Job 9:15
Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
צָ֭דַקְתִּי
Whom though I were righteous
H6663
צָ֭דַקְתִּי
Whom though I were righteous
Strong's:
H6663
Word #:
3 of 7
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶעֱנֶ֑ה
yet would I not answer
H6030
אֶעֱנֶ֑ה
yet would I not answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
Cross References
Job 10:15If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;Job 8:5If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;Job 5:8I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:Job 22:27Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.Job 10:2I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.
Historical Context
Ancient legal proceedings assumed both parties stood on equal ground, but Job recognizes divine-human asymmetry. This anticipates New Testament teaching that even righteousness is filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain your integrity while acknowledging unworthiness before God?
- What's the difference between self-justification and righteous supplication?
Analysis & Commentary
Job states 'Though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge.' This paradox captures the book's tension: Job maintains innocence yet recognizes he cannot defend himself before absolute holiness. Only supplication, not self-justification, remains appropriate before God.