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
International Standard Version
14 So how am I to answer him,
choosing what I am to say to him?
15 Even if I’m in the right,
I cannot answer him.
I can only appeal for mercy.
16 “Were I to be summoned, and he were to answer me,
I wouldn’t even believe
that he was listening to what I have to say.[a]
17 For he crushes me with a storm,
and keeps on wounding me for no reason.
18 He won’t let me catch my breath;
instead, he fills me with bitterness.
19 “Is this a contest of strength? He is obviously stronger!
Is this a matter of justice? Who can sue him?
20 Though I’m in the right, my own mouth will condemn me;
though I’m blameless, he’ll pronounce me as guilty.
Footnotes
- Job 9:16 Lit. to my voice
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