Job 9:14

KJV

¶ How much less shall I answer him, [and] choose out my words [to reason] with him?

KJV (with Strong's)

How much less shall I answer {H6030} him, and choose out {H977} my words {H1697} to reason with him?

Complete Jewish Bible

"How much less can I answer him and select my arguments against him!

Berean Standard Bible

How then can I answer Him or choose my arguments against Him?

American Standard Version

How much less shall I answer him, And choose out my words to reason with him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 9:14 encapsulates Job's profound sense of futility and overwhelming despair in the face of God's unassailable power and inscrutable justice. Grappling with immense, inexplicable suffering, Job perceives himself as utterly incapable of mounting any defense or even engaging in a meaningful dialogue with the Almighty, convinced that any human attempt to reason with the divine would be utterly pointless and swiftly dismissed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 9:14 is situated within Job's first direct response to his friend Bildad, spanning chapters 9 and 10. Bildad, echoing Eliphaz's earlier sentiments, had asserted that God is just and therefore Job's suffering must be a direct consequence of his sin, urging Job to repent. In a powerful counter-argument, Job 9:1-13 does not deny God's justice but rather magnifies God's absolute, unchallengeable power and wisdom. Job meticulously details God's sovereign control over creation—moving mountains, shaking the earth, controlling celestial bodies, and acting in ways incomprehensible to humanity. This acknowledgment of God's overwhelming might serves as the foundation for Job's conclusion in verse 14: if God is so powerful and inscrutable, how could a mere mortal ever hope to contend with Him, let alone win a legal dispute? The verse thus highlights Job's recognition of the vast chasm between finite humanity and infinite divinity, making any attempt at self-justification seem absurd.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job reflects an ancient Near Eastern context where legal metaphors and judicial proceedings were common frameworks for understanding justice and divine interaction. The concept of "reasoning" with God (Hebrew: _yakhach_) often carried the connotation of presenting a legal case, arguing one's innocence, or seeking a verdict. In this cultural milieu, a petitioner would approach a judge, carefully choosing words to present their case. However, Job's lament reveals the profound imbalance when the "judge" is also the omnipotent creator. Furthermore, the prevailing theological understanding (held by Job's friends) was that suffering was always a direct result of sin, a retributive justice system. Job's experience challenges this simplistic view, pushing him to confront the limits of human understanding concerning divine governance and the nature of suffering. His words reflect the cultural expectation of being able to present a defense, yet his personal experience renders this impossible against the Almighty.
* **Key Themes:** Job 9:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, emphasizing God's absolute control and power, which far surpasses any human capacity to comprehend or contend with. This is a central thread throughout the entire [Book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - Suffering and Sovereignty"), culminating in God's own speeches from the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech"). Closely related is **Human Insignificance and Inability**, as Job expresses the fundamental truth that humanity, in its finite wisdom and strength, is no match for the infinite God. This leads to a profound sense of helplessness when trying to grasp or question divine actions, a sentiment echoed later in [Job 40:4-5](/job/40-4 "Job 40:4-5 - Job's Humility"). Finally, the verse underscores **Despair and Futility**, revealing Job's deep emotional turmoil. He feels that any attempt to articulate his case, choose the right words for a defense, or even understand God's ways would be utterly pointless against a God whose ways are beyond human understanding and whose power is irresistible, a feeling of being utterly overwhelmed by the divine, as seen in [Job 23:3-5](/job/23-3 "Job 23:3-5 - Job's Desire to Argue with God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Answer (Hebrew, _‘anah'_):** This verb means "to answer," "to respond," but in a legal context, it carries the weight of "to answer a charge," "to testify," or "to plead a case." Job's use of this word highlights his perception of being on trial, yet he feels utterly unable to respond effectively to the divine accuser or judge, not because he lacks innocence, but because of God's overwhelming power.
* **Choose out (Hebrew, _bachar'_):** This word means "to choose," "to select," or "to prefer." In this context, it implies a careful, deliberate selection of words, as one would do in preparing a legal brief or a persuasive argument. Job's despair is precisely that even the most meticulously chosen words would be insufficient or irrelevant in a confrontation with God.
* **Reason (Hebrew, _yakhach'_):** This is a crucial term, meaning "to argue," "to contend," "to rebuke," "to prove," or "to decide a controversy." It often refers to a formal legal dispute or a process of arbitration. Job's statement expresses his conviction that engaging in such a legal contention with God is impossible; there is no common ground for argument, no higher court, and no way for a human to prevail against the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How much less shall I answer him,"**: This opening rhetorical question immediately establishes Job's profound sense of inadequacy. The phrase "how much less" (אַף כִּי, _‘aph ki_') intensifies the preceding arguments about God's overwhelming power (Job 9:1-13). If no one can truly contend with God, then Job, in his current state of suffering and perceived weakness, is even less capable of doing so. He feels silenced, unable to offer a defense or even a coherent response to the divine actions that have befallen him.
* **"[and] choose out my words [to reason] with him?"**: This clause further elaborates on Job's inability. It's not just that he can't answer, but he cannot even meticulously select the right words to present a case or engage in a legal dispute with God. The idea of "reasoning" (יָכַח, _yakhach_) implies a level playing field, an opportunity to present evidence, cross-examine, and seek a just verdict. Job recognizes that no such parity exists between himself and the Almighty. His words would be futile, his arguments meaningless, against a Being whose power and wisdom are infinite and whose ways are beyond human comprehension.

#### Literary Devices
Job 9:14 masterfully employs **Rhetorical Question** to emphasize Job's despair and the perceived futility of his situation. The question "How much less shall I answer him...?" is not meant to be answered, but rather to underscore the impossibility of the action. This is further amplified by **Hyperbole**, as Job exaggerates his inability to contend with God, reflecting his overwhelming sense of powerlessness. The verse also functions as a form of **Irony** in the broader narrative; while Job yearns for a chance to present his case to God (e.g., [Job 23:3-5](/job/23-3 "Job 23:3-5 - Job's Desire to Argue with God")), here he acknowledges the sheer impossibility of such a confrontation, highlighting the tragic dilemma of his situation. The entire verse is steeped in a **Legal Metaphor**, portraying God as an unchallengeable judge or adversary, and Job as a defendant who cannot even begin to articulate his defense.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 9:14 is a poignant expression of humanity's finite nature when confronted with the infinite, transcendent God. It highlights the vast epistemological and ontological gap between creator and creature. While God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, humanity is limited in power, understanding, and scope. This verse challenges any notion of human autonomy or self-sufficiency in the face of divine sovereignty, particularly when God's actions seem inexplicable or unjust from a human perspective. It underscores the truth that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are infinitely higher than ours, necessitating humility and trust rather than demanding explanations or attempting to litigate with the divine. This profound realization of human inadequacy before God is a recurring theme throughout biblical wisdom literature and prophetic writings.

* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")
* [Romans 9:20-21](/romans/9-20 "Romans 9:20-21 - God's Sovereignty Over Creation")
* [Psalm 103:14](/psalms/103-14 "Psalm 103:14 - God Remembers Our Frame")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 9:14 serves as a powerful reminder of the proper posture of humility and reverence before God. While the Bible encourages us to bring our petitions, laments, and even our complaints before the Lord with boldness (e.g., [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Prayer and Supplication")), this verse cautions against approaching God with a demanding or argumentative spirit, as if we could ever fully comprehend or challenge His infinite wisdom and power. It calls us to acknowledge our limitations, especially when we face suffering or circumstances that defy our understanding. Instead of striving to "reason" with God on our own terms, we are invited to trust in His character, even when His methods are inscrutable. This humility fosters a deeper reliance on His grace and sovereignty, leading to a peace that transcends human comprehension, knowing that He is good, even when life is not.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself trying to "reason" with God or demand answers, rather than trusting His sovereign plan?**
* **How does acknowledging God's overwhelming power, as Job does, impact your approach to prayer and worship?**
* **When faced with inexplicable suffering or injustice, how can Job's despair in this verse help you articulate your own feelings while still maintaining reverence for God?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and trust in God's wisdom, especially when His ways seem beyond your understanding?**

### FAQ

**Does Job 9:14 mean we shouldn't pray or complain to God?**

Answer: No, Job 9:14 does not mean we shouldn't pray or even voice our complaints to God. Throughout the Psalms, and indeed even in Job's own later laments, we see examples of honest, raw communication with God, including expressions of pain, confusion, and even questioning. The point of Job 9:14 is not to forbid prayer, but to highlight Job's overwhelming sense of his own inadequacy and the futility of trying to *win a legal case* against God based on human righteousness or argumentative skill. It's a recognition of the vast power differential between humanity and divinity. We are encouraged to approach God with our needs and feelings, knowing He is merciful and compassionate (e.g., [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")), but always with a spirit of humility, acknowledging His ultimate sovereignty and wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's profound despair in Job 9:14, recognizing the impossibility of a mere human reasoning with or answering God, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity's inability to stand before a holy God, to justify itself, or to bridge the infinite chasm of sin and finitude, is precisely why a mediator was necessary. Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is the one who perfectly "answers" God on humanity's behalf, not by arguing our case based on our merit, but by offering His own perfect righteousness and atoning sacrifice. He is the [one mediator between God and mankind](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator"), the only one capable of truly "reasoning" with the Father, having perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and borne the penalty for sin. Through His finished work on the cross, we are no longer left in Job's hopeless position, unable to approach or speak with God. Instead, because of Christ, we now have [bold access to the throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"), not to argue our case, but to receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. Jesus is the divine answer to Job's human dilemma, the bridge over the chasm, and the perfect advocate who enables us to stand before God, not in fear, but in fellowship.

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 25:6

How much less man, [that is] a worm? and the son of man, [which is] a worm?

Job 4:19

How much less [in] them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation [is] in the dust, [which] are crushed before the moth?

Job 23:7

There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

Job 23:4

I would order [my] cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

1 Kings 8:27

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

Job 33:5

If thou canst answer me, set [thy words] in order before me, stand up.

Job 11:4

For thou hast said, My doctrine [is] pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.