Job 9:15

Whom, though I were righteous, [yet] would I not answer, [but] I would make supplication to my judge.

Whom, though I were righteous {H6663}, yet would I not answer {H6030}, but I would make supplication {H2603} to my judge {H8199}.

Even if I were right, I wouldn't answer; I could only ask for mercy from my judge.

For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy.

Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer; I would make supplication to my judge.

Job 9:15 reveals Job's profound sense of human inadequacy and God's overwhelming majesty as he grapples with his inexplicable suffering. In this verse, Job articulates his conviction that even if he were perfectly righteous, he would not presume to engage in a legal dispute with God, but rather would resort to humble prayer.

Context

This verse is part of Job's first response to Bildad, who, like Eliphaz, has suggested that Job's suffering must be a consequence of his sin. Job, however, is not arguing his innocence to his friends as much as he is expressing his deep despair and the perceived impossibility of standing before an omnipotent God to plead his case. Chapter 9 is characterized by Job's awe-filled recognition of God's immense power, wisdom, and unsearchable ways, making any human attempt to contend with Him seem utterly futile. Job understands that God's ways are beyond human comprehension and challenge, a theme he explores further in verses like Job 9:10, where he speaks of God's great things past finding out.

Key Themes

  • God's Unchallengeable Sovereignty: Job acknowledges that God is supremely powerful and righteous, far above any human being. No earthly court or legal system could ever hold God accountable, nor could any human successfully contend with Him. This highlights the vast chasm between the Creator and His creation.
  • Human Helplessness and Humility: Despite believing himself to be innocent of the specific sins his friends accuse him of, Job recognizes his utter inability to argue his case before God. His only recourse is to "make supplication," indicating a posture of humble appeal for grace rather than a demand for justice on his own terms. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 143:2, where David states no one living is righteous before God.
  • The Nature of Divine Justice: Job's words imply that God's justice is not subject to human scrutiny or argument. Instead of a legal defense, Job's only hope is a plea for mercy or understanding from his divine Judge.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "make supplication" translates the Hebrew word תַּחֲנוּנִים (*taḥănūnîm*), which means "gracious pleas" or "entreaties for favor." It signifies a humble request for mercy or grace, rather than a demanding legal argument. This choice of word underscores Job's understanding that his standing before God is not one of equal parties in a court, but of a petitioner before a sovereign ruler, seeking compassion.

Practical Application

Job 9:15 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of humility before God, especially when we face trials or feel unjustly treated. Instead of demanding answers or justification, our posture should be one of humble supplication, trusting in God's ultimate wisdom and mercy. It teaches us that true peace comes not from understanding all of God's ways, but from trusting His character and appealing to His grace, much like the call to present our requests to God with thanksgiving in Philippians 4:6. This verse encourages a spirit of reverence and dependence on the Almighty, acknowledging that our ultimate hope lies in His compassion, not in our own perceived righteousness or ability to argue our case.

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.

  • Job 10:15

    If I be wicked, woe unto me; and [if] I be righteous, [yet] will I not lift up my head. [I am] full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;

  • Job 8:5

    If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;

  • Job 22:27

    Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.

  • Job 5:8

    I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:

  • 1 Peter 2:23

    Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:

  • Job 10:2

    I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:4

    For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

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