King James Version

What Does Job 9:2 Mean?

Job 9:2 in the King James Version says “I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? with God: or, before God?” — study this verse from Job chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? with God: or, before God?”

Job 9:2 · KJV

Truth

Context

1

Then Job answered and said,

2

I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? with God: or, before God?

3

If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.

4

He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job asks: 'how should man be just with God?' The verb tsadaq (צָדַק, be just) means to be righteous or vindicated. Job grasps the fundamental problem: humanity cannot establish righteousness before the infinite God through argument or merit. This question anticipates the gospel—justification comes through faith in Christ, not human works (Romans 3:23-24, 5:1). Job seeks vindication but recognizes human inability to achieve it independently. The verse reveals Job's growing awareness that his case requires a mediator.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Job's question addresses the core problem of the book: how can finite, fallen humans stand before infinite, holy God? Ancient Near Eastern religions featured angry deities requiring appeasement, but Job seeks something deeper—genuine righteousness before God. The question won't be fully answered until Christ provides justification through His death and resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's question point us toward the gospel and our need for Christ's righteousness?
  2. What does this verse teach about the impossibility of self-justification before God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אָ֭מְנָם1 of 9

“it is so of a truth”

H551

verily

יָדַ֣עְתִּי2 of 9

“I know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִי3 of 9
H3588

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

כֵ֑ן4 of 9
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

וּמַה5 of 9
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יִּצְדַּ֖ק6 of 9

“be just”

H6663

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

אֱנ֣וֹשׁ7 of 9

“but how should man”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

עִם8 of 9
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֵֽל׃9 of 9

“with God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

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 9:2 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 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 4:17Psalms 143:2Romans 3:20Job 25:4Job 34:5Job 32:2

Test Your Knowledge

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