Job 9:32

Authorized King James Version

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For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment.

Original Language Analysis

כִּי H3588
כִּי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִ֣ישׁ For he is not a man H376
אִ֣ישׁ For he is not a man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 3 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
כָּמ֣וֹנִי H3644
כָּמ֣וֹנִי
Strong's: H3644
Word #: 4 of 8
as, thus, so
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑נּוּ as I am that I should answer H6030
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑נּוּ as I am that I should answer
Strong's: H6030
Word #: 5 of 8
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,
נָב֥וֹא him and we should come H935
נָב֥וֹא him and we should come
Strong's: H935
Word #: 6 of 8
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
יַ֝חְדָּ֗ו together H3162
יַ֝חְדָּ֗ו together
Strong's: H3162
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
בַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃ in judgment H4941
בַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃ in judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 8 of 8
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis & Commentary

Job cries: 'For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment.' The fundamental problem is ontological difference: God is not enosh (אֱנוֹשׁ, mortal man). The phrase 'come together in judgment' (navo yachdav ba-mishpat, נָבוֹא יַחְדָּו בַּמִּשְׁפָּט) envisions legal proceeding between equals, impossible between Creator and creature. This verse articulates the incarnation's necessity: only a God-man can bridge the infinite gap between divine and human. Job's longing points toward Christ, fully God and fully man.

Historical Context

Ancient legal systems required approximate equality between parties. Job recognizes that God's infinity makes standard legal proceedings impossible. The verse's tragic tone expresses Job's dilemma: he needs vindication but faces an unbridgeable gap. Early church fathers saw this as foreshadowing Christ's mediatorial role—the incarnation provides what Job lacked.

Questions for Reflection