Job 9:21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 9:14-21

What Job had said of man's utter inability to contend with God he here applies to himself, and in effect despairs of gaining his favour, which (some think) arises from the hard thoughts he had of God, as one who, having set himself against him, right or wrong, would be too hard for him. I rather think it arises from the sense he had of the imperfection of his own righteousness, and the dark and cloudy apprehensions which at present he had of God's displeasure against him. I. He durst not... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 9:21

Though I were perfect ,.... Really and truly so, not conscious of any sin in thought, word, or deed; this is only a case supposed: yet would I not know my soul ; I would not own myself to be so before God; I would not insist upon such perfection in his presence, as what would justify me before him; since I am sensible the highest perfection of a creature is imperfection when compared with him: or the sense may be, should I say I were "perfect, I should not know my own soul"; I... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 9:21

Though I were perfect - Had I the fullest conviction that, in every thought, word, and deed, I were blameless before him, yet I would not plead this; nor would I think it any security for a life of ease and prosperity, or any proof that my days should be prolonged. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:1-35

Job, in answer to Bildad, admits the truth of his arguments, but declines to attempt the justification which can alone entitle him to accept the favourable side of Bildad's alternative. Man cannot absolutely justify himself before God. It is in vain to attempt to do so. The contest is too unequal. On the one side perfect wisdom and absolute strength (verse 4); on the other, weakness, imperfection, ignorance. guilt (verses 17-20). And no "daysman," or umpire, between them; no third party to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:21

Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul : I would despise my life. The original is very elliptical and very obscure. The words run, I perfect—I know not myself—I abhor my life , which some explain as meaning, "Were I perfect, I should not know it myself; I despise my life under such conditions" (Stanley Loathes); others, "I am perfect" ( i.e. guiltless of any plain offence), "but do not understand myself, and care not what becomes of me" (Canon Cook); others again, "Were I... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:21-24

Rebellion of the conscience against this picture of terror. A reaction comes; for the clear testimony of consciousness may be obscured for a time, but cannot be denied. In that clear consciousness, it seems that Job will turn against the injustice (as he thinks) of God, and boldly denounce it. I. A GOOD CONSCIENCE LIFTS THE MIND ABOVE ABJECT FEAR . II. IT IMPARTS CONTEMPT OF DEATH . (Verse 21.) III. IT STIMULATES TO BOLDNESS IN PLEADING ONE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:21-35

Job to Bildad: 4. The cries of a desparing soul. I. MAINTAINING HIS INNOCENCE . 1 . Attested by his conscience. "Though I were perfect;" or, better, "I am guiltless" (verse 21). Before God Job did not claim to be absolutely spotless, but merely to be free from such transgressions of the moral law as his friends insinuated he must have committed to render him obnoxious to those palpable tokens of Divine displeasure which had overtaken him. Against this, however, he protested as... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 9:21

Though I were perfect - The same mode of expression occurs here again. “I perfect! I would not know it, or recognize it. If this were my view, and God judged otherwise, I would seem to be ignorant of it. I would not mention it.”Yet would I not know my soul - Or, “I could not know my soul. If I should advance such a claim, it must be from my ignorance of myself.” Is not this true of all the claims to perfection which have ever been set up by man? Do they not demonstrate that he is ignorant of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Job 9:21

Job 9:21. Though I were perfect, &c. Hebrew, תם אני , tam ani, the perfect I, would not know my soul Namely, myself as the word נפשׁ , nephesh, is rendered, Esther 4:13; or, my heart, or spirit. That is, my thinking myself perfect, or completely innocent and faultless, would be an evidence that I did not know myself. Or, the meaning of the verse is, Were I to be tried by infinite justice, however perfect I may now think myself, I should then be astonished at finding how little... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Job 9:1-35

Job’s reply to Bildad (9:1-10:22)While agreeing with Bildad that God is just, Job argues that ordinary people are still at a disadvantage. They cannot present their side of the case satisfactorily, because God always has the wisdom and power to frustrate them. He can ask a thousand questions that they cannot answer (9:1-4). He can do what he wishes in the heavens or on the earth (5-9). He can work miracles and no one can resist him (10-12). If God overthrows those with supernatural power such... read more

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