Job Chapter 40 · Verse 8

Authorized King James Version

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Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?

Original Language Analysis

הַ֭אַף H637
הַ֭אַף
Strong's: H637
Word #: 1 of 6
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
תָּפֵ֣ר Wilt thou also disannul H6565
תָּפֵ֣ר Wilt thou also disannul
Strong's: H6565
Word #: 2 of 6
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
מִשְׁפָּטִ֑י my judgment H4941
מִשְׁפָּטִ֑י my judgment
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
תַּ֝רְשִׁיעֵ֗נִי wilt thou condemn H7561
תַּ֝רְשִׁיעֵ֗נִי wilt thou condemn
Strong's: H7561
Word #: 4 of 6
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
לְמַ֣עַן H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's: H4616
Word #: 5 of 6
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
תִּצְדָּֽק׃ me that thou mayest be righteous H6663
תִּצְדָּֽק׃ me that thou mayest be righteous
Strong's: H6663
Word #: 6 of 6
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

Analysis & Commentary

God's second speech begins: 'Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?' This questions whether Job's self-vindication requires divine condemnation. The either/or is false - God will vindicate Job without being condemned.

Historical Context

Ancient justice assumed guilt/innocence was zero-sum - one party guilty means other innocent. God's question challenges this assumption.

Questions for Reflection