Job 9:15
Job 9:15 in Multiple Translations
For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy.
Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge.
Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer; I would make supplication to my judge.
Even if my cause was good, I would not be able to give an answer; I would make request for grace from him who was against me.
Even though I'm right, I can't answer him. I must plead for mercy from my judge.
For though I were iust, yet could I not answere, but I would make supplication to my Iudge.
Whom, though I were righteous, I answer not, For my judgment I make supplication.
Though I were righteous, yet I wouldn’t answer him. I would make supplication to my judge.
Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge.
I, who although I should have any just thing, would not answer, but would make supplication to my judge.
Even though I ◄would be innocent/would not have done what is wrong►, I would not be able to answer him. All I could do would be to request God, my judge/accuser, to act mercifully toward me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 9:15
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 9:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אִם
צָ֭דַקְתִּי
לֹ֣א
אֶעֱנֶ֑ה
לִ֝/מְשֹׁפְטִ֗/י
אֶתְחַנָּֽן
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
צָ֭דַקְתִּי
tsâdaq
H6663
to justify
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֶעֱנֶ֑ה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לִ֝/מְשֹׁפְטִ֗/י
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Prep | V-m | Suff
אֶתְחַנָּֽן
chânan
H2603
be gracious
V-Hithpael-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 9:15
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
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.
צָ֭דַקְתִּי
tsâdaq
H6663
"to justify"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
לֹ֣א
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.
אֶעֱנֶ֑ה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
לִ֝/מְשֹׁפְטִ֗/י
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Prep | V-m | Suff
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
אֶתְחַנָּֽן
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
Study Notes — Job 9:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 9:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 9:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:15
- Cambridge Bible on Job 9:15
- Barnes' Notes on Job 9:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:15
- Sermons on Job 9:15
Context — Job: How Can I Contend with God?
13God does not restrain His anger; the helpers of Rahab cower beneath Him.
14How then can I answer Him or choose my arguments against Him?
15For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy.
16If I summoned Him and He answered me, I do not believe He would listen to my voice. 17For He would crush me with a tempest and multiply my wounds without cause.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 10:15 | If I am guilty, woe to me! And even if I am righteous, I cannot lift my head. I am full of shame and aware of my affliction. |
| 2 | Job 8:5 | But if you would earnestly seek God and ask the Almighty for mercy, |
| 3 | Job 10:2 | I will say to God: Do not condemn me! Let me know why You prosecute me. |
| 4 | Job 5:8 | However, if I were you, I would appeal to God and lay my cause before Him— |
| 5 | Job 22:27 | You will pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. |
| 6 | 1 Peter 2:23 | When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. |
| 7 | Daniel 9:18 | Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 33:13 | And when he prayed to Him, the LORD received his plea and heard his petition; so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 31:9 | They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.” |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 4:4 | My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me. |
Job 9:15 Summary
In Job 9:15, Job says that even if he were right, he couldn't argue with God, so he would just ask for mercy. This shows us that when we're dealing with God, we can't rely on our own goodness or arguments, but instead, we need to humbly ask for His mercy, as we see in Psalm 51:1. It's like when we do something wrong and our parent or teacher is disappointed in us - we don't try to argue or justify ourselves, but instead, we say sorry and ask for forgiveness. We can apply this same principle to our relationship with God, recognizing our limitations and relying on His love and mercy (as seen in Hebrews 4:16).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'beg my Judge for mercy' in this context?
In Job 9:15, Job acknowledges that even if he were in the right, he could not justify himself before God, so he would have to ask for mercy, as Psalm 51:1 reminds us, 'Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.'
Is Job saying that God is unfair or unrighteous?
No, Job is not saying that God is unfair, but rather that God's ways are much higher than ours, as Isaiah 55:9 says, 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'
How does this verse relate to our own experiences of feeling overwhelmed by God's power?
This verse reminds us that, like Job, we are finite and limited in our understanding, and when we encounter God's power, we are humbled and must rely on His mercy, as seen in Psalm 130:3-4, 'If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.'
What does this verse teach us about our attitude towards God?
This verse teaches us to approach God with humility and reverence, recognizing our own limitations and God's sovereignty, as Hebrews 4:16 encourages us, 'Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am trying to justify myself before God, and how can I apply the lesson of Job 9:15 to those areas?
- How does the realization of God's power and my own limitations affect my prayer life and my relationship with Him?
- In what ways can I demonstrate humility and a willingness to rely on God's mercy in my daily life, just as Job did in this verse?
- What does it mean to 'beg my Judge for mercy' in my own life, and how can I cultivate a heart that is reliant on God's mercy and grace?
Gill's Exposition on Job 9:15
Whom, though I were righteous, [yet] would I not answer,.... This is not to be understood of the righteousness of his cause, that Job made no supposition of, but strongly asserted and determined to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:15
Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge. Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer (Job 10:15).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:15
Though I were righteous; though I had a most just cause, and were not conscious to myself of any sin. Yet would I not answer, i.e. I durst not undertake to plead my cause against him, or maintain my integrity before him, because he knows me better than I know myself, and because I am wholly in his hands, and at his mercy. I would make supplication to my Judge, to wit, that he would hear me meekly, and judge favourably of me and my cause, and not according to the rigours of his justice.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:15
Job 9:15 Whom, though I were righteous, [yet] would I not answer, [but] I would make supplication to my judge.Ver. 15. Whom though I were righteous] Legally righteous, as none ever were, but the first and second Adam. Yet would I not answer] viz. By pleading mine own righteousness, since no created righteousness can answer God. Some render it, non attollam vocem, ne hiscere quidem audebo, I will not lift up my voice, nor dare to mute against him. No, though I were never so innocent, and did suffer this misery undeservedly. But I would make supplication to my judge] As he doth, though it were a good while first, in the end of the next chapter. It is likely that he intended to do it sooner, but was put by by his passions; which, when they fume up into the head, gather oft into so thick a cloud, that we lose the sight of ourselves, and what is best to be done. Jonah thought to have prayed, Jonah 4:1-2, but it proved a brawl; and when as by prayer he thought to overcome his anger, anger overcame him and his prayer too.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:15
(15) Though I were righteous.—He now puts the alternative case: that he were actually righteous; yet even then supplication, and not assertion, would best become him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:15
Verse 15. Though I were righteous] Though clear of all the crimes, public and secret, of which you accuse me, yet I would not dare to stand before his immaculate holiness. Man's holiness may profit man, but in the sight of the infinite purity of God it is nothing. Thus sung an eminent poet: - "I loathe myself when God I see, And into nothing fall; Content that thou exalted be, And Christ be all in all." I would make supplication to my Judge.] Though not conscious of any sin, I should not think myself thereby justified; but would, from a conviction of the exceeding breadth of the commandment, and the limited nature of my own perfection, cry out, "Cleanse thou me from secret faults!"
Cambridge Bible on Job 9:15
15. though I were righteous] i. e. though I were in the right, though my cause was just against Him. make supplication to my judge] Rather, to mine adversary, or opponent. Had Job right on his side he could not maintain it; overpowered by the irresistible and awful might of his opponent he would desert his own just plea and supplicate his adversary.
Barnes' Notes on Job 9:15
Whom, though I were righteous - That is, if I felt the utmost confidence that I was righteous, yet, if God judged otherwise, and regarded me as a sinner, I would not reply to him, but would make supplication to him as a sinner.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:15
15. Righteous — In the right, used in a forensic sense.
Sermons on Job 9:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Why Do Christians Have to Suffer? by Derek Melton | Derek Melton emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing Christian suffering, highlighting that suffering is a crucial part of the journey for those who love and follo |
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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 |
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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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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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First Baptist Church - Part 1 by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trust and commitment in our relationship with God. He shares personal stories and examples of how God has worked miracles |
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Commitment by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of committing ourselves fully to the Lord Jesus. He explains that true commitment brings peace and blessings, as we trust that |