Job 9:21 - Exposition

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 perfect, should I not know myself, and, knowing myself, despise my own life?" (Professor Lee). The Septuagint gives us no help, as it plainly follows a different reading. Probably our present text is a corrupt one.