Job 10:7

KJV

Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and [there is] none that can deliver out of thine hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou knowest {H1847} that I am not wicked {H7561}; and there is none that can deliver {H5337} out of thine hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You know that I won't be condemned, yet no one can rescue me from your power.

Berean Standard Bible

though You know that I am not guilty, and there is no deliverance from Your hand?

American Standard Version

Although thou knowest that I am not wicked, And there is none that can deliver out of thy hand?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 10:7 encapsulates the profound and agonizing paradox of Job's suffering: his unwavering assertion of personal integrity before God, even as he simultaneously acknowledges God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty. This verse functions as a raw, impassioned lament and direct appeal, revealing Job's deep confusion and despair over his inexplicable affliction, yet maintaining a desperate plea to God's perfect knowledge of his true character and a recognition of his own utter helplessness in the face of divine power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 10:7 is situated within a pivotal section of the Book of Job, specifically Job's extended lament and direct address to God following the first cycle of debates with his three friends. Chapters 4-9 detail Job's defensive posture, as he refutes the rigid retribution theology espoused by Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, which posits that his immense suffering must be a direct consequence of hidden, grievous sin. Chapter 10 marks a significant shift, as Job turns from defending himself to his friends to directly confronting God. He expresses profound weariness, despair, and a longing for death in [Job 10:1-2](/job/10-1-2 "Job 10:1-2 - Job's Weariness and Complaint"), while simultaneously questioning God's seemingly arbitrary and oppressive actions against him. This verse, therefore, serves as a desperate cry from a man caught between his perceived innocence and an overwhelming sense of divine oppression, highlighting his desperate desire for a fair hearing from the very One he believes is afflicting him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a location generally considered to be outside of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia. This setting suggests a wisdom tradition that transcends specific national boundaries, engaging with universal human questions about suffering, justice, and the nature of God. The cultural backdrop reflects ancient Near Eastern legal and theological thought, particularly the pervasive conventional wisdom of retribution theology—a belief in a direct correlation between righteousness and prosperity, and wickedness and suffering. Job's friends are staunch proponents of this conventional wisdom, while Job's lived experience profoundly challenges it. The concept of appealing to a higher court or a divine judge, though fraught with peril when the judge is also the accuser, was a known legal recourse in the ancient world, even if practically impossible in Job's unique encounter with the divine.
* **Key Themes:** Job 10:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the Book of Job. Firstly, it underscores the persistent **Assertion of Innocence**, a central and repeated cry from Job throughout the narrative. While not claiming sinless perfection, Job vehemently denies the specific, grave transgressions his friends accuse him of, appealing instead to God's intimate knowledge of his character, a truth affirmed by [God's own testimony about Job's blamelessness](/job/1-8 "Job 1:8 - God's Testimony of Job's Righteousness") at the outset of the book. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Omnipotence**. Despite his anguish and questioning, Job never denies God's ultimate control over all circumstances, recognizing that no one can resist God's will or escape His grasp, a realization that culminates in his later submission in [Job 42:2](/job/42-2 "Job 42:2 - Job's Acknowledgment of God's Power"). Finally, this verse encapsulates the profound **Problem of Suffering for the Righteous**, directly challenging the simplistic retribution theology espoused by Job's friends. Job's blamelessness in the face of immense suffering forces the reader to grapple with the mystery of divine justice and purpose beyond human comprehension, a theme echoed in [Psalm 73](/psalm/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked and the Suffering of the Righteous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowest (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** From the root _yadaʻ_, this noun signifies deep, intimate, and experiential knowledge, extending far beyond mere intellectual acquaintance. When Job declares "Thou knowest," he is appealing to God's perfect, comprehensive, and personal understanding of his life, his motives, and his character. It implies a trust that God sees beyond outward appearances and the false accusations of his friends, penetrating to the very core of his being. Job is not just stating a fact; he is making a profound plea based on God's omniscience, believing God's knowledge of his innocence should lead to a cessation of his suffering.
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _râshaʻ'_):** This term, derived from a primitive root meaning "to be wrong," refers to one who is guilty, unrighteous, or morally corrupt, often implying a deliberate turning away from what is right or a violation of divine law. In the context of the Book of Job, it specifically denotes the kind of profound and deliberate sin that, according to the prevailing retribution theology, would warrant the extreme suffering Job endures. Job's assertion "I am not wicked" is not a claim of sinless perfection, but a vehement denial of the specific, heinous transgressions his friends believe he must have committed to incur such divine wrath. He is asserting his moral integrity and blamelessness in relation to the accusations against him.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** This primitive root means "to snatch away," whether in a good or a bad sense, implying rescue, escape, or preservation from danger or oppression. Job's lament, "none that can deliver out of thine hand," underscores his absolute helplessness and the futility of any human or external intervention against God's omnipotent will. He recognizes that once God has acted, there is no higher authority or stronger force capable of reversing the divine decree or snatching him from God's grip, emphasizing his complete vulnerability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou knowest that I am not wicked":** This opening clause is Job's direct, impassioned appeal to God's omniscience and justice. It is a bold declaration of his integrity, a fervent denial of the accusations of sin leveled against him by his friends, and an assertion that God, who truly knows all things, must recognize his blamelessness in the face of his suffering. This statement reveals Job's deep conviction that his affliction is not a direct punishment for specific, grievous sin, thereby challenging the conventional wisdom of his time and appealing to a higher, divine understanding of his character.
* **"and [there is] none that can deliver out of thine hand":** This second clause expresses Job's profound understanding of God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible power. Despite his lament and questioning, Job never doubts God's ultimate control over all things. This statement highlights his utter helplessness; he is completely at God's mercy, with no external force, no advocate, and no means of escape from the divine will, however inscrutable or painful it may seem to him. It underscores the terrifying aspect of God's power when perceived by the sufferer as an oppressor from whom there is no refuge.

#### Literary Devices
Job 10:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey Job's complex emotional and theological state. The verse presents a stark **Paradox**: Job simultaneously asserts his innocence ("Thou knowest that I am not wicked") while acknowledging his utter powerlessness before the very God he believes is afflicting him ("and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand"). This creates a profound tension, as the blameless man finds himself trapped by the omnipotent God. The verse is also a powerful **Lament**, a form of poetic expression common in biblical literature where the speaker voices deep sorrow, complaint, and questioning to God, often accompanied by an appeal for divine intervention or understanding. Job's words serve as a direct **Appeal** to God's knowledge and justice, hoping that God's perfect understanding of his character will somehow lead to a cessation of his suffering. There is also an element of **Irony** in Job's situation: the one person in the narrative whom God Himself declares "blameless and upright" ([Job 1:8](/job/1-8 "Job 1:8 - God's Assessment of Job")) is the one who suffers most profoundly, directly contradicting the prevailing theological framework and forcing a re-evaluation of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 10:7 stands as a pivotal expression of the central theological dilemma in the Book of Job: the suffering of the righteous. It challenges simplistic retribution theology by asserting Job's innocence while simultaneously affirming God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible power. This creates a profound tension between divine justice and human experience, forcing the reader to confront the mystery of God's ways and the limits of human understanding concerning divine providence. The verse highlights the importance of appealing to God's perfect knowledge even when His actions seem incomprehensible, reinforcing the truth that God sees and knows the heart, even when human judgment is flawed or accusatory. It also underscores humanity's ultimate dependence on God, acknowledging that deliverance, if it comes, must come from Him alone, for no other power can thwart His will.

* [Job 2:3](/job/2-3 "Job 2:3 - God's Affirmation of Job's Integrity")
* [Psalm 73:13-14](/psalm/73-13-14 "Psalm 73:13-14 - The Psalmist's Struggle with Injustice")
* [Isaiah 45:9](/isaiah/45-9 "Isaiah 45:9 - God's Sovereignty Over His Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 10:7 offers profound insights for believers navigating suffering and injustice. It grants us permission to voice our deepest pain, confusion, and even our grievances directly to God, especially when our afflictions seem undeserved or inexplicable. Job's raw honesty reminds us that God invites our authentic lament and does not shy away from our questions. In moments when others misunderstand, accuse, or offer unhelpful theological platitudes, we can appeal to God's perfect and intimate knowledge of our hearts, trusting that He sees beyond our outward circumstances and comprehends our true intentions and integrity. While Job acknowledges God's overwhelming power with a sense of despair, his statement also contains a seed of hope: if no one can deliver *out of* God's hand, then ultimate deliverance must ultimately come *from* God's hand. This encourages us to continue trusting God's character even when His ways are beyond our comprehension, holding fast to the belief that His purposes, though often inscrutable, are always at work for His ultimate glory and our good, even if that good is not immediately apparent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's bold assertion of innocence, despite his suffering, challenge your understanding of divine justice?**
* **In what ways do you appeal to God's perfect knowledge of your heart when you feel misunderstood or unjustly accused?**
* **How does acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty affect your perspective on personal suffering – does it bring despair, hope, or both?**
* **What does Job 10:7 teach us about the nature of honest prayer during times of intense anguish and confusion?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 10:7 suggest Job was sinless?**

Answer: No, Job 10:7 does not suggest Job was sinless in an absolute or perfect sense. The Bible consistently teaches that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). When Job declares, "Thou knowest that I am not wicked," he is not claiming sinless perfection in a theological sense. Rather, he is denying the specific, grievous wickedness that his friends accuse him of—the kind of profound sin that, according to their retribution theology, would directly cause his immense suffering. Job consistently maintains his integrity and blamelessness *in relation to these accusations*, appealing to God's perfect knowledge of his heart and life, a knowledge that God Himself affirmed in [Job 1:8](/job/1-8 "Job 1:8 - God's Assessment of Job"). His assertion is a plea for justice based on his actual conduct and moral uprightness, not a claim of inherent sinlessness.

**How can Job assert his innocence yet acknowledge God's power to afflict him?**

Answer: This is the central paradox and profound tension of Job's lament in [Job 10](/job/10 "Job 10 - Job's Lament to God"). Job's assertion of innocence ("Thou knowest that I am not wicked") stems from his lived experience and his moral conscience; he knows he has not committed the specific sins his friends accuse him of, nor does he understand his suffering as a direct consequence of his actions. Simultaneously, he acknowledges God's absolute and unchallengeable power ("and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand") because he is directly experiencing that overwhelming power in his suffering, recognizing that no earthly or heavenly force can intervene against God's will. This creates his profound dilemma: he is innocent, yet suffering at the hand of an omnipotent God from whom there seems to be no escape or appeal. This tension highlights the mystery of divine sovereignty and justice, challenging the neat categories of human theology and forcing Job (and the reader) to grapple with a God whose ways are higher than human ways and whose thoughts are deeper than human understanding ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 10:7, with its poignant cry of an innocent sufferer trapped by an omnipotent power, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job, though righteous in his generation and blameless in the eyes of God (as attested in [Job 1:8](/job/1-8 "Job 1:8 - God's Testimony of Job's Righteousness")), was still a fallen man. Jesus, however, was truly and absolutely "not wicked"; He was the [Lamb of God without blemish or spot](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redemption through Christ's Precious Blood"), who "committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinless Suffering")). Yet, like Job, He suffered immensely, not for His own sin, but as the innocent one, "who knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")), bearing the sins of humanity. While Job lamented that "none can deliver out of thine hand," Jesus uniquely *was* delivered *from* the power of death and the grave by God's hand in the resurrection, demonstrating God's ultimate vindication of the truly innocent and His triumph over sin and death ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). Furthermore, Jesus is not merely a victim of God's power, but the very One through whom God's delivering power is exercised. He is the ultimate Deliverer, the one who *can* deliver us from the hand of divine judgment, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). Thus, Job's lament foreshadows the greater suffering of Christ and the greater deliverance found in Him, transforming Job's despair into the Christian's hope and assurance of ultimate vindication.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

1 Thessalonians 2:10

Ye [are] witnesses, and God [also], how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

Job 31:6

Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.

Psalms 26:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; [therefore] I shall not slide.

Psalms 26:5

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

Psalms 17:3

Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited [me] in the night; thou hast tried me, [and] shalt find nothing; I am purposed [that] my mouth shall not transgress.

Psalms 1:6

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.