Job 10:2
Job 10:2 in Multiple Translations
I will say to God: Do not condemn me! Let me know why You prosecute me.
I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.
I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; Show me wherefore thou contendest with me.
I will say to God, Do not put me down as a sinner; make clear to me what you have against me.
I will tell God, “Don't just condemn me—tell me what you have against me.
I will say vnto God, Condemne mee not: shew me, wherefore thou contendest with mee.
I say unto God, 'Do not condemn me, Let me know why Thou dost strive [with] me.
I will tell God, ‘Do not condemn me. Show me why you contend with me.
I will say to God, Do not condemn me; show me why thou contendest with me.
I will say to God: Do not condemn me: tell me why thou judgest me so.
I will say to God, ‘Do not say that I must be punished; instead, tell me what wrong you are saying that I have done.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 10:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 10:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֹמַ֣ר
אֶל
אֱ֭לוֹהַּ
אַל
תַּרְשִׁיעֵ֑/נִי
הֽ֝וֹדִיעֵ֗/נִי
עַ֣ל
מַה
תְּרִיבֵֽ/נִי
אֹמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֱ֭לוֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
god
N-ms
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּרְשִׁיעֵ֑/נִי
râshaʻ
H7561
be wicked
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms | Suff
הֽ֝וֹדִיעֵ֗/נִי
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תְּרִיבֵֽ/נִי
rîyb
H7378
to contend
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 10:2
אֹמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֱ֭לוֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
"god"
N-ms
Eloah refers to God or a deity, and is used to describe the one true God or false gods. It is often translated as God in the KJV, and is related to the word Elohim, which also refers to God.
Definition: 1) God 2) false god Aramaic equivalent: e.lah (אֱלָהּ "god" H0426)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See H430 (אֱלֹהִים). See also: Deuteronomy 32:15; Job 22:26; Psalms 18:32.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּרְשִׁיעֵ֑/נִי
râshaʻ
H7561
"be wicked"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms | Suff
Being wicked or acting wrongly is what this Hebrew word describes. In Psalm 37:7, the Bible warns against being wicked and instead encourages trusting in God.
Definition: 1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be wicked, act wickedly 1a2) to be guilty, be condemned 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to condemn as guilty (in civil relations) 1b2) to condemn as guilty (in ethical or religious relations) 1b3) to act wickedly (in ethics and religion)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: condemn, make trouble, vex, be (commit, deal, depart, do) wicked(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 22:8; Job 32:3; Psalms 18:22.
הֽ֝וֹדִיעֵ֗/נִי
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תְּרִיבֵֽ/נִי
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
Study Notes — Job 10:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 10:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 10:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 10:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 10:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 10:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 10:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 10:2
- Cambridge Bible on Job 10:2
- Barnes' Notes on Job 10:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 10:2
- Sermons on Job 10:2
Context — Job’s Plea to God
1“I loathe my own life; I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul.
2I will say to God: Do not condemn me! Let me know why You prosecute me.
3Does it please You to oppress me, to reject the work of Your hands and favor the schemes of the wicked? 4Do You have eyes of flesh? Do You see as man sees?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 139:23–24 | Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting. |
| 2 | Job 9:29 | Since I am already found guilty, why should I labor in vain? |
| 3 | Psalms 143:2 | Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You. |
| 4 | Lamentations 5:16–17 | The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned! Because of this, our hearts are faint; because of these, our eyes grow dim— |
| 5 | Psalms 38:1–8 | O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath. For Your arrows have pierced me deeply, and Your hand has pressed down on me. There is no soundness in my body because of Your anger; there is no rest in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds are foul and festering because of my sinful folly. I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning. For my loins are full of burning pain, and no soundness remains in my body. I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. |
| 6 | Psalms 109:21 | But You, O GOD, the Lord, deal kindly with me for the sake of Your name; deliver me by the goodness of Your loving devotion. |
| 7 | Psalms 25:7 | Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my rebellious acts; remember me according to Your loving devotion, because of Your goodness, O LORD. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 11:31–32 | Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. |
| 9 | Psalms 6:1–4 | O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath. Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony. My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long? Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion. |
| 10 | Lamentations 3:40–42 | Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD. Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven: “We have sinned and rebelled; You have not forgiven.” |
Job 10:2 Summary
[In this verse, Job is asking God to explain why He is allowing him to suffer, and this is a question that many people have asked throughout history, as seen in Job 10:2 and other verses like Psalms 13:1-2. Job wants to know why God is 'prosecuting' him, and he is seeking to understand God's ways. This verse reminds us that it is okay to ask God questions and to seek to understand His ways, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. We can trust that God is good and loving, even when we do not understand our circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Job asking God not to condemn him in this verse?
Job is asking God not to condemn him because he feels that God is prosecuting him without a clear reason, as seen in Job 10:2, and he wants to understand the reason behind his suffering, similar to the cry of the psalmist in Psalms 42:9.
Is Job being rebellious or disobedient by questioning God's actions?
Job is not being rebellious, but rather, he is seeking to understand God's ways, as expressed in Job 10:2, and this is a common theme in the Bible, where believers express their doubts and questions to God, such as in Psalms 13:1-2.
What does it mean for God to 'prosecute' someone?
In this context, 'prosecute' means to bring a case against someone, and Job feels that God is bringing a case against him, as stated in Job 10:2, which is a feeling also expressed by the prophet Jeremiah in Lamentations 3:59-60.
How can we apply Job's request to our own lives?
We can apply Job's request by being honest with God about our struggles and doubts, as Job is in Job 10:2, and seeking to understand His ways, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, and trusting in His goodness and love, as seen in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like God was 'prosecuting' me, and how did I respond?
- How can I, like Job, express my doubts and questions to God in a way that is honest and respectful?
- What are some things that I can do to seek to understand God's ways, even when I do not understand my circumstances?
- How can I trust in God's goodness and love, even when I am going through difficult times, as seen in Job 10:2 and other verses like Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Job 10:2
I will say unto God, do not condemn me,.... Not that he feared eternal condemnation; there is none to them that are in Christ, and believe in him as Job did; Christ's undertakings, sufferings, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 10:2
I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me. Show me ... - Do not, by virtue of thy mere sovereignty, treat me as guilty, without showing me the reasons.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 10:2
Do not condemn me; or, Pronounce me not to be a wicked man, as my friends do; neither deal with me as such, as I confess thou mightest do by thy sovereign power and in rigorous justice. O discover my integrity by removing this stroke, for which my friends so highly censure and condemn me. Wherefore, i.e. for what ends and reasons, and for what sins? for I am not conscious to myself of any peculiar and eminent sins by which I have deserved to be made the most miserable of all mortals.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 10:2
Job 10:2 I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.Ver. 2. I will say unto God, do not condemn me] You may say so as a humble suppliant, but not as holding yourself innocent, and therefore harshly dealt with. The Hebrew is, Do not make me wicked; rather do good, O Lord, to those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts; but lead me not forth with the workers of iniquity, as a malefactor is led forth to execution, Psalms 125:5. Show me wherefore thou contendest with me] i.e. Quare sic me affigas, saith Vatablus, why thou thus afflictest me, whether for sin or for trial; and this Job desired to know, not to satisfy his curiosity, but his conscience, as one well observeth; and that the world might be satisfied, the rash judgment of his friends confuted, and answered by a determination from heaven.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 10:2
(2) I will say unto God . . .—This is a model of prayer for all, combining the prayer of the publican (Luke 18:13), and a prayer for that light for which we long so earnestly in times of affliction and darkness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 10:2
Verse 2. Do not condemn me] Let me not be afflicted in thy wrath. Show me wherefore thou contendest] If I am afflicted because of my sins, show me what that sin is. God never afflicts but for past sin, or to try his followers; or for the greater manifestation of his grace in their support and deliverance.
Cambridge Bible on Job 10:2
2. Do not condemn me] Or, make me not guilty; that is, by mere arbitrary will. Job felt himself “made guilty” by his afflictions, which to all were proofs that God held him guilty. thou contendest with me] Job’s afflictions were proof that God had a contention or plea against him, Job desires to know the ground of it. Perhaps the afflictions themselves may be called the contention.
Barnes' Notes on Job 10:2
I will say unto God, Do not condemn me - Do not hold me to be wicked - תרשׁיעני אל 'al tarshı̂y‛ēnı̂y.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 10:2
2. Do not condemn me — In the preceding chapter (Job 10:20) Job had charged Deity with a disposition to assume that he was guilty, and to condemn him unheard. He now prays God — fasten not guilt upon me.
Sermons on Job 10:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Truth About Responsibility by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the controversial topic of responsibility and who is to blame for our problems. He discusses the common belief that Satan is responsible for |
|
Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends. |
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Look Into Those Languid Eyes! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of seeking a deep, personal connection with Jesus, urging believers to confront their spiritual apathy and return to the cross for renewal. |
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Discovering God's Graces by Charles E. Cowman | Charles H. Spurgeon preaches about how trials and afflictions are often used by God to develop and reveal the graces within us. Just like how faith shines brighter in times of adve |
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Heart Preparation for Revival by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking in the light and having fellowship with one another. He highlights the need for genuine repentance and obedience in |
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The Voice of God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining our motives rather than just our actions. He shares a personal story of listening to a preacher who spoke about |
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Bringing Your House to Spiritual Victory by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and living out one's faith rather than just talking about it. He uses the example of Cornelius, a man w |