Job 10:6

That thou enquirest after mine iniquity, and searchest after my sin?

That thou enquirest {H1245} after mine iniquity {H5771}, and searchest {H1875} after my sin {H2403}?

that you have to seek my guilt and search out my sin?

that You should seek my iniquity and search out my sin—

That thou inquirest after mine iniquity, And searchest after my sin,

In Job 10:6, the patriarch Job, overwhelmed by immense suffering and the accusations of his friends, directly addresses God with a poignant question that reveals his deep distress and confusion. He perceives God as actively and diligently seeking out his faults, rather than offering relief or understanding.

Context

This verse is part of Job's extended lament in Job Chapter 10, where he pours out his heart to God. Having been stripped of his wealth, family, and health, and being misunderstood by his companions, Job feels unjustly afflicted. He believes God is pursuing him with relentless scrutiny, examining his life for any trace of sin that might justify his severe punishment. This expresses Job's profound sense of being hunted down by divine justice, rather than being shown the mercy he believes he deserves as a righteous man (as described in Job 1:1).

Key Themes

  • The Cry of the Suffering Innocent: Job's question highlights the common human struggle to reconcile intense suffering with the perceived justice or character of God. He cannot fathom why a righteous God would seemingly "hunt" for his sins.
  • God's Apparent Scrutiny: Job feels that God is meticulously investigating his life, a perception that adds to his agony. He sees God not as a comforter, but as a relentless prosecutor.
  • Human Misunderstanding of Divine Ways: This verse underscores the vast gap between human comprehension and God's sovereign purposes. Job, from his limited perspective, cannot grasp the underlying reasons for his trials, leading him to question God's methods.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used here emphasize the intensity of Job's perception:

  • The word for "enquirest" is darash (דָּרַשׁ), which means to seek, search, or investigate diligently. It implies a thorough and persistent inquiry.
  • "Searchest" comes from baqar (בָּקַר), meaning to seek out, examine, or inspect. Both terms convey the idea of a careful, detailed investigation, reinforcing Job's feeling that God is leaving no stone unturned in finding his "iniquity" (avon) and "sin" (chatta'ah).

Reflection and Application

Job's lament resonates with anyone who has felt unfairly treated or scrutinized, particularly during times of hardship. While God is indeed omniscient and knows all our thoughts and deeds (Psalm 139:23-24), His primary disposition towards His people is not to search for sin to condemn, but to offer grace and redemption. Job's misunderstanding stemmed from his limited view of God's greater plan. For believers today, this verse serves as a reminder that even in the midst of trials, when we might feel God is against us, His ultimate purpose is often redemptive and refining, not punitive (Romans 8:28). We are encouraged to trust in God's character, knowing He does not deal with us according to our sins (Psalm 103:10).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zephaniah 1:12

    And it shall come to pass at that time, [that] I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.

  • Jeremiah 2:34

    Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these.

  • Psalms 44:21

    Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

  • Job 14:16

    ¶ For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?

  • Psalms 10:15

    Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil [man]: seek out his wickedness [till] thou find none.

  • Job 10:14

    ¶ If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity.

  • Job 10:17

    Thou renewest thy witnesses against me, and increasest thine indignation upon me; changes and war [are] against me.
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