King James Version
Job 9:20 in the King James Version says “If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” — study this verse from Job chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.”
Job 9:20 · KJV
He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness.
If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead?
If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.
This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.
KJV Study — Public Domain
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
“myself mine own mouth”
H6310the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
“shall condemn”
H7561to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
“me if I say I am perfect”
H8535complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear
“it shall also prove me perverse”
H6140to knot or distort; figuratively, to pervert (act or declare perverse)
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.
Job 9:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Job 9:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge