Job 9:32
Job 9:32 in Multiple Translations
For He is not a man like me, that I can answer Him, that we can take each other to court.
For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment.
For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, That we should come together in judgment.
For he is not a man as I am, that I might give him an answer, that we might come together before a judge.
For God is not a mortal being like me, I can't defend myself or take him to court.
For he is not a man as I am, that I shoulde answere him, if we come together to iudgement.
But if a man like myself — I answer him, We come together into judgment.
For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, that we should come together in judgment.
For he is not a man, as I am , that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment.
For I shall not answer a man that is like myself: nor one that may be heard with me equally in judgment.
“God is not a human, as I am, so there is no way that I could answer him to prove that I am innocent if we went together to have a trial in a courtroom.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 9:32
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 9:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
לֹא
אִ֣ישׁ
כָּמֹ֣/נִי
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑/נּוּ
נָב֥וֹא
יַ֝חְדָּ֗ו
בַּ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
כָּמֹ֣/נִי
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep | Suff
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑/נּוּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
נָב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
יַ֝חְדָּ֗ו
yachad
H3162
unitedness
Adv
בַּ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 9:32
כִּי
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.
לֹא
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.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כָּמֹ֣/נִי
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep | Suff
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑/נּוּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
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.
נָב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יַ֝חְדָּ֗ו
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
בַּ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Prep | N-ms
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.
Study Notes — Job 9:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 9:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 9:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:32
- Cambridge Bible on Job 9:32
- Barnes' Notes on Job 9:32
- Sermons on Job 9:32
Context — Job: How Can I Contend with God?
30If I should wash myself with snow and cleanse my hands with lye,
31then You would plunge me into the pit, and even my own clothes would despise me.
32For He is not a man like me, that I can answer Him, that we can take each other to court.
33Nor is there a mediator between us, to lay his hand upon us both. 34Let Him remove His rod from me, so that His terror will no longer frighten me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 9:20 | But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 6:10 | Whatever exists was named long ago, and what happens to a man is foreknown; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he. |
| 3 | Psalms 143:2 | Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You. |
| 4 | Isaiah 45:9 | Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker— one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’? |
| 5 | Numbers 23:19 | God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? |
| 6 | Job 33:12 | Behold, you are not right in this matter. I will answer you, for God is greater than man. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 49:19 | Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” |
| 8 | 1 John 3:20 | Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. |
| 9 | Job 23:3–7 | If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would learn how He would answer, and consider what He would say. Would He contend with me in His great power? No, He would certainly take note of me. Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 16:7 | But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” |
Job 9:32 Summary
This verse means that God is so much greater than us that we can't argue or debate with Him like we would with another person. Job is recognizing that God's ways are higher than ours, and He is the ultimate authority and judge (Romans 9:20). Because of this, we should approach God with humility and trust, rather than trying to argue or justify ourselves (Proverbs 3:5-6). By doing so, we can learn to trust God's sovereignty and goodness, even in difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job saying about God in this verse?
Job is acknowledging that God is not like humans, and therefore, He cannot be approached or questioned in the same way that we would interact with another person, as seen in Job 9:32 and also in Isaiah 55:9 where it says God's ways are higher than ours.
Is Job expressing frustration or fear in this verse?
Job seems to be expressing a sense of humility and awe, recognizing the vast difference between God's power and his own limitations, similar to what the Psalmist expresses in Psalms 139:6 where he says God's knowledge is too wonderful for him to attain.
What does Job mean by 'take each other to court'?
Job is using a legal metaphor to convey the idea that he cannot engage in a debate or argument with God, because God is the ultimate authority and judge, as stated in Hebrews 12:23 where it talks about God judging all people.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Job's larger lament and expression of trust in God, despite his difficult circumstances, which is a central theme throughout the book of Job, as seen in Job 13:15 where Job says he will trust God even if He slays him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to 'answer' or argue with God in my own life, and how can I learn to trust Him instead?
- How does recognizing God's power and authority affect my daily life and decisions?
- In what ways can I cultivate a sense of humility and awe in my relationship with God, like Job expresses in this verse?
- What are some areas where I struggle to trust God's sovereignty, and how can I apply the truths of this verse to those areas?
Gill's Exposition on Job 9:32
For [he is] not a man, as I [am],.... For though the parts and members of an human body are sometimes ascribed to him, yet these are to be understood by an anthropopathy, speaking after the manner of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:32
For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:32
He is not a man, as I am; but one infinitely superior to me in majesty, and power, and wisdom, and justice. That I should answer him; that I should presume to debate my cause with him, or answer his allegations against me. That we should come together, face to face, to plead upon equal terms before a superior and indifferent judge.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:32
Job 9:32 For [he is] not a man, as I [am, that] I should answer him, [and] we should come together in judgment.Ver. 32. For he is not a man as I am] He is not such a one, nor can be, as I am, and must be; he hath other eyes and thoughts and ways than creatures have. He who is just before men is unjust before God; therefore he is no fit match for me to contend in addition: have I an arm like God? or can I thunder with a voice like him? Job 40:9. Is it safe to contend with him that is mightier than I? Ecclesiastes 6:10. Surely if I should be so mad as to justify myself, yet I should soon be given to know that "that which is highly esteemed amongst men is an abomination in the sight of God," Luke 16:15. And we should come together in judgment] How can that possibly be, when as God is the supreme judge, neither is there any appealing from or repealing of his sentence?
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:32
(32, 33) For he is not a man, as I am . . .—Is not that confession, if we believe that such a daysman as Job longed for has been given, itself a witness that it came from God, and was given by God? The light that has shined upon us was shining then in the heart of Job, and shines for ever in the pages of his book. Job felt, as he had been taught to feel, that in himself there not only was no hope, but no possibility of justification with God, unless there should be an umpire and impartial mediator, who could make the cause of both his own, and reconcile and unite the two in himself. It is useless to inquire what other particular form the aspiration of Job may have taken, or how far he understood and meant what he said; but here are his words, and this is what they must mean, and it is for us to adore the wisdom by which they were taught accurately to correspond with what we know has been given to us by God. We know that a daysman has laid his hand upon us both; and while we see that this is what Job wanted, we cannot but see more plainly that this is what we want. It is to be observed that this word daysman, or judge, is immediately connected with the Scripture phrase, “the day of the Lord,” and St. Paul’s words, “the day shall declare it” (1 Corinthians 3:13).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:32
Verse 32. For he is not a man as I am] I cannot contend with him as with one of my fellows in a court of justice.
Cambridge Bible on Job 9:32
32–34. The preceding verses described how unavailing all Job’s efforts were to make out his innocence in the face of the fixed resolution of God to hold him guilty. Now Job comes back to what is the real difficulty,—God is not a man like himself.
Barnes' Notes on Job 9:32
For he is not a man as I am - He is infinitely superior to me in majesty and power. The idea is, that the contest would be unequal, and that he might as well surrender without bringing the matter to an issue.
Sermons on Job 9:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Humanizing God by Lou Sutera | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the judgment of God. He highlights that those who engage in sinful behavior are deserving of death and that |
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Job 9:32 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores Job's profound struggle and despair, emphasizing the vast chasm between God and man that Job recognizes. He reflects on Bildad's advice to Job, highlighting th |
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The Damnation of Hell - Part 1 (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of rejecting God and living a life of sin. He vividly describes the torment and despair that awaits those who die without r |
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Lessons From the Potters House by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the analogy of God as the potter and us as the clay, emphasizing the importance of yielding to God's shaping and molding in our lives. It highlights how God' |
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Effects of Fall - Problems Arising From the Fall Part 2 by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher explores the question of why God decrees sin. He acknowledges that we cannot fully understand God's reasons for allowing sin, but emphasizes that the u |
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(Romans) the Explanation of Israel by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the importance of weeping for souls and challenges the audience's understanding of it. He then moves on to explain the connection |
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(Colossians) 10 the Spirit Filled Life by Bob Utley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices that align with God's kingdom rather than personal preferences. He highlights the need to act on the truths |