Job 27:6
My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.
Original Language Analysis
בְּצִדְקָתִ֣י
My righteousness
H6666
בְּצִדְקָתִ֣י
My righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
1 of 8
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
הֶ֭חֱזַקְתִּי
I hold
H2388
הֶ֭חֱזַקְתִּי
I hold
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
2 of 8
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אַרְפֶּ֑הָ
fast and will not let it go
H7503
אַרְפֶּ֑הָ
fast and will not let it go
Strong's:
H7503
Word #:
4 of 8
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֶחֱרַ֥ף
shall not reproach
H2778
יֶחֱרַ֥ף
shall not reproach
Strong's:
H2778
Word #:
6 of 8
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
Cross References
Job 2:3And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.Acts 24:16And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.Proverbs 4:13Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.2 Corinthians 12:11I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
Historical Context
The statement reflects biblical teaching about the importance of a clear conscience (Acts 24:16, 1 Timothy 1:19, Hebrews 13:18). Job's insistence on his righteousness was vindicated by God (42:7-8), teaching that maintaining innocence against false accusers honors truth. The passage distinguishes between proud self-righteousness (which Job avoids by acknowledging human sinfulness generally) and honest self-witness about specific accusations (which Job maintains).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we maintain innocence against false accusations without falling into proud self-righteousness?
- What does the importance of a clear conscience teach about living with integrity before God?
Analysis & Commentary
Job continues: 'My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.' The verb chazaq (חָזַק, hold fast) means to be strong, to seize firmly—the same verb describing Job holding his integrity (2:3). The phrase 'will not let it go' (lo arpennah, לֹא אַרְפֶּנָּה) emphasizes tenacious grip. 'My heart shall not reproach me' (lo-yechareph levavi, לֹא־יֶחֱרַף לְבָבִי) means his conscience remains clear. Job's self-witness aligns with God's testimony (1:8, 2:3), validating that believers may maintain innocence when falsely accused without pride or presumption.