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Job: How Can I Argue with God?
…20Even if I were righteous, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would declare me guilty.21Though Iam blameless,I have noconcernfor myself;I despisemy own life.22It is all the same, and so I say, ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.’…

Treasury of Scripture

Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.

yet would

Psalm 139:23,24
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: …

Proverbs 28:26
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Jeremiah 17:9,10
The heartis deceitful above allthings, and desperately wicked: who can know it? …

I would

Job 7:15,16,21
So that my soul chooseth strangling,and death rather than my life…

AlthoughBlamelessConcernDesireDespiseGuiltlessInnocentLifeNoticePerfectRegardSoulThoughtWrongAlthoughBlamelessConcernDesireDespiseGuiltlessInnocentLifeNoticePerfectRegardSoulThoughtWrong1.Job acknowledges God's justice
22.Man's innocence is not to be condemned by afflictions

Though I am blameless
In the context of the Book of Job, Job is asserting his innocence and righteousness. This statement reflects the broader theme of the book, where Job is portrayed as a man of integrity who suffers despite his righteousness. The term "blameless" is significant in the Hebrew context, often associated with moral and ethical uprightness. Job's claim to be blameless is consistent with the description of him inJob 1:1, where he is called "blameless and upright." This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of human suffering and divine justice, as seen in Psalms and the Prophets, where the righteous often face trials.

I have no concern for myself
Here, Job expresses a sense of despair and resignation. Despite his blamelessness, he feels that his suffering is unjust and beyond his control. This reflects the cultural and historical context of ancient Near Eastern thought, where personal misfortune was often seen as a result of divine displeasure. Job's lack of concern for himself can be seen as a form of lament, a common literary form in the Bible, particularly in the Psalms. It highlights the human struggle with understanding suffering and divine will.

I despise my own life
This phrase indicates Job's deep anguish and existential crisis. In the ancient world, life was considered a precious gift from God, and to despise one's life was a profound expression of suffering and hopelessness. This sentiment is echoed in other parts of Job, such asJob 3:1-3, where he curses the day of his birth. Theologically, this can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament understanding of suffering and redemption, where Jesus Christ's own suffering and despair on the cross (Matthew 27:46) provide a model for understanding human suffering. Job's lament foreshadows the ultimate redemption and hope found in Christ, who, though blameless, suffered for the sake of humanity.

1.Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith.

2.Uz
The land where Job lived. It is often associated with the region east of Israel, though its exact location is uncertain.

3.Job's Suffering
The series of calamities that befall Job, including the loss of his children, wealth, and health, which set the stage for his profound reflections on life and righteousness.Understanding Blamelessness
Job's claim of being blameless is not self-righteousness but an acknowledgment of his integrity before God. It challenges us to examine our own lives for integrity and faithfulness.

The Struggle with Suffering
Job's lament highlights the struggle of reconciling personal suffering with faith in a just God. It encourages believers to bring their honest questions and emotions to God.

Despising Life in Context
Job's statement about despising his life is a reflection of his deep anguish. It serves as a reminder that despair can be part of the human experience, but it should lead us to seek God more earnestly.

Faith Beyond Understanding
Job's situation teaches that faith does not always come with understanding. Trusting God amidst confusion and pain is a profound act of faith.

Community and Support
Job's friends initially come to comfort him, though they later fail. This underscores the importance of providing genuine support and empathy to those who suffer.Top 10 Lessons from Job 9

In Job 31:1-4, how can Job claim such purity given other scriptures teach no one is entirely sinless?

Proverbs 21:21: How can this promise of life, prosperity, and honor be reconciled with the reality that many righteous and loving people suffer hardship or persecution?

How do we reconcile Job's depiction of nearly flawless integrity in Job 29 with biblical teachings on universal human sinfulness (e.g., Romans 3:23)?

In Job 5:17, why is suffering portrayed as proof of divine discipline, and does this contradict other scriptures where suffering occurs without such a cause?Verse 21. -Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life. The original is very elliptical and very obscure. The words run,I perfect - I know not myself - I abhor my life which some explain as meaning, "Were I perfect, I should not know it myself; I despise my life under such conditions" (Stanley Loathes); others, "I am perfect" (i.e. guiltless of any plain offence), "but do not understand myself, and care not what becomes of me" (Canon Cook); others again, "Were I perfect, should I not know myself, and, knowing myself, despise my own life?" (Professor Lee). The Septuagint gives us no help, as it plainly follows a different reading. Probably our present text is a corrupt one.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Though I
אָ֭נִי(’ā·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:I

am blameless,
תָּֽם־(tām-)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8535:Complete, pious, gentle, dear

I have no
לֹֽא־(lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

concern
אֵדַ֥ע(’ê·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3045:To know

for myself;
נַפְשִׁ֗י(nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

I despise
אֶמְאַ֥ס(’em·’as)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3988:To spurn, to disappear

my life.
חַיָּֽי׃(ḥay·yāy)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life


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OT Poetry: Job 9:21 I am blameless (Jb)