Job 9:35
Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me.
Original Language Analysis
אֲֽ֭דַבְּרָה
Then would I speak
H1696
אֲֽ֭דַבְּרָה
Then would I speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 8
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִירָאֶ֑נּוּ
and not fear
H3372
אִירָאֶ֑נּוּ
and not fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
3 of 8
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 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 #:
5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Ancient legal systems required plaintiffs to present cases before judges, but approaching deity was fraught with danger—no one could see God and live (Exodus 33:20). Job's dilemma was theological: how can mortals contend with the Almighty? Ancient Near Eastern religion offered no solution—gods were distant, capricious, unapproachable. Job's cry for a mediator (9:33, 16:19, 19:25) prepared Israel to recognize Christ, the one mediator between God and humans.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's mediation fulfill Job's longing to speak with God without fear?
- In what ways do believers still struggle with approaching God boldly despite having Christ as mediator?
Analysis & Commentary
Then would I speak, and not fear him (אֲדַבְּרָה וְלֹא אִירָאֶנּוּ, adab'rah v'lo ira'ennu)—Job longs for conditions allowing honest dialogue with God without terror. The verb 'speak' (dabar, דָּבַר) implies reasoned discourse, not mere complaint. 'Not fear him' (lo ira, לֹא אִירָא) expresses desire for conversation without dread. Job wants a courtroom where he can present his case without intimidation.
But it is not so with me (כִּי לֹא־כֵן אָנֹכִי עִמָּדִי, ki lo-khen anokhi immadi) acknowledges present reality: such conditions don't exist. The phrase 'it is not so' (lo-khen, לֹא־כֵן) means 'not thus' or 'not in this manner.' Job desires a mediator—someone to stand between him and God (9:33: 'Neither is there any daysman betwixt us'). This cry anticipates Christ as mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus makes possible what Job longed for: speaking to God without terror because our mediator has borne judgment. Hebrews 4:16 fulfills Job's desire: 'Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy.'