Job 19:4
And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַף
H637
וְאַף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
1 of 6
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
שָׁגִ֑יתִי
that I have erred
H7686
שָׁגִ֑יתִי
that I have erred
Strong's:
H7686
Word #:
3 of 6
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
אִ֝תִּ֗י
H854
אִ֝תִּ֗י
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures emphasized communal accountability, where individual sin could pollute the community (Joshua 7). Job challenges this assumption—his friends presume to judge matters that belong to God alone, violating the principle later articulated in Matthew 7:1-2.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's distinction between unintentional error and deliberate sin challenge oversimplified views of suffering as punishment?
- When have you witnessed well-meaning people overstepping their authority to judge another's relationship with God?
- What boundaries does Job model between appropriate spiritual accountability and inappropriate judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself (וְאַף אֲמִנָּה שָׁגִיתִי, we'af 'umnam shagiti)—Job employs rhetorical concession. The verb שָׁגָה (shagah) means 'to go astray unintentionally,' distinct from deliberate sin (חָטָא, chata). Job isn't admitting guilt but challenging his friends' logic: even if he had unknowingly erred, that remains between him and God, not subject to their judgment.
Mine error remaineth with myself—literally 'my error lodges with me.' The Hebrew לִין (lin, 'to lodge/remain') suggests temporary residence, not permanent guilt. Job insists his hypothetical error doesn't validate their harsh condemnation. This verse anticipates Paul's principle: 'Who are you to judge another's servant?' (Romans 14:4).