Job 16:17
Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.
Original Language Analysis
עַ֭ל
H5921
עַ֭ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 6
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָמָ֣ס
Not for any injustice
H2555
חָמָ֣ס
Not for any injustice
Strong's:
H2555
Word #:
3 of 6
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
בְּכַפָּ֑י
in mine hands
H3709
בְּכַפָּ֑י
in mine hands
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
4 of 6
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
Historical Context
Ancient piety emphasized pure hands and pure prayer (Psalm 24:4, 1 Timothy 2:8). Job here appeals to this standard, not claiming absolute perfection but asserting he hasn't committed sins warranting his catastrophic suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between acknowledging general sinfulness and accepting false accusations?
- What role does integrity play in enduring unexplained suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
'Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.' Job maintains innocence: no 'injustice' (חָמָס, chamas—violence, wrong) in his 'hands' (כַּפָּי, kappay), and 'prayer' (תְּפִלָּתִי, tefillati) is 'pure' (זַכָּה, zakhah—clean, innocent). This isn't claiming sinlessness but denying specific transgressions warranting his suffering. Job's appeal to pure prayer echoes Psalm 66:18—if harboring iniquity, God won't hear. Job's confidence in his prayer life indicates ongoing relationship with God despite feeling attacked. The distinction between general sinfulness and specific causative sins is crucial. The Reformed doctrine of total depravity doesn't mean every suffering results from particular sins. Job models maintaining integrity while acknowledging human limitation.