King James Version
What Does Job 9:19 Mean?
“If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead?”
Job 9:19 · KJV
Context
17
For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause.
18
He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness.
19
If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead?
20
If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
21
Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryJob acknowledges asymmetrical power: 'If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead?' Regarding 'strength' (koach, כֹּחַ), Job admits God is mighty (ammits, אַמִּיץ). Regarding 'judgment' (mishpat, מִשְׁפָּט), Job asks who can summon God to trial—'set me a time' (yoedeni, יוֹעֲדֵנִי) means to appoint or designate a court date. Job cannot compel God's appearance in court; no bailiff can serve summons on the Almighty.
Job's legal metaphor intensifies: he wants trial but cannot enforce it. God cannot be subpoenaed, witnesses cannot be compelled, evidence cannot be forced. The defendant controls the court. Job's desire for legal resolution meets insurmountable barrier: God's sovereignty makes Him both party to dispute and sole authority over whether proceedings occur. This seems to preclude justice.
The gospel provides what Job seeks: a court where God Himself is judged. At Calvary, God in Christ stood trial before human judges and submitted to unjust verdict. The One who could not be summoned voluntarily appeared. The One who could not be judged willingly accepted judgment. Christ's trial vindicates divine justice while providing human justification.
Job's legal metaphor intensifies: he wants trial but cannot enforce it. God cannot be subpoenaed, witnesses cannot be compelled, evidence cannot be forced. The defendant controls the court. Job's desire for legal resolution meets insurmountable barrier: God's sovereignty makes Him both party to dispute and sole authority over whether proceedings occur. This seems to preclude justice.
The gospel provides what Job seeks: a court where God Himself is judged. At Calvary, God in Christ stood trial before human judges and submitted to unjust verdict. The One who could not be summoned voluntarily appeared. The One who could not be judged willingly accepted judgment. Christ's trial vindicates divine justice while providing human justification.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern legal systems assumed rough parity between litigants—both could summon witnesses, both had access to judges, both operated under same rules. Job's problem is radical asymmetry: when one party is infinitely more powerful and is also judge, how can justice occur? This anticipates Christ's voluntary submission to human jurisdiction.
Reflection Questions
- How does Christ's voluntary submission to human judgment address Job's complaint about asymmetrical power?
- What does Job's legal imagery teach about the limits of human justice systems in addressing grievances against God?
- In what ways does the gospel provide the fair trial Job desperately seeks?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsאִם1 of 8
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לְכֹ֣חַ2 of 8
“If I speak of strength”
H3581vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
וְאִם5 of 8
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לְ֝מִשְׁפָּ֗ט6 of 8
“and if of judgment”
H4941properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
מִ֣י7 of 8
H4310who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יוֹעִידֵֽנִי׃8 of 8
“who shall set”
H3259to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi
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 9:19 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 9:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge