Job 14:16
Job 14:16 in Multiple Translations
For then You would count my steps, but would not keep track of my sin.
For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?
But now thou numberest my steps: Dost thou not watch over my sin?
For now my steps are numbered by you, and my sin is not overlooked.
Then you would look after me and wouldn't be watching me to see if I sinned.
But nowe thou nombrest my steppes, and doest not delay my sinnes.
But now, my steps Thou numberest, Thou dost not watch over my sin.
But now you count my steps. Don’t you watch over my sin?
For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?
Thou indeed hast numbered my steps, but spare my sins.
You would take care of [MET] me, instead of watching me to see if I would sin.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 14:16
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 14:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
עַ֭תָּה
צְעָדַ֣/י
תִּסְפּ֑וֹר
לֹֽא
תִ֝שְׁמ֗וֹר
עַל
חַטָּאתִֽ/י
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עַ֭תָּה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Adv
צְעָדַ֣/י
tsaʻad
H6806
step
N-mp | Suff
תִּסְפּ֑וֹר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִ֝שְׁמ֗וֹר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חַטָּאתִֽ/י
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 14:16
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.
עַ֭תָּה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
צְעָדַ֣/י
tsaʻad
H6806
"step"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for step or pace, describing a regular stride or the path of life. It appears in various forms, such as pace or step, in the King James Version. In the Bible, it refers to a person's journey or walk.
Definition: 1) step, pace, stride 1a) step, pace 1b) step, steps (of course of life) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: pace, step. See also: 2 Samuel 6:13; Psalms 18:37; Proverbs 4:12.
תִּסְפּ֑וֹר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִ֝שְׁמ֗וֹר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
עַל
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.
חַטָּאתִֽ/י
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
N-fs | Suff
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
Study Notes — Job 14:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 14:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 14:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 14:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 14:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 14:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 14:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 14:16
- Cambridge Bible on Job 14:16
- Barnes' Notes on Job 14:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 14:16
- Sermons on Job 14:16
Context — Job Laments the Finality of Death
14When a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, until my renewal comes.
15You will call, and I will answer; You will desire the work of Your hands.
16For then You would count my steps, but would not keep track of my sin.
17My transgression would be sealed in a bag, and You would cover over my iniquity. 18But as a mountain erodes and crumbles and a rock is dislodged from its place,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 10:6 | that You should seek my iniquity and search out my sin— |
| 2 | Job 31:4 | Does He not see my ways and count my every step? |
| 3 | Psalms 139:1–4 | O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD. |
| 4 | Proverbs 5:21 | For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths. |
| 5 | Job 34:21 | For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. |
| 6 | Job 33:11 | He puts my feet in the stocks; He watches over all my paths.’ |
| 7 | Jeremiah 32:19 | the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds. |
| 8 | Psalms 56:6 | They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life. |
| 9 | Job 13:27 | You put my feet in the stocks and stand watch over all my paths; You set a limit for the soles of my feet. |
| 10 | Job 10:14 | If I sinned, You would take note, and would not acquit me of my iniquity. |
Job 14:16 Summary
This verse means that Job wants God to notice and care about the good things he does, rather than just focusing on his mistakes. Job is saying that if God were to pay attention to his daily life, He would see that Job is trying to live a good life, even if he's not perfect. This reminds us that God is a loving Father who wants to forgive us and help us, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15, where Jesus teaches us to forgive others so that God will forgive us. By trusting in God's love and mercy, we can live with hope and confidence, knowing that He is always with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'count my steps' in Job 14:16?
This phrase means that God is aware of every aspect of our lives, including our daily actions and decisions, as stated in Psalm 139:3, which says 'You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.'
Why does Job say that God would 'not keep track of my sin' in this verse?
Job is expressing his desire for God to focus on his righteous actions rather than his sins, similar to what is written in Psalm 130:3, which says 'If You, Lord, were to keep track of iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?'
Is Job implying that God is unaware of his sin in this verse?
No, Job is not suggesting that God is unaware of his sin, but rather that God would choose to focus on his obedience and faithfulness, as seen in Jeremiah 31:34, which says 'For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.'
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's mercy and forgiveness?
This verse highlights God's mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Exodus 34:7, which says 'He maintains His loving devotion to thousands, and forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like God is 'counting my steps', and how can I be more mindful of His presence in those areas?
- In what ways do I try to hide my sin from God, and how can I instead bring it to Him in confession and repentance?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's mercy and forgiveness, especially when I feel overwhelmed by my own sin and shortcomings?
- What are some ways that I can 'wait' for God's renewal and restoration in my life, as Job does in Job 14:14?
Gill's Exposition on Job 14:16
For now thou numberest my steps,.... Or "but now" (g), at this present time thou seemest to have no desire to me, or affection for me, but the reverse.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 14:16
For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 14:16
For now; so this is a reason of his desire of death, . Or rather, But now; for this seems to be added by way of opposition. I believe thou wilt pity and help me, but for the present it is far otherwise with me. Thou, numberest my steps; thou makest a strict inquiry into all my actions, that thou mayst find out all mine errors, and punish them. Compare 31:4 34:1 . Dost thou not watch over my sin, i.e. dost thou not watch for my haltings, or miscarriages, as if thou wast glad of an occasion to punish me? Or, thou dost not delay the punishment of my sin; for the same Hebrew word signifies both sin and its punishments.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 14:16
Job 14:16 For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?Ver. 16. For now thou numberest my steps] Or, But now thou numberest, &c., thou keepest an exact account of every sin of mine, of every step that I have trod awry; yea, though it be but some wry motion of my mind (as the Septuagint here translate), so curious art thou and critical in thine observations of mine outstrays, επιτηδευματα. See Job 10:14. But is this Job that speaketh, or some other? How confident was he erewhile, and comfortable in the hope of a glorious resurrection! but now down again upon all four, as we say; and like an aguish man in a great fit of impatience, which holdeth him to the end of the chapter. But for this, who knoweth not that every new man is two men? that in the saints the flesh is ever lusting against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh? that in the Shulamite is, as it were, the company of two armies maintaining a continual contest? Son 6:13. "I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple," Jonah 2:4. Dost thou not watch over my sin?] This is the same with the former, but without a figure. The Rabbins have a saying, that there is not any doubt in the law but may be resolved by the context: the Scripture is its own interpreter.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 14:16
(16) For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?—“It is sealed up in a bag, and Thou fastenest up mine iniquity. But persecution so persistent would wear out the strongest, even as the mountain and the rock are gradually worn away. How much more then must I be the subject of decay? for Thou destroyest the hope of man when he dieth, so that he no longer has any interest in the welfare or any concern in the adversity of his children after him; only in his own person he has pain, and his own soul within him mourneth.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 14:16
Verse 16. For now thou numberest my steps] כי עתה ki attah, ALTHOUGH thou, &c. Though thou, by thy conduct towards me, seemest bent on my utter destruction, yet thou delightest in mercy, and I shall be saved.
Cambridge Bible on Job 14:16
16–22. This prayer for a second life is supported by a picture of the severity with which God deals with man in this life and the mournful consequences of it.
Barnes' Notes on Job 14:16
For now thou numberest my steps - Thou dost make strict inquiry into all my conduct, that thou mayest mark my errors, and hold me bound to punishment.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 14:16
16. For now — Returning to his complaint concerning the evils of life, he gives the reason why he desires the release or respite spoken of in the preceding verse.
Sermons on Job 14:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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His Window in All Our Hearts by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound impact of God's omniscient presence on our lives, illustrating how awareness of God's watchful eye can elevate our pursuit of holiness. He dra |
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On the Immensity of God by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches on the immensity of God, emphasizing the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of God's being, nature, and character through the Holy Scriptures. The s |
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Interview 1974 by Corrie Ten Boom | This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a woman who endured imprisonment and suffering during World War II, highlighting how God's grace sustained her through the darkest time |
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(Basics) 1. the Origin of Evil by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that human reasoning cannot fully comprehend the nature of God. Just as a dog cannot understand a human being without being taught, we cannot |
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Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker begins by comparing astronauts representing the earth on the moon to believers in Jesus Christ representing heaven on earth. The world is described as t |
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(Hebrews - Part 9): What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wickedness of mankind and how our daily conduct is evidence of our guilt. He argues that anyone who doubts the fall of man and the iniqu |
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Making of a Man of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing a desire to draw closer to God and be broken before Him. He emphasizes that even in the midst of trials and confusion, God is at w |