Job 27:6

KJV

My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach [me] so long as I live.

KJV (with Strong's)

My righteousness {H6666} I hold {H2388} fast, and will not let it go {H7503}: my heart {H3824} shall not reproach {H2778} me so long as I live {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I hold to my righteousness; I won't let it go; my heart will not shame me as long as I live.

Berean Standard Bible

I will cling to my righteousness and never let go. As long as I live, my conscience will not accuse me.

American Standard Version

My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: My heart shall not reproachmeso long as I live.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 27:6 stands as a profound and defiant declaration from Job, asserting his unwavering integrity and the internal peace of an unburdened conscience amidst unimaginable suffering and relentless, unfounded accusations from his friends. In this pivotal statement, Job firmly grasps his perceived blamelessness, refusing to relinquish his moral uprightness or allow his innermost being to condemn him, thereby affirming his conviction before both God and humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 27:6 is strategically positioned within Job's final and most extensive discourse, which spans [chapters 27 through 31](/job/27 "Job's Final Monologue and Oath"). This section marks a significant turning point in the book, following the conclusion of the third and final cycle of debates with his three friends. Having endured their persistent, formulaic arguments that his suffering must be a direct consequence of hidden sin, Job now takes the floor for an uninterrupted, impassioned monologue. This discourse serves as his ultimate self-vindication, a fervent and comprehensive defense against the theological framework his friends have imposed upon him. In the verses immediately preceding [Job 27:6](/job/27-6 "Job 27:6 - Job's Oath of Integrity"), Job swears a solemn oath by the living God, affirming his commitment to speak nothing but the truth and to maintain his integrity until his dying breath, thereby setting a powerful and resolute tone for his declaration of an unblemished conscience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region likely located in Edom or northern Arabia, placing its narrative outside the direct covenantal history of Israel but firmly within the broader ancient Near Eastern (ANE) wisdom tradition. The prevailing cultural and theological understanding of suffering in this era, particularly amongst Job's friends, was rooted in a strict retributive justice system: prosperity was seen as a sign of divine favor and righteousness, while suffering was almost universally interpreted as direct punishment for sin. This deterministic worldview formed the bedrock of the friends' relentless accusations against Job. Job's unwavering stance in [Job 27:6](/job/27-6 "Job 27:6 - Job's Challenge to Retributive Theology") directly challenges this deeply ingrained cultural and theological assumption, asserting the radical possibility of righteous suffering and the validity of maintaining a clear conscience even when external circumstances vehemently suggest otherwise. The concept of "righteousness" (Hebrew: *tsedeq*), central to this verse, encompassed moral uprightness, integrity, and adherence to both divine and societal norms, a quality highly esteemed in ANE societies.
* **Key Themes:** Job 27:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate the Book of Job. Foremost is the theme of **Unyielding Integrity**, as Job defiantly declares his refusal to abandon his blamelessness, echoing God's own initial commendation of Job as "blameless and upright" in [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - God's Assessment of Job"). This verse profoundly underscores the **Value of a Clear Conscience**, as Job's inner being, his "heart," does not condemn him, thereby distinguishing true guilt from the false accusations leveled against him. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **Perseverance Amidst Adversity**, demonstrating Job's extraordinary spiritual endurance and steadfast faith in the face of immense physical pain, social ostracization, and relentless theological assault. This declaration is a crucial element in the book's broader exploration of the complex nature of suffering, the intricacies of divine justice, and the inherent limits of human understanding regarding God's mysterious ways, particularly as it relates to the righteous suffering of individuals like Job (cf. [Job 13:15](/job/13-15 "Job 13:15 - Though He Slay Me")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** This term (H6666) signifies rightness in an abstract sense, encompassing subjective rectitude, objective justice, moral virtue, and even figurative prosperity. In Job's context, it denotes his moral and ethical uprightness, his integrity, and his conformity to a divine standard. Job's insistence on holding fast to his *tsᵉdâqâh* is a profound claim of his moral innocence in the face of his friends' accusations of hidden sin, asserting his alignment with God's will as he understands it, and his blamelessness in conduct.
* **Hold fast (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This primitive root (H2388) means to fasten upon, to seize, to be strong (figuratively, courageous), or to strengthen. It conveys a sense of resolute determination, an unyielding grip, and active maintenance. Job's use of *châzaq* emphasizes his tenacious and intentional commitment to his integrity, indicating that it is not a passive state but a deliberate choice to maintain his moral stance despite extreme pressure to confess guilt, to amend, or to let go.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _châraph'_):** This primitive root (H2778) means to pull off, to expose, or by implication, to carp at, i.e., defame. It carries meanings of taunting, insulting, or accusing. In this context, it refers to the internal accusation or condemnation of one's own conscience. Job's declaration that his heart will not *châraph* him signifies a clear conscience, free from any inner guilt or self-condemnation that would validate his friends' claims or suggest a hidden sin. It speaks to an internal peace that transcends his external suffering and the external accusations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go:"** This opening clause is a resolute and powerful assertion of Job's unwavering commitment to his moral integrity. "My righteousness" (צִדְקָתִי, *tsidqati*) refers to his blameless character and conduct before God and man, as initially attested by God Himself in [Job 1:8](/job/1-8 "Job 1:8 - God's Praise of Job"). The phrase "I hold fast, and will not let it go" (הֶחֱזַקְתִּי וְלֹא אֶרְפֶּה, *heḥezaqti wəloʾ ʾerpeh*) employs two strong, contrasting verbs: *ḥāzaq* (to grasp firmly, to strengthen, to hold) and *rāphāh* (to relax, to let go, to slacken). This emphatic double negative underscores Job's absolute resolve; he will not loosen his grip on his integrity, no matter the immense cost, the physical pain, or the psychological pressure from his accusers. It is a definitive declaration of his inner conviction that his suffering is not, in fact, a consequence of unconfessed sin.
* **"my heart shall not reproach [me] so long as I live."** This second clause provides the internal, deeply personal basis for Job's external declaration. "My heart" (לִבִּי, *libbi*, from H3824 *lêbâb*) in Hebrew thought represents the very core of a person—the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and conscience. The verb "reproach" (יֶחֱרַף, *yeḥeraph*, from H2778 *châraph*) means to taunt, insult, or accuse. Job is emphatically stating that his conscience, his innermost being, finds no fault or hidden guilt within him that would justify his calamitous circumstances. This is a profound affirmation of his clear conscience, indicating that he has thoroughly examined himself and found no reason for self-condemnation. This inner peace and conviction of blamelessness is maintained "so long as I live" (כָּל־יָמָי, *kol-yamay*, from H3117 *yôwm*), signifying a lifelong commitment to integrity and an enduring self-assessment that remains consistent even unto the point of death.

#### Literary Devices
Job 27:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey Job's resolute stance and profound inner conviction. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as Job declares he will "not let it go" and his heart will not "reproach [me] so long as I live," emphasizing the absolute, unwavering, and lifelong nature of his commitment to his righteousness, even to his dying breath. This is further reinforced by **Parallelism** in the structure of the verse, where the external declaration of holding fast to righteousness is powerfully mirrored by the internal state of a clear conscience. The phrase "my heart shall not reproach [me]" utilizes **Personification**, attributing the human action of "reproaching" to Job's heart, which represents his conscience or inner being. This personification vividly portrays the internal struggle and Job's victory over potential self-condemnation. The overall tone is one of **Defiance** and **Assertion**, marking a climactic and definitive moment in Job's defense where he stands firm against all external pressures and internal doubts, embodying an unshakeable resolve.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job's declaration in [Job 27:6](/job/27-6 "Job 27:6 - Job's Unwavering Integrity") resonates deeply with the broader biblical understanding of righteousness and the human conscience. His unwavering commitment to his integrity, despite external circumstances that would suggest otherwise, highlights that true righteousness is not merely an outward performance but an internal state, a matter of the heart and inner conviction. The clear conscience Job describes is a profound theological concept, indicating a spirit free from the condemnation of sin, a state that God desires for His people (cf. [1 Timothy 1:5](/1_timothy/1-5 "1 Timothy 1:5 - Love from a Pure Heart and Good Conscience")). This verse powerfully challenges the simplistic retributive theology often found in the Old Testament (and championed by Job's friends), suggesting that suffering does not always equate to personal sin, and that a righteous individual can indeed suffer without cause. It anticipates New Testament themes of justification by faith and the profound peace that comes from a clear conscience before God, regardless of life's trials or external accusations.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding the Heart")
* [Romans 2:15](/romans/2-15 "Romans 2:15 - Conscience as a Witness")
* [1 Peter 3:16](/1_peter/3-16 "1 Peter 3:16 - Maintaining a Good Conscience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 27:6 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating the complexities of life, particularly when faced with adversity, misunderstanding, and false accusations. Job's steadfast refusal to compromise his integrity, even when his entire world has crumbled and his closest companions accuse him of hidden sin, serves as a powerful model of spiritual resilience and moral fortitude. It underscores the paramount importance of cultivating and maintaining a clear conscience before God, recognizing that true peace and assurance come not from external validation or the absence of suffering, but from an inner conviction of one's blamelessness in God's sight, founded on His truth and one's sincere walk with Him. In a world quick to judge, assign blame, and demand conformity, Job's experience challenges us to examine our own hearts rigorously, ensuring our inner convictions align with divine principles, and to persevere in faith even when our circumstances seem to contradict our understanding of God's justice or when others misinterpret our trials. It reminds us that our ultimate vindication comes from God, not from human approval or the cessation of suffering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently being challenged to "hold fast" to your integrity, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or seemingly unrewarding?**
* **How does Job's emphasis on a clear conscience ("my heart shall not reproach me") speak to your own inner peace and self-assessment before God, particularly when facing internal doubts or external criticism?**
* **How can you apply Job's perseverance in maintaining his righteousness when you face suffering or accusations that seem unjust or without clear cause, trusting in God's ultimate vindication?**

### FAQ
**What does Job mean by "my righteousness"?**

Answer: In this context, "my righteousness" (Hebrew: *tsᵉdâqâh*) refers to Job's moral uprightness, blamelessness, and integrity in his conduct and character before God and man. It is not a claim of sinless perfection, which no human can achieve, but rather an assertion that he has lived according to God's known standards and has not committed any hidden, unconfessed sin that would warrant the immense suffering he is enduring. This understanding is consistent with God's own assessment of Job at the beginning of the book, where He describes Job as "blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil" in [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - God's Assessment of Job") and [Job 1:8](/job/1-8 "Job 1:8 - God's Praise of Job"). Job is affirming his consistent moral character, not his sinless state.

**How can Job say his heart will not "reproach" him when he has expressed so much anguish and even questioned God?**

Answer: The "reproach" Job refers to in [Job 27:6](/job/27-6 "Job 27:6 - Job's Clear Conscience") specifically means internal condemnation for unconfessed sin or secret wickedness that would justify his suffering as divine punishment. While Job certainly expresses profound anguish, lament, and even challenges God's perceived justice and His treatment of him (e.g., [Job 10:2-3](/job/10-2-3 "Job 10:2-3 - Job's Plea to God")), these are expressions of his deep suffering, his desperate desire for an explanation from God, and his wrestling with the mystery of his pain, not admissions of hidden guilt. His conscience remains clear regarding the specific accusations of his friends that his suffering is a direct result of his personal wickedness. He is confident that his inner moral compass does not condemn him as a secret sinner, differentiating his honest struggles and questions to God from a guilty conscience that would confirm his friends' theology. This distinction is crucial to understanding the book's central argument about the nature of suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job's declaration in [Job 27:6](/job/27-6 "Job 27:6 - Job's Unwavering Integrity") powerfully asserts his personal integrity and clear conscience, it ultimately points to a greater, perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Job, a righteous man, suffered unjustly, maintaining a clear conscience in the face of false accusations. Yet, his righteousness, though commendable, was still that of a fallen human being, limited and imperfect. Jesus, however, is the only truly and perfectly righteous one, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who "knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). He endured unimaginable suffering, not for His own sin, but for ours, bearing the reproach of the world and the Father's wrath on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")). Unlike Job, whose conscience was clear but whose suffering remained a profound mystery to him, Jesus willingly embraced suffering as the perfect, atoning sacrifice, fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")) and providing the ultimate means for humanity to receive a truly clear conscience through His shed blood ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing of Conscience by Christ's Blood")). Through faith in Him, believers are clothed with His perfect righteousness ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Christ")) and can stand before God with a conscience cleansed from dead works, no longer reproached by sin, but justified by grace and granted peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")).

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

Job 2:3

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

1 John 3:20

¶ For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

1 John 3:21

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.

Acts 24:16

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men.

Proverbs 4:13

Take fast hold of instruction; let [her] not go: keep her; for she [is] thy life.

2 Corinthians 12:11

¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

Psalms 18:20

¶ The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.