Job 40:8
Job 40:8 in Multiple Translations
Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?
Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
Wilt thou even annul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be justified?
Will you even make my right of no value? will you say that I am wrong in order to make clear that you are right?
Are you really going to say my decisions are wrong? Are you going to condemn me so you can be right?
Hide them in the dust together, and binde their faces in a secret place.
Dost thou also make void My judgment? Dost thou condemn Me, That thou mayest be righteous?
Will you even annul my judgment? Will you condemn me, that you may be justified?
Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
Hide them in the dust together, and plunge their faces into the pit.
“Are you going to accuse me and say that I am unjust? Are you going to say that what I have done is wrong, in order that you can say that what you have done is right?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 40:8
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 40:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ֭/אַף
תָּפֵ֣ר
מִשְׁפָּטִ֑/י
תַּ֝רְשִׁיעֵ֗/נִי
לְמַ֣עַן
תִּצְדָּֽק
הַ֭/אַף
ʼaph
H637
also
Part | Adv
תָּפֵ֣ר
pârar
H6565
to break
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
מִשְׁפָּטִ֑/י
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms | Suff
תַּ֝רְשִׁיעֵ֗/נִי
râshaʻ
H7561
be wicked
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
לְמַ֣עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
תִּצְדָּֽק
tsâdaq
H6663
to justify
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 40:8
הַ֭/אַף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
Part | Adv
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
תָּפֵ֣ר
pârar
H6565
"to break"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To split or break something apart is the meaning of this word, often used figuratively to mean frustrate or violate. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to break, frustrate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to break, violate 1a2) to frustrate, make ineffectual 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be frustrated 1b2) to be broken 1b3) to break 1c) (Pilpel) to break to bits, shatter Also means: pur (פּוּר "to break" H6331)
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, break (asunder), cast off, cause to cease, [idiom] clean, defeat, disannul, disappoint, dissolve, divide, make of none effect, fail, frustrate, bring (come) to nought, [idiom] utterly, make void. See also: Genesis 17:14; Psalms 85:5; Psalms 74:13.
מִשְׁפָּטִ֑/י
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms | Suff
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
תַּ֝רְשִׁיעֵ֗/נִי
râshaʻ
H7561
"be wicked"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-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.
לְמַ֣עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
תִּצְדָּֽק
tsâdaq
H6663
"to justify"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Refers to the act of making something right, either by justifying oneself or being declared righteous by God. It is used to describe God's justice and people's attempts to do what is right. This concept is key to understanding the Bible's teachings on sin and redemption.
Definition: 1) to be just, be righteous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have a just cause, be in the right 1a2) to be justified 1a3) to be just (of God) 1a4) to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character) 1b) (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified 1c) (Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to do or bring justice (in administering law) 1d2) to declare righteous, justify 1d3) to justify, vindicate the cause of, save 1d4) to make righteous, turn to righteousness 1e) (Hithpael) to justify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). See also: Genesis 38:26; Job 33:32; Psalms 19:10.
Study Notes — Job 40:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 40:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 40:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 40:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 40:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:8
- Cambridge Bible on Job 40:8
- Barnes' Notes on Job 40:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:8
- Sermons on Job 40:8
Context — The LORD Challenges Job Again
6Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
7“Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.
8Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?
9Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His? 10Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and clothe yourself with honor and glory.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 3:4 | Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 28:18 | Your covenant with death will be dissolved, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be trampled by it. |
| 3 | Job 32:2 | This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God, |
| 4 | Job 34:5–6 | For Job has declared, ‘I am righteous, yet God has deprived me of justice. Would I lie about my case? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’ |
| 5 | Job 10:3 | Does it please You to oppress me, to reject the work of Your hands and favor the schemes of the wicked? |
| 6 | Job 35:2–3 | “Do you think this is just? You say, ‘I am more righteous than God.’ For you ask, ‘What does it profit me, and what benefit do I gain apart from sin?’ |
| 7 | Isaiah 14:27 | The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back? |
| 8 | Galatians 3:17 | What I mean is this: The law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to nullify the promise. |
| 9 | Galatians 3:15 | Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended. |
| 10 | Psalms 51:4 | Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. |
Job 40:8 Summary
This verse is asking us to consider whether we would really try to cancel out God's justice in order to justify ourselves, which is a pretty scary thought. It's like trying to say that God is wrong and we are right, which is a form of pride and rebellion, as seen in Proverbs 16:18. But the truth is, God is always just and fair, and we can trust Him even when we don't understand what's happening, as promised in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Psalm 119:137. By humbling ourselves and acknowledging God's majesty and power, we can learn to trust Him more and more, and find peace and rest in His presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is God asking Job to consider in this verse?
God is asking Job if he would really annul, or cancel, God's justice in order to justify himself, which is a profound question that gets to the heart of our understanding of God's character and our own limitations, as seen in Job 40:8 and supported by Romans 3:4.
Is God saying that Job is trying to condemn Him?
Yes, in essence, God is saying that if Job were to justify himself, it would require condemning God, which is a stark reminder of our sinful tendency to elevate ourselves above God, as warned against in Psalm 51:4 and Isaiah 45:9.
How does this verse relate to our own lives and struggles?
This verse reminds us that, like Job, we often struggle with the question of why God allows suffering and injustice, but it also cautions us against trying to justify ourselves or question God's justice, as seen in Habakkuk 1:13 and Lamentations 3:39.
What is the underlying issue that God is addressing in this verse?
The underlying issue is one of pride and humility, as God is essentially asking Job if he thinks he can do a better job of running the universe than God, which is a theme that is also explored in Isaiah 55:8-9 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I try to justify myself or annul God's justice in my own life, and what are the consequences of this?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's justice and sovereignty, even when I don't understand what is happening in my life or in the world?
- What are some ways that I can humble myself and acknowledge God's majesty and power, as described in Job 40:9-10?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of Romans 3:4, which says that God is always justified in His words and actions, to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Job 40:8
Wilt thou also disannul my judgment?.... The decrees and purposes of God concerning his dealings with men, particularly the afflictions of them, which are framed with the highest wisdom and reason,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 40:8
Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? Wilt thou not only contend with, but set aside my judgment, or justice in the government of the world.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 40:8
Every word is emphatical, Wilt (art thou resolved upon it) thou (thou, Job, whom I took to be one of a better mind and temper; had it been a stranger or my enemy who had spoken thus of me, I could have borne it, but I cannot bear it from thee) also (not only vindicate thyself, and thy own integrity, but also accuse me) disannul (not only question and dispute, but even condemn, repeal, and make void, as if it were ungrounded and unjust) my judgment, i.e. my sentence against thee, and my government and administration of human affairs? Wilt thou make me unrighteous, that thou mayst seem to be righteous?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 40:8
Job 40:8 Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?Ver. 8. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment?] Dost thou think to ruin my justice to establish thine own innocence? and wilt thou needs be a superior judge over me? Wilt thou not revoke thy former expostulations and complaints against me, and with open mouth give me my due glory? Here God showeth his dissatisfaction with Job’ s former confession. Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?] Job had bolted out some words that either tended to this purpose, or seemed so to do, to the just grief and offence of his friends. For this, therefore, he must be better humbled, and henceforth learn to abstain not only from things simply evil, but seemingly so; quicquid fuerit male coloratum (as Bernard hath it), whatsoever looks but ill favouredly.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 40:8
(8) Wilt thou also disannul my judgment?—Comp. what Job said in Job 19:6-7; Job 27:2. God is about to show Job his inability to govern the world and administer judgment among men, so as to rule them morally, from his acknowledged inability to govern the more formidable animals of the brute creation. If he cannot restrain them, how is it likely that he will be able to tread down the wicked in their place? And if he cannot hold the wicked in check and compel them to submission, how, any more, can he protect himself from their violence? how can he save himself from the outbursts of their fury? or, if not save himself from them, how much less can he deliver himself from the hand of God? If he cannot hide them in the dust together, and bind them (i.e., restrain the threatenings of their rage in the hidden world) in the secret prison-house, how much less can he save himself, and be independent of the help of a saviour?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 40:8
Verse 8. Wilt thou condemn me] Rather than submit to be thought in the wrong, wilt thou condemn MY conduct, in order to justify thyself? Some men will never acknowledge themselves in the wrong. "God may err, but we cannot," seems to be their impious maxim. Unwillingness to acknowledge a fault frequently leads men, directly or indirectly, to this sort of blasphemy. There are three words most difficult to be pronounced in all languages,-I AM WRONG.
Cambridge Bible on Job 40:8
8. The verse reads, Wilt thou even disannul my right? Wilt thou condemn me that thou mayest be righteous? To disannul Jehovah’s “right” does not seem to mean, to depose Him from His place as Supreme, but rather to break, or make void, that is, deny His rectitude as Ruler of the world. The second clause suggests this meaning, and also adds the motive under which Job denied the rectitude of God, namely, that he himself might be righteous, or in the right. The word even suggests that this is an offence against God additional to the former one of daring to contend with Him (Job 40:2).
Barnes' Notes on Job 40:8
Wilt thou disannul my judgment? - Wilt thou “reverse” the judgment which I have formed, and show that it should have been different from what it is? This was implied in what Job had undertaken.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 40:8
8. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment — The word ξωׁ ?τωׂ, judgment, means also right; “the right I exercise in the government of the world, is equivalent to my righteousness in the same.” — Hirtzel.
Sermons on Job 40:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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The Excuses of Sinners Condemn God by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes that every excuse for sin ultimately condemns God, arguing that such excuses imply that God is unjust or tyrannical. He meticulously examines common excus |
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New Covenant Living by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the New Covenant and the concept of Sabbath rest for God's people. He encourages the audience to study Hebrew |
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(Demonology) Wizards Witches Sorcery Spiritism by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience and informs them that there are books available for purchase. However, these books are specifically made for the audience and not |
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(Through the Bible) Romans 3-4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the beauty of the floats in a parade, using it as an analogy for the passing of time. He then transitions to discussing the importa |
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Attributes of God - Grace, Mercy, Longsuffering and Goodness by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the smallness of the earth in the vast universe, highlighting the insignificance of humanity in comparison. However, despite our sinful state |
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Hebrews 3 by Mark Turner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord rather than relying on worldly things or human intellect. He highlights the examples of Moses, David, |