Job 9:14

Job 9:14 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?
• New International Version (NIV)“How then can I dispute with him? How can I find words to argue with him?
• English Standard Version (ESV)How then can I answer him, choosing my words with him?
• New King James Version (NKJV)“How then can I answer Him, And choose my words to reason with Him?

Context of Job 9:14

12If he snatches something, who can stop him? Who can ask him, “What are you doing?” 13God does not hold back his anger; Rahab’s assistants cringe in fear beneath him! How then can I answer him or choose my arguments against him? 15Even if I were in the right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy. 16If I summoned him and he answered me, I do not believe he would pay attention to what I said.

Job 9:14 word by word

אַ֭ף כִּֽי־אָנֹכִ֣י אֶֽעֱנֶ֑נּוּ אֶבְחֲרָ֖ה דְבָרַ֣י עִמּֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• How much less shall I answerעָנָה‛ânâh · to answerH6030
• choose outבָּחַרbâchar · to chooseH977
• my wordsדָּבָרdâbâr · wordH1697

Cross-references for Job 9:14

• Job 4:19how much more those who dwell in clay houses, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed like a moth!
• Job 25:6how much less a human, who is a maggot, a son of man, who is a worm!
• 1 Kings 8:27But will God indeed live on earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you, much less this temple I have built.
• Job 11:4You have said, “My teaching is sound, and I am pure in your sight.”
• Job 23:4I would plead my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.
• Job 33:5Refute me if you can. Prepare your case against me; take your stand.

Commentaries on Job 9:14

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 14How much less shall I answer - I cannot contend with my Maker. He is the Lawgiver and the Judge. How shall I stand in judgment before him?Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 14How much less shall I answer him? - I, who am so feeble, how can I contend with him? If the most mighty objects in the universe are under his control; if the constellations are directed by him; if the earth is shaken, and mountains moved from their places, by his power, and if the men of most exalted rank are prostrated by him, how can I presume to contend with God? This is the common view which is given of the passage, and is evidently that which our…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 14-21Verses 14-21 Job is still righteous in his own eyes, ch. 32:1, and this answer, though it sets forth the power and majesty of God, implies that the question between the afflicted and the Lord of providence, is a question of might, and not of right; and we begin to discover the evil fruits of pride and of a self-righteous spirit. Job begins to manifest a disposition to condemn God, that he may justify himself, for which he is afterwards reproved. Still Job…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1-35Job answered Bildad by describing God's universal and legal power. His speech resembles a complex legal case. It includes: A summons and response (9:3, 14–16, 19b, 32). The risk of proving himself guilty (9:20). A "mediator" (9:33–34). A question of accusation (9:12). A legal sentence (9:22). A declaration of guilt (9:28–30).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1414. How much less shall I? &c.--who am weak, seeing that the mighty have to stoop before Him. Choose words (use a well-chosen speech, in order to reason) with Him.Read the comment

Topics related to Job 9:14

• God
• Humility

In the dictionaries

• Chamber
• Contend
• Daysman
• Pillar
• Job, Book of

Commentaries on Job 9

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings