Job 13:9
Job 13:9 in Multiple Translations
Would it be well when He examined you? Could you deceive Him like a man?
Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?
Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceiveth a man, will ye deceive him?
Will it be good for you to be searched out by him, or have you the thought that he may be guided into error like a man?
Will you be found to be doing good when God examines you? Can you fool him as if he's a human being?
Is it well that he shoulde seeke of you? will you make a lye for him, as one lyeth for a man?
Is [it] good that He doth search you, If, as one mocketh at a man, ye mock at Him?
Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him?
Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?
Or shall it please him, from whom nothing can be concealed? or shall he be deceived as a man, with your deceitful dealings?
If he looks closely, will he find that everything that you have done is good? Or can you deceive him, like you deceive other people?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 13:9
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 13:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ֭/טוֹב
כִּֽי
יַחְקֹ֣ר
אֶתְ/כֶ֑ם
אִם
כְּ/הָתֵ֥ל
בֶּ֝/אֱנ֗וֹשׁ
תְּהָתֵ֥לּוּ
בֽ/וֹ
הֲ֭/טוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Part | Adj
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יַחְקֹ֣ר
châqar
H2713
to search
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶתְ/כֶ֑ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
כְּ/הָתֵ֥ל
hâthal
H2048
to mock
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
בֶּ֝/אֱנ֗וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
human
Prep | N-ms
תְּהָתֵ֥לּוּ
hâthal
H2048
to mock
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
בֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 13:9
הֲ֭/טוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Part | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יַחְקֹ֣ר
châqar
H2713
"to search"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to search or examine something closely, like trying to find out the truth. It is used in the Bible to describe seeking out knowledge or wisdom, and is often translated as search or seek out.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, search out, examine, investigate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search (for) 1a2) to search through, explore 1a3) to examine thoroughly 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be searched out, be found out, be ascertained, be examined 1c) (Piel) to search out, seek out
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound, try. See also: Deuteronomy 13:15; Psalms 44:22; Psalms 139:1.
אֶתְ/כֶ֑ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
כְּ/הָתֵ֥ל
hâthal
H2048
"to mock"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
Hathal means to deceive or cheat someone, often by mocking or ridiculing them. This word is used to describe dishonest or deceitful behavior in the Bible.
Definition: (Piel) to mock
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully, deceive, mock. See also: Genesis 31:7; Judges 16:15; Isaiah 44:20.
בֶּ֝/אֱנ֗וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
"human"
Prep | N-ms
Enosh refers to a human or mankind in general, used to describe individuals or people as a whole in the Bible.
Definition: 1) man, mortal man, person, mankind 1a) of an individual 1b) men (collective) 1c) man, mankind Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: another, [idiom] (blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, [idiom] in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some ([idiom] of them), [phrase] stranger, those, [phrase] their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word. Compare H376 (אִישׁ). See also: Deuteronomy 32:26; Psalms 8:5; Psalms 9:20.
תְּהָתֵ֥לּוּ
hâthal
H2048
"to mock"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
Hathal means to deceive or cheat someone, often by mocking or ridiculing them. This word is used to describe dishonest or deceitful behavior in the Bible.
Definition: (Piel) to mock
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully, deceive, mock. See also: Genesis 31:7; Judges 16:15; Isaiah 44:20.
בֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Job 13:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 13:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 13:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 13:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 13:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 13:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 13:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 13:9
- Cambridge Bible on Job 13:9
- Barnes' Notes on Job 13:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 13:9
- Sermons on Job 13:9
Context — Job Prepares His Case
7Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him?
8Would you show Him partiality or argue in His defense?
9Would it be well when He examined you? Could you deceive Him as you would deceive a man?
10Surely He would rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality. 11Would His majesty not terrify you? Would the dread of Him not fall upon you?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 6:7–8 | Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 17:10 | I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. |
| 3 | Psalms 44:21 | would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart? |
| 4 | Job 12:16 | True wisdom and power belong to Him. The deceived and the deceiver are His. |
| 5 | Job 34:36 | If only Job were tried to the utmost for answering like a wicked man. |
| 6 | Isaiah 28:22 | So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become heavier. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land. |
| 7 | Job 17:2 | Surely mockers surround me, and my eyes must gaze at their rebellion. |
| 8 | Psalms 139:23 | Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. |
Job 13:9 Summary
This verse reminds us that trying to deceive God is pointless because He knows everything about us. Just like we can't fool a person who knows us well, we can't fool God, who knows our every thought and motive. As it says in Psalm 139:1-6, God has searched us and knows us, and we can't hide anything from Him. We need to be honest with God and with ourselves, just like David was in Psalm 51:6, and trust in His love and forgiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to deceive God like a man in Job 13:9?
This phrase suggests that trying to deceive God is as futile as trying to deceive a human, because God is all-knowing and sees through our attempts to manipulate or hide the truth, as stated in Jeremiah 17:10 and Psalm 139:1-6.
Why is it important to be honest with God in our thoughts and actions?
Being honest with God is crucial because He examines our hearts and motives, and any attempt to deceive Him will be revealed, as seen in Job 13:9 and Psalm 51:6, where David asks God to create in him a clean heart.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?
This verse reminds us that God is not a distant or detached observer, but an intimately involved and all-knowing Father who desires sincerity and honesty from us, as expressed in John 4:24 and 1 Corinthians 4:5.
What is the consequence of trying to deceive God?
Trying to deceive God can lead to rebuke and correction, as stated in Job 13:10, and can also damage our relationship with Him, as seen in the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be trying to deceive God in my life, and how can I be more honest with Him?
- How does the knowledge that God examines my heart and motives affect my daily thoughts and actions?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of sincerity and honesty in my relationship with God?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to be more transparent and authentic with God, and how can I take steps to become more transparent?
Gill's Exposition on Job 13:9
Is it good that he should search you out?.... That is, God; searching is ascribed to him after the manner of men; not that he is ignorant of persons or things he searches after, or exercises that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 13:9
Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him? Will the issue to you be good, when He searches out you (Maurer) and your arguments?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 13:9
Is it good? will it be to your credit and comfort? Search you out, i.e. narrowly examine your hearts and discourses, whether you have uttered truth or falsehood, and whether your speeches proceed from true zeal for God, or from your own prejudices and passions, and from a desire to curry favour with him. Do ye so mock him, to wit, by covering your uncharitableness and corrupt affections with pretences of piety, as if God could not discern your artifices; or by pleading his cause with weak and foolish arguments, which is a kind of mockery to him, and an injury to his cause; or by seeking to flatter him with false praises, as if he did distribute the things of this world with exact justice, prospering only the good, and severely afflicting none but wicked men?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 13:9
Job 13:9 Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye [so] mock him?Ver. 9. Is it good that he should search you out &c.] q.d. Could you have any joy from such a search? Will not all your warpings and partialities, your colloguing and sinisterity, be laid open to your loss and shame? Will not God reprove instead of approving you in that which ye have said for him, but all against me? The time will come when God will surely search out all controversies, that they all may be ashamed who, under a pretext of religion and right, have spoken false things, and subverted the faith of some. See 1 Corinthians 3:17. Or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?] Be not deceived; God is not mocked, deluded, beguiled, as clients are by their corrupt lawyers; as patients are by their cogging quack healers. Sorry man may be mocked, and made to believe lies, as 2 Samuel 15:11 Acts 8:9-10 Revelation 13:3 : all the world wondered after the beast. Judges, and other wise men, are shamefully out in other ways deceiving, and being deceived.
Not so the all wise God. They that would mock him, imposturam faciunt et patiuntur, as the emperor said of him that sold glass for pearls, they deceive not God, but themselves. Neither may their conceit that their good intentions will bear them out (as Merlin here noteth) any more than it did these contenders for God, who little thought of mocking him. A bad aim maketh a good action bad, as we see in Jehu; but a good aim maketh not a bad action good, as we see in Uzzah, and here.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 13:9
(9) As one man mocketh another.—As one man, with mingled flattery and deception, seeks to impose upon another.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 13:9
Verse 9. Is it good that he should search you out?] Would it be to your credit if God should try your hearts, and uncover the motives of your conduct? Were you tried as I am, how would you appear? Do ye so mock him?] Do ye think that you can deceive him; and by flattering speeches bring him to your terms, as you would bring an undiscerning, empty mortal, like yourselves?
Cambridge Bible on Job 13:9
9. Is it good] The words may mean, will it be well (for you) that He should search (or, when He shall search)? or as ch. Job 10:3, do you like that He should search you out? The second clause should read, Or as one deceiveth a man will ye deceive Him? When God searches you out and looks into the secret springs of your actions do you expect to be able to deceive Him by representations or demeanour or look as one imposes on a man, who cannot “read the mind’s construction in the face”?
Barnes' Notes on Job 13:9
Is it good that he should search you out? - Would it be well for you if he should go into an investigation of your character, and of the arguments which you adduce?
Whedon's Commentary on Job 13:9
9. Search you out — Better, Search you through — to the bottom. The natural heart, like birds of the night, abhors the light. It closes its every avenue against God.
Sermons on Job 13:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(People God Uses) 03 Beware of Ambition by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being hindered in worship by people standing in front of him during a church service. He emphasizes the importance of no |
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Miracles That Follow the Plow by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of breaking up the fallow ground and seeking the Lord. He believes that if people take action and cultivate their spiritual l |
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When Skeletons Come Out of Closets by John R. Rice | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the theme of sin and judgment. He quotes Galatians 6:7-8, warning that sin must be punished and that it does not pay off. He also mentions t |
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Hard-Heartedness in the Body of Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of daily prayer and Bible reading. He warns the congregation about the impending hard times and chaos that will come to the c |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:29-33 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his son Joseph. Jacob had deceived his own father in the past, and now he is deceived by his own sons who make him bel |
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:38-41 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his experiences with his uncle Laban. The preacher highlights how Laban was a hard taskmaster, making Jacob work tire |
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(Genesis) Genesis 35 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob and the tragic events that took place in his life. Jacob, despite being a spiritual giant, was not prepared for the challe |