Job 9:28
I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent.
Original Language Analysis
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יָ֝דַ֗עְתִּי
I know
H3045
יָ֝דַ֗עְתִּי
I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
4 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 119:120My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.Psalms 130:3If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?Job 10:14If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity.Job 21:6Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.Job 3:25For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.Job 9:2I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?Job 7:21And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.Job 14:16For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern religion operated on a retribution principle: righteousness brings blessing, sin brings suffering. Job's suffering with God refusing vindication shattered this paradigm. His friends cling to the old framework, insisting Job must be guilty. Job knows better—he's innocent yet suffers, exposing the inadequacy of simplistic retribution theology. This theological crisis anticipates the gospel: Christ the innocent one suffered, demonstrating that suffering doesn't prove guilt.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's cry for vindication prepare us to understand Christ's work declaring us righteous despite our actual guilt?
- What comfort can believers find when, like Job, they suffer despite living righteously?
Analysis & Commentary
I am afraid of all my sorrows (יָגֹרְתִּי כָל־עַצְּבֹתָי, yagorti kol-atzvotai)—Job's attempted self-comfort (v. 27) fails because fear grips him. The verb 'am afraid' (yagor, יָגֹר) means to dread or be terrified. 'Sorrows' (atzvot, עַצְּבוֹת) means pains, hardships, or griefs—the comprehensive suffering crushing Job. He fears not merely present pain but future sorrows God might inflict.
I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent (יָדַעְתִּי כִּי לֹא תְנַקֵּנִי, yadati ki lo t'naqeni) reveals Job's theological crisis. The verb 'know' (yada, יָדַע) indicates certainty, not speculation. 'Hold me innocent' (naqah, נָקָה) means to acquit, declare guiltless, or vindicate. Job is convinced God will not declare him righteous despite his actual innocence (testified by God Himself in 1:8). This contradiction—knowing he's innocent yet convinced God won't vindicate him—drives Job's anguish. The New Testament answers this cry: Christ is our vindication, bearing condemnation so God can declare believers righteous (Romans 8:33-34).