Job 35:2
Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
Original Language Analysis
חָשַׁ֣בְתָּ
Thinkest
H2803
חָשַׁ֣בְתָּ
Thinkest
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
לְמִשְׁפָּ֑ט
thou this to be right
H4941
לְמִשְׁפָּ֑ט
thou this to be right
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
Historical Context
Ancient debate sometimes involved rhetorical overstatement. Elihu's misrepresentation of Job's position reveals either misunderstanding or intentional distortion.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you guard against misrepresenting opponents' positions?
- What's the difference between defending your righteousness and claiming superiority to God?
Analysis & Commentary
Elihu challenges Job: 'Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?' This misrepresents Job - he never claimed superiority to God, only innocence of charges. Straw man arguments don't address actual concerns.