ֗י
and my sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
4 of 7
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
Historical Context
Ancient legal practice required specific accusations, not vague character assassination. Job here appeals to proper legal procedure, demanding his accusers provide evidence for their claims.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is it important to distinguish between general acknowledgment of sinfulness and specific accusations?
- How do vague accusations harm both accused and accuser?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.' Job demands specificity. He wants to know his 'iniquities' (עֲוֹנֹת, avonotay), 'sins' (חַטָּאות, chataot), and 'transgression' (פֶּשַׁע, pesha—rebellion, revolt). The three terms cover different aspects of sin: missing the mark, guilt/punishment, and willful rebellion. Job isn't claiming sinlessness (7:21) but demanding his accusers specify charges. This is legally and pastorally wise: vague accusations can't be answered or corrected. The friends make general accusations; Job demands evidence. The Reformed practice of specific confession rather than vague admission of 'sinfulness' reflects this wisdom.