Job 9:2
I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
Original Language Analysis
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
I know
H3045
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 9
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִי
H3588
כִי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֵ֑ן
H3651
כֵ֑ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וּמַה
H4100
וּמַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יִּצְדַּ֖ק
be just
H6663
יִּצְדַּ֖ק
be just
Strong's:
H6663
Word #:
6 of 9
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
but how should man
H582
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
but how should man
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
Cross References
Job 4:17Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?Romans 3:20Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.Psalms 143:2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.Job 25:4How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?
Historical Context
Job's question addresses the core problem of the book: how can finite, fallen humans stand before infinite, holy God? Ancient Near Eastern religions featured angry deities requiring appeasement, but Job seeks something deeper—genuine righteousness before God. The question won't be fully answered until Christ provides justification through His death and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's question point us toward the gospel and our need for Christ's righteousness?
- What does this verse teach about the impossibility of self-justification before God?
Analysis & Commentary
Job asks: 'how should man be just with God?' The verb tsadaq (צָדַק, be just) means to be righteous or vindicated. Job grasps the fundamental problem: humanity cannot establish righteousness before the infinite God through argument or merit. This question anticipates the gospel—justification comes through faith in Christ, not human works (Romans 3:23-24, 5:1). Job seeks vindication but recognizes human inability to achieve it independently. The verse reveals Job's growing awareness that his case requires a mediator.