King James Version
What Does Job 9:35 Mean?
“Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me. it is: Heb. I am not so with myself”
Job 9:35 · KJV
Context
33
Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. any: Heb. one that should argue daysman: or, umpire
34
Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:
35
Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me. it is: Heb. I am not so with myself
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThen would I speak, and not fear him (אֲדַבְּרָה וְלֹא אִירָאֶנּוּ, adab'rah v'lo ira'ennu)—Job longs for conditions allowing honest dialogue with God without terror. The verb 'speak' (dabar, דָּבַר) implies reasoned discourse, not mere complaint. 'Not fear him' (lo ira, לֹא אִירָא) expresses desire for conversation without dread. Job wants a courtroom where he can present his case without intimidation.
But it is not so with me (כִּי לֹא־כֵן אָנֹכִי עִמָּדִי, ki lo-khen anokhi immadi) acknowledges present reality: such conditions don't exist. The phrase 'it is not so' (lo-khen, לֹא־כֵן) means 'not thus' or 'not in this manner.' Job desires a mediator—someone to stand between him and God (9:33: 'Neither is there any daysman betwixt us'). This cry anticipates Christ as mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus makes possible what Job longed for: speaking to God without terror because our mediator has borne judgment. Hebrews 4:16 fulfills Job's desire: 'Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy.'
But it is not so with me (כִּי לֹא־כֵן אָנֹכִי עִמָּדִי, ki lo-khen anokhi immadi) acknowledges present reality: such conditions don't exist. The phrase 'it is not so' (lo-khen, לֹא־כֵן) means 'not thus' or 'not in this manner.' Job desires a mediator—someone to stand between him and God (9:33: 'Neither is there any daysman betwixt us'). This cry anticipates Christ as mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus makes possible what Job longed for: speaking to God without terror because our mediator has borne judgment. Hebrews 4:16 fulfills Job's desire: 'Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy.'
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient legal systems required plaintiffs to present cases before judges, but approaching deity was fraught with danger—no one could see God and live (Exodus 33:20). Job's dilemma was theological: how can mortals contend with the Almighty? Ancient Near Eastern religion offered no solution—gods were distant, capricious, unapproachable. Job's cry for a mediator (9:33, 16:19, 19:25) prepared Israel to recognize Christ, the one mediator between God and humans.
Reflection Questions
- How does Christ's mediation fulfill Job's longing to speak with God without fear?
- In what ways do believers still struggle with approaching God boldly despite having Christ as mediator?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsאֲֽ֭דַבְּרָה1 of 8
“Then would I speak”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְלֹ֣א2 of 8
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִּ֥י4 of 8
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹא5 of 8
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כֵ֥ן6 of 8
H3651properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
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 9:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.