Job 33:9
I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.
Original Language Analysis
בְּֽלִ֫י
H1097
בְּֽלִ֫י
Strong's:
H1097
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
פָ֥שַׁע
without transgression
H6588
פָ֥שַׁע
without transgression
Strong's:
H6588
Word #:
4 of 9
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
וְלֹ֖א
H3808
וְלֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Job 10:7Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand.Job 16:17Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.Job 9:21Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.Job 11:4For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.Job 29:14I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.
Historical Context
Ancient legal and wisdom discourse required accurate representation of opponents' claims. Proverbs 18:17 notes that the first to state a case seems right until cross-examination. Elihu's misrepresentation of Job violated standards of honest discourse. However, his underlying concern—that Job's self-defense needed tempering—contained truth that God will ultimately address.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we engage in theological debate without misrepresenting opponents' positions?
- What is the difference between defending one's integrity and claiming sinlessness?
- How does Job's experience warn us about the fine line between proper self-defense and self-righteousness?
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu quotes Job: "I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me." The adjective zak (זַךְ, "clean") means pure or guiltless. The adjective tom (תֹּם, "innocent") denotes completeness or integrity. The noun avon (עָוֹן, "iniquity") refers to guilt or perversity. Elihu accuses Job of claiming sinlessness. However, this is a misrepresentation—Job claimed integrity in specific matters his friends charged him with, not absolute sinlessness. Job acknowledged human imperfection (9:2-3, 14:4). From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates the danger of caricaturing opponents' positions. Elihu's strawman argument allows him to attack a claim Job didn't make. This warns against misrepresenting others in theological debate. Charitable interpretation requires engaging strongest versions of opponents' arguments, not weakest misrepresentations. Yet Elihu's concern has merit: Job's self-defense sometimes bordered on self-righteousness, needing correction.