Job 14:16
For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַ֭תָּה
H6258
תִּסְפּ֑וֹר
For now thou numberest
H5608
תִּסְפּ֑וֹר
For now thou numberest
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר
dost thou not watch
H8104
תִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר
dost thou not watch
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Cross References
Job 10:6That thou enquirest after mine iniquity, and searchest after my sin?Job 31:4Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?Job 34:21For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.Proverbs 5:21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.Job 33:11He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.Jeremiah 32:19Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:
Historical Context
The concept of God numbering or counting human actions appears throughout wisdom literature (Psalm 56:8, 139:16). Whether this accounting brings comfort or fear depends on one's understanding of God's character and purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does our perception of God's attention to our lives shift based on whether we see Him as judge or Father?
- What difference does it make to believe God watches over you to protect rather than merely to judge?
- How does justification by faith resolve the fear of God's observation of our sins?
Analysis & Commentary
Job contrasts potential future grace with present experience: 'For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?' In Job's imagination of restoration, God numbers steps not to judge but to guide. Yet presently, he feels God watches only to condemn. The Hebrew 'shamar' (watch over) can mean both 'guard protectively' and 'observe suspiciously.' Job longs for interpretation to shift from the latter to the former.