Job 9:3
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If one wished to contend with God, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
In this and the following chapter we have Job's answer to Bildad's discourse, wherein he speaks honourably of God, humbly of himself, and feelingly of his troubles; but not one word by way of reflection upon his friends, or their unkindness to him, nor in direct reply to what Bildad had said. He wisely keeps to the merits of the cause, and makes no remarks upon the person that managed it, nor seeks occasion against him. In this chapter we have, I. The doctrine of God's justice laid down (Job 9:2). II. The proof of it, from his wisdom, and power, and sovereign dominion (Job 9:3-13). III. The application of it, in which, 1. He condemns himself, as not able to contend with God either in law or battle (Job 9:14-21). 2. He maintains his point, that we cannot judge of men's character by their outward condition (Job 9:22-24). 3. He complains of the greatness of his troubles, the confusion he was in, and the loss he was at what to say or do (Job 9:25-35).
Open source ↗9:3 If someone wanted to take God to court: Job later expressed the wish to meet God in court (13:3, 15, 23; 23:4).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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I will say to God: Do not condemn me! Let me know why You prosecute me.
“Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer.”
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things.
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?”
Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.
Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks?
Even if I were righteous, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would declare me guilty.
For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me.