Job 27:5
God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.
Original Language Analysis
חָלִ֣ילָה
God forbid
H2486
חָלִ֣ילָה
God forbid
Strong's:
H2486
Word #:
1 of 11
literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
3 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אַצְדִּ֪יק
that I should justify
H6663
אַצְדִּ֪יק
that I should justify
Strong's:
H6663
Word #:
4 of 11
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
אֶ֫תְכֶ֥ם
H853
אֶ֫תְכֶ֥ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 11
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֶגְוָ֑ע
you till I die
H1478
אֶגְוָ֑ע
you till I die
Strong's:
H1478
Word #:
7 of 11
to breathe out, i.e., (by implication) expire
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
In honor-shame cultures, admitting fault (even falsely) to restore social harmony was tempting. Job's refusal demonstrates extraordinary moral courage—he values truth over social acceptance. The vow 'till I die' proved prophetic, as Job maintained integrity through all trials until God vindicated him. The passage models that authentic integrity cannot be compromised even under extreme pressure.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Job's refusal to confess false guilt teach about the importance of truth even when costly?
- How does Job's commitment to integrity unto death prefigure Christ's faithfulness unto death?
Analysis & Commentary
Job vows: 'God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.' The phrase chalilah li (חָלִילָה לִּי, God forbid) is a strong denial—'far be it from me.' The verb tsadaq (צָדַק, justify) means to declare righteous or vindicate. Job refuses to validate his friends' false accusations even to end the argument. The phrase 'till I die I will not remove mine integrity' (ad-egva lo-asir tummati mimmenni, עַד־אֶגְוָע לֹא־אָסִיר תֻּמָּתִי מִמֶּנִּי) shows absolute commitment to truth. Job would rather die maintaining innocence than live confessing false guilt.