Job 9:17

KJV

For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he breaketh {H7779} me with a tempest {H8183}, and multiplieth {H7235} my wounds {H6482} without cause {H2600}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He could break me with a storm; he could multiply my wounds for no reason,

Berean Standard Bible

For He would crush me with a tempest and multiply my wounds without cause.

American Standard Version

For he breaketh me with a tempest, And multiplieth my wounds without cause.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 9:17 powerfully articulates Job's profound despair and bewilderment as he confronts what he perceives as God's arbitrary and overwhelming power in the midst of his intense suffering. In this lament, Job portrays God as an irresistible, destructive force, akin to a violent tempest, that relentlessly shatters his being and multiplies his afflictions without any discernible justification or cause on his part. It is a raw and poignant expression of his feeling of being unjustly targeted by an omnipotent deity, highlighting the deep tension between divine sovereignty and the human experience of inexplicable pain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of Job's second discourse, specifically his response to Bildad's rigid and unyielding assertion of divine justice in [Job 8](/job/8 "Job 8 - Bildad's Speech on Justice"). Job 9-10 serves as Job's counter-argument, where he acknowledges God's immense power, wisdom, and inscrutability (as articulated in [Job 9:4](/job/9-4 "Job 9:4 - God's Wisdom and Strength") and [Job 9:10-12](/job/9-10-12 "Job 9:10-12 - God's Unsearchable Works")), yet simultaneously expresses his utter helplessness and inability to contend with such a mighty and mysterious being. He feels completely overwhelmed, crushed, and unjustly afflicted, despite his unwavering conviction of his own righteousness. This section underscores the central dilemma of the Book of Job: how can a righteous God allow a righteous man to suffer so profoundly? Job's lament here is a direct, impassioned challenge to the simplistic retribution theology espoused by his friends, asserting his innocence against their accusations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job, a profound work of wisdom literature, is typically set in the patriarchal era, though its precise date of composition remains a subject of scholarly debate. It engages deeply with the prevalent ancient Near Eastern (ANE) understanding of divine justice, which often posited a direct, mechanistic correlation between one's actions (sin or righteousness) and one's fate (suffering or prosperity). This is often referred to as Deuteronomic theology. Job's experience and his protest in [Job 9:17](/job/9-17 "Job 9:17 - Job's Lament of Unjust Suffering") directly challenge this conventional wisdom, asserting that suffering can indeed occur "without cause" from the perspective of the afflicted. The powerful imagery of a "tempest" (Hebrew: *sᵉʻârâh*) is deeply rooted in ANE cosmology and biblical tradition, frequently associated with divine manifestations, judgments, and overwhelming power, as seen in texts like [Psalm 29:3-4](/psalm/29-3 "Psalm 29:3-4 - The Voice of the Lord"), where God's voice thunders with majestic power. Understanding this cultural backdrop illuminates the profound terror and helplessness Job feels when he perceives God acting against him with such overwhelming, storm-like force, signifying not merely a natural disaster but a direct, terrifying divine assault.
* **Key Themes:** [Job 9:17](/job/9-17 "Job 9:17 - Job's Lament of Unjust Suffering") powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the Book of Job. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Inscrutability**, portraying God as an irresistible, destructive "tempest" that sweeps away all in its path. This emphasizes God's absolute control over creation and human destiny, even in ways that appear harsh, arbitrary, or incomprehensible to human understanding, challenging the limits of human reason when faced with divine action. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Unjust Suffering**, as Job's unwavering conviction that his suffering is "without cause" (Hebrew: *chinnâm*) directly challenges the traditional belief that all suffering is a direct consequence of sin. This phrase is particularly poignant as it echoes Satan's accusation against Job in [Job 1:9](/job/1-9 "Job 1:9 - Satan's Challenge to Job"), where Satan suggests Job serves God "for nought" or "without cause" (i.e., for material gain). Job's re-appropriation of the term here turns the accusation back, asserting that God is afflicting him "without cause" from his own perspective. Finally, the verse powerfully expresses **Human Helplessness and Lament** when confronted with what is perceived as divine injustice, illustrating Job's struggle to understand God's ways and articulate his defense against overwhelming divine majesty, a theme that runs throughout [Job's speeches](/job/6 "Job's Speeches").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Breaketh (Hebrew, _shûwph'_):** This primitive root properly means to gape or snap at, and figuratively, to overwhelm. In this context, it conveys a sense of being utterly crushed, shattered, or overwhelmed by a superior, destructive force. Job feels not merely injured, but fundamentally broken and annihilated by God's actions, emphasizing the totality of his devastation.
* **Tempest (Hebrew, _sᵉʻârâh'_):** This feminine noun refers to a hurricane, storm, or whirlwind. In biblical imagery, a *sᵉʻârâh* often signifies a powerful, uncontrollable, and destructive natural phenomenon, frequently associated with divine judgment or manifestation. Its use here vividly portrays the overwhelming, chaotic, and inescapable force with which Job perceives God acting against him, not as a gentle correction, but as a violent, annihilating natural disaster that shatters his very being.
* **Without cause (Hebrew, _chinnâm'_):** This adverb is derived from a root meaning "grace" or "favor," but here it means "gratis," "devoid of cost, reason, or advantage," "for nothing," "gratuitously," or "undeservedly." Job's insistence that his suffering is *chinnâm* is the crux of his protest. It directly contradicts the theological framework of his friends, who believe all suffering is a direct result of sin. It expresses his profound conviction of his own blamelessness in the face of his calamity, asserting that God's actions against him are arbitrary and unjust from his perspective, devoid of any proportionate cause in his conduct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he breaketh me with a tempest":** This opening clause identifies the agent of Job's suffering as "he" (God), emphasizing God's direct and active involvement in his affliction. The verb "breaketh" (from *shûwph*) implies a shattering, crushing, or utterly destroying action, conveying a sense of complete devastation. The instrument of this breaking is a "tempest," a powerful metaphor that illustrates the overwhelming, uncontrollable, and destructive force with which Job perceives God acting against him. It's not a gentle correction but a violent, annihilating assault, leaving him utterly helpless.
* **"and multiplieth my wounds":** This phrase further elaborates on the nature and intensity of Job's suffering. The verb "multiplieth" (from *râbâh*) indicates an increase in number or intensity, suggesting that Job's afflictions are not only severe but also continuous and growing. His "wounds" (from *petsaʻ*) are not isolated incidents but a relentless series of physical and emotional blows, signifying a state of prolonged and escalating torment rather than a momentary setback. This highlights the cumulative and relentless nature of his pain.
* **"without cause":** This concluding phrase is the heart of Job's lament and protest, expressing his perceived innocence and the profound injustice of his suffering. From Job's perspective, there is no legitimate reason, no specific sin or wrongdoing in his life that warrants such extreme and sustained divine punishment. This claim directly challenges the conventional wisdom of his time and sets the stage for the profound theological questions explored throughout the book regarding the nature of divine justice and the problem of innocent suffering. It is a cry of bewildered innocence against what appears to be arbitrary divine action.

#### Literary Devices
Job 9:17 is rich in literary devices that amplify Job's despair and protest. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where God's action is powerfully likened to a "tempest" (סְעָרָה - *sᵉʻârâh*). This vivid image conveys not only the overwhelming force and destructive power Job feels God is unleashing upon him, but also the chaotic, unpredictable, and uncontrollable nature of his suffering, much like a natural disaster that sweeps away all in its path. The phrase "multiplieth my wounds" employs **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the number and intensity of his afflictions to convey the profound and relentless nature of his pain. It is not merely that he is wounded, but that the wounds are ceaselessly increasing, emphasizing the extremity and ongoing torment of his situation. Furthermore, there is a profound element of **Irony** in Job's use of "without cause" (חִנָּם - *chinnâm*). This very word was used by Satan in [Job 1:9](/job/1-9 "Job 1:9 - Satan's Challenge to Job") to accuse Job of serving God "for nothing" or "without cause" (i.e., for selfish gain). Job's re-appropriation of the term to describe God's actions against him highlights the profound reversal of expectations and the perceived injustice he experiences, turning Satan's accusation back upon God from Job's agonized perspective. Overall, the verse functions as a powerful **Lament**, a common biblical genre where an individual expresses deep sorrow, complaint, and petition to God in times of distress, often questioning divine justice and seeking understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 9:17 stands as a stark testament to the profound tension between God's absolute sovereignty and the human experience of inexplicable suffering. It forces the reader to confront the mystery of why a righteous God would allow, or even inflict, pain upon the innocent. Job's raw honesty in articulating his sense of being unjustly broken by divine power challenges simplistic theological frameworks that equate suffering directly with sin. This verse contributes significantly to the biblical exploration of theodicy, the attempt to reconcile God's goodness and omnipotence with the existence of evil and suffering. It underscores that while God's ways are often inscrutable to humanity, the human right to lament and question, even to protest, is validated within the biblical narrative, demonstrating that faith is not a denial of pain but an engagement with it, even in its most bewildering forms.

* [Job 1:9](/job/1-9 "Satan's Accusation Against Job")
* [Psalm 29:3-4](/psalm/29-3 "The Voice of the Lord")
* [Lamentations 3:1-18](/lamentations/3-18 "The Prophet's Lament")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 9:17 resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced unexplainable suffering or felt utterly overwhelmed by life's adversities. Job's raw honesty in this verse provides a profound validation for the human experience of questioning God during times of intense pain, confusion, and perceived injustice. It reminds us that it is permissible, even necessary, to express our struggles, our bewilderment, and our deepest sorrows directly to God, even when His purposes seem inscrutable or His actions appear contrary to our expectations of justice. This verse does not offer an immediate answer to suffering, but it offers permission to lament, to wrestle with God, and to voice our deepest complaints without fear of divine retribution for our honesty. It challenges us to resist the urge to offer simplistic, formulaic explanations for complex pain, both our own and that of others, and to avoid spiritualizing away genuine anguish. Instead, it invites us into the mystery of suffering, encouraging us to hold onto faith and continue to seek God, even when His presence feels like a destructive tempest and His actions seem "without cause." Ultimately, while Job expresses his confusion and protest here, the broader narrative of the Book of Job leads to a deeper, more mature trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, even when His ways remain beyond full human comprehension, fostering a faith that can endure unanswered questions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's raw lament in this verse validate our own feelings of pain, anger, and confusion during times of suffering?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to offer simplistic explanations for suffering, and how does Job's experience caution us against this approach?**
* **What does it mean to "contend" or "wrestle" with God, as Job attempts to do, and what can we learn about expressing our deepest struggles to Him honestly?**
* **How can we maintain trust in God's character and sovereignty when His actions or permissions in our lives seem "without cause" or even destructive from our limited perspective?**

### FAQ

**Does Job truly believe God is unjust?**

Answer: Job's expressions in [Job 9:17](/job/9-17 "Job 9:17 - Job's Lament of Unjust Suffering") and throughout his discourses reflect his *perception* of God's actions as unjust in relation to his own blamelessness. He is not denying God's power or existence, but he is vehemently questioning God's justice and the fairness of his treatment. His protest stems from a deep conviction that his suffering is "without cause" from his perspective, and he demands a hearing or an explanation from God. While he struggles intensely with this tension, he never abandons God entirely, but rather seeks to contend with Him, as evidenced by his later declaration, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him" ([Job 13:15](/job/13-15 "Job 13:15 - Job's Enduring Trust")). His faith is strained and tested, but ultimately endures.

**What is the significance of the "tempest" imagery?**

Answer: The "tempest" (Hebrew: *sᵉʻârâh*) is a powerful and multi-layered image. Firstly, it conveys the overwhelming, uncontrollable, and destructive force that Job perceives God is unleashing upon him. It is not a gentle correction but a violent, shattering experience that leaves him utterly helpless. Secondly, in biblical literature, a tempest or whirlwind is often associated with divine manifestation and judgment, as seen in [Psalm 29:3-4](/psalm/29-3 "Psalm 29:3-4 - The Voice of the Lord") or God's eventual appearance to Job himself later in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind"). This imagery underscores God's immense power and sovereignty, but from Job's perspective, this power is being wielded against him in a terrifying and unjust manner, causing him to feel utterly broken and lost.

**How does Job's "without cause" claim relate to the book's overall message?**

Answer: Job's assertion that he suffers "without cause" (Hebrew: *chinnâm*) is central to the Book of Job's profound theological inquiry. It directly challenges the prevailing Deuteronomic theology of retribution, which posits a direct correlation between sin and suffering. The book's prologue ([Job 1:6-12](/job/1-6-12 "Job 1:6-12 - Satan's Challenge")) reveals to the reader that Job *is* indeed suffering "without cause" from the perspective of his personal sin, as his suffering is a test initiated by Satan with God's permission, not a punishment for unrighteousness. Job's repeated insistence on his blamelessness, therefore, aligns with the divine perspective revealed to the reader, validating his protest against his friends' false accusations and highlighting the mystery of innocent suffering. The book ultimately demonstrates that God's ways are more complex than human understanding, and suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin, inviting a deeper trust in God's sovereign wisdom beyond human comprehension.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's lament in [Job 9:17](/job/9-17 "Job 9:17 - Job's Lament of Unjust Suffering") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Job, a righteous man, suffered immensely and protested that his suffering was "without cause." Yet, in Christ, we encounter the only truly innocent and perfectly righteous one who suffered absolutely "without cause" from His own perspective, bearing the full weight of divine wrath not for His own sin, but for the sins of humanity. The prophet Isaiah foretold this in [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant"), describing the Suffering Servant who "bore our griefs and carried our sorrows" and was "pierced for our transgressions." Like Job, Jesus was "broken" by the tempest of divine judgment, but unlike Job, He willingly embraced it to redeem us. The "wounds" inflicted upon Him were not for His own wrongdoing but were the very means by which healing and reconciliation are offered to a fallen world ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). Jesus, in His humanity, fully identified with our suffering, even to the point of crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), yet His suffering was ultimately purposeful, leading to victory over sin and death. Thus, Job's cry for justice and his experience of undeserved pain foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering profound hope, meaning, and ultimate redemption to all who suffer "without cause" in this broken world.

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 16:14

He breaketh me with breach upon breach, he runneth upon me like a giant.

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.

Job 34:6

Should I lie against my right? my wound [is] incurable without transgression.

Ezekiel 13:13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend [it] with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in [my] fury to consume [it].

Isaiah 28:17

Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.

Job 2:7

¶ So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

Job 16:17

¶ Not for [any] injustice in mine hands: also my prayer [is] pure.