King James Version

What Does Job 10:7 Mean?

Job 10:7 in the King James Version says “Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand. Thou: Heb. It is upon thy knowl...” — study this verse from Job chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand. Thou: Heb. It is upon thy knowledge”

Job 10:7 · KJV

Context

5

Are thy days as the days of man? are thy years as man's days,

6

That thou enquirest after mine iniquity, and searchest after my sin?

7

Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand. Thou: Heb. It is upon thy knowledge

8

Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. have: Heb. took pains about me

9

Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job asserts his innocence: 'Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand.' The verb 'knowest' (yada, יָדַע) emphasizes intimate, personal knowledge—God doesn't merely perceive but fully knows Job's righteousness. The phrase 'I am not wicked' (lo rasha, לֹא רָשָׁע) directly contradicts his friends' accusations. Yet Job adds the despairing recognition: 'there is none that can deliver' (natsal, נָצַל) from God's hand.

Job's dilemma reaches its apex: God knows Job is innocent, yet afflicts him anyway, and no one can intervene. This isn't the complaint of guilty conscience but of baffled righteousness. Job maintains his integrity while acknowledging God's absolute power. He needs advocate, mediator, deliverer—but none exists (compare 9:33). This despair sets up the gospel's answer: Christ is the Deliverer who can rescue from divine judgment.

Job's confidence that God knows his righteousness foreshadows the believer's confidence in Christ's imputed righteousness. Though we cannot claim innocence as Job does, we can claim Christ's righteousness. God knows we are righteous in Christ, and that knowledge is our security. No one can deliver from God's hand, but God Himself delivers through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern law allowed for advocates or intercessors on behalf of the accused. Job's complaint that none can deliver from God's hand highlights his isolation—when God is both prosecutor and judge, no human advocate suffices. This anticipates the need for divine-human mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's need for a deliverer from God's hand point forward to Christ as our advocate?
  2. What does Job's confidence that God knows his innocence teach about the importance of integrity?
  3. In what ways does Christ's role as mediator address Job's despair that none can deliver from God's hand?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
עַֽל1 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דַּ֭עְתְּךָ2 of 8

“Thou knowest”

H1847

knowledge

כִּי3 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֣א4 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶרְשָׁ֑ע5 of 8

“that I am not wicked”

H7561

to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate

וְאֵ֖ין6 of 8
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מִיָּדְךָ֣7 of 8

“out of thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מַצִּֽיל׃8 of 8

“and there is none that can deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 10:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 10:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:39John 10:28-30Psalms 139:1-2Job 42:7Daniel 3:15Psalms 139:21-24

Test Your Knowledge

Job 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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