Job 17:9
The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.
Original Language Analysis
וְיֹאחֵ֣ז
also shall hold
H270
וְיֹאחֵ֣ז
also shall hold
Strong's:
H270
Word #:
1 of 7
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
on his way
H1870
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
on his way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וּֽטֳהָר
H2891
וּֽטֳהָר
Strong's:
H2891
Word #:
4 of 7
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
יָ֝דַ֗יִם
hands
H3027
יָ֝דַ֗יִם
hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 7
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.Job 22:30He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.Psalms 84:7They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.Proverbs 14:16A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.Psalms 24:4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.Psalms 26:6I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:Psalms 73:13Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.Psalms 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.Genesis 20:5Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature emphasized perseverance in righteousness. Job's statement reflects confidence in ultimate justice even when immediate circumstances suggest otherwise.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain confidence in ultimate justice during present injustice?
- What does it mean to become 'stronger and stronger' through trial?
Analysis & Commentary
Job's confidence emerges: 'The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.' Despite personal despair, Job affirms that righteousness ultimately prevails. This faith in moral order coexists with personal suffering's mystery.