King James Version

What Does Job 4:17 Mean?

“Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?”

Context

Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:

It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying, there: or, I heard a still voice

Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?

Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly: and his: or, nor in his angels, in whom he put light

How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **Shall mortal man be more just than God?**—This is the burden, or refrain, upon which the friends of Job are for ever harping. It is perfectly orthodox, but at the same time perfectly inadequate to deal with the necessities of Job’s case. He is willing to admit that it is impossible for any man to be just with God; but then arises Job’s dilemma, Where is God’s justice if He punishes the innocent as the guilty? The word rendered “mortal” man is really *weak, frail *man, involving, it may be, the idea of *mortality, *but not immediately suggesting it. As far as mortality implies sin, the notion of being *just *is absurd; and even a *strong *man—such is the antithesis—cannot be more pure than He that made him, who, it is assumed, must be both strong and righteous.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 4:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.