Job 9:14-20
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
14 How then can I answer him,
choosing my words with him?
15 Though I am innocent, I cannot answer him;
I must appeal to my accuser for my right.(A)
16 If I summoned him and he answered me,
I do not believe that he would listen to my voice.
17 For he crushes me with a tempest
and multiplies my wounds without cause;(B)
18 he will not let me get my breath
but fills me with bitterness.(C)
19 If it is a contest of strength, he is the strong one!
If it is a matter of justice, who can summon him?[a]
20 Though I am innocent, my own mouth would condemn me;
though I am blameless, he would prove me perverse.
Footnotes
- 9.19 Compare Gk: Heb me
Job 9:14-20
Christian Standard Bible
14 How then can I answer him
or choose my arguments against him?
15 Even if I were in the right, I could not answer.
I could only beg my Judge for mercy.(A)
16 If I summoned him and he answered me,
I do not believe he would pay attention to what I said.
17 He batters me with a whirlwind(B)
and multiplies my wounds without cause.
18 He doesn’t let me catch my breath
but fills me with bitter experiences.
19 If it is a matter of strength, look, he is the powerful one!(C)
If it is a matter of justice, who can summon(D) him?[a]
20 Even if I were in the right, my own mouth would condemn me;(E)
if I were blameless, my mouth would declare me guilty.
Footnotes
- 9:19 LXX; MT reads me
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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