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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 7:20 If I have sinned, what have I done to You, O watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, so that I am a burden to You?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/7-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/18_Job_07_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 7:20 - Job Continues: Life Seems Futile" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If I have sinned, what have I done to You, O watcher of mankind? 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Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of all humanity? Why make me your target? Am I a burden to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of mankind? Why have you made me your mark? Why have I become a burden to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I have sinned, what have I done to You, O watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, so that I am a burden to You?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, So that I am a burden to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Have I sinned? What have I done to You, Watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, So that I am a burden to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, So that I am a burden to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Have I sinned? What have I done to Thee, O watcher of men? Why hast Thou set me as Thy target, So that I am a burden to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, So that I am a burden to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“If I have sinned, what [harm] have I done to You, O Watcher of mankind? Why have You set me as a target for You, So that I am a burden to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I have sinned, what have I done to you, Watcher of humanity? Why have you made me your target, so that I have become a burden to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I have sinned, what have I done to You, Watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, so that I have become a burden to You? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If I have sinned, what do I unto thee, O thou watcher of men? Why hast thou set me as a mark for thee, So that I am a burden to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Why do you watch us so closely? What's it to you, if I sin? Why am I your target and such a heavy burden? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If I have sinned, what do I unto thee, O thou watcher of men? why hast thou set me as a mark for thee, so that I am a burden to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If I sin, what can I [possibly] do to you since you insist on spying on people? Why do you make me your target? I've become a burden even to myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Are you harmed by my sin, you jailer? Why use me for your target practice? Am I so great a burden to you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So what if I sin? What have I done against you, you observer of humankind? Why have you made me your target? Why burden yourself with me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I have sinned, what have I done to You, O watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, so that I am a burden to You?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If I have sinned--what have I done to you, O watcher of men? Why have you set me as your target? Have I become a burden to you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If I have sinned, what do I do to you, you watcher of men? Why have you set me as a mark for you, so that I am a burden to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I have sinned; what shall I do to thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If I have sinned, what do I do to you, you watcher of men? Why have you set me as a mark for you, so that I am a burden to myself? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I have sinned, what do I do to You, "" O watcher of man? Why have You set me for a mark to You, "" And I am for a burden to myself—and what?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I have sinned, what do I to Thee, O watcher of man? Why hast Thou set me for a mark to Thee, And I am for a burden to myself -- and what?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I sinned; what shall I do to thee, guarding men? wherefore didst thou set me for an assault to thee, and I shall be upon myself for a burden?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I have sinned: what shall I do to thee, O keeper of men? why hast thou set me opposite to thee, and I am become burdensome to myself? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I have sinned; what should I do for you, O keeper of men? Why have you set me against you, so that I have become burdensome even to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If I sin, what do I do to you, O watcher of mortals? Why have you made me your target? Why should I be a burden for you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of humanity? Why have you made me your target? Why have I become a burden to you?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If I have sinned; what have I done to thee, O thou Creator of men? Why hast thou caused me to encounter thee? Thou hast become a burden to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If I have sinned, what shall I do to you, The Maker of Man? Why have you appointed me that I would meet with you, and you have been a burden to me?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If I have sinned, what do I unto Thee, O Thou watcher of men? Why hast Thou set me as a mark for Thee, So that I am a burden to myself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If I have sinned, what shall I be able to do, O thou that understandest the mind of men? why hast thou made me as thine accuser, and <i>why</i> am I a burden to thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/7-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=1137" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/7.htm">Job Continues: Life Seems Futile</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Will You never look away from me, or leave me alone to swallow my spittle? <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: ḥā·ṭā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">If I have sinned,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/6466.htm" title="6466: ’ep̄·‘al (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- Do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, especially to practise.">have I done</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">to You,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5341.htm" title="5341: nō·ṣêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To watch, guard, keep. A primitive root; to guard, in a good sense Or a bad one.">O watcher</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of mankind?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lā·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: śam·ta·nî (V-Qal-Perf-2ms:: 1cs) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">have You made me</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">Your</a> <a href="/hebrew/4645.htm" title="4645: lə·mip̄·gā‘ (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Something hit, a mark. From paga'; an object of attack.">target,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wā·’eh·yeh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">so that I am</a> <a href="/hebrew/4853.htm" title="4853: lə·maś·śā (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- From nasa'; a burden; specifically, tribute, or porterage; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire.">a burden</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to You?</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Why do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For soon I will lie down in the dust; You will seek me, but I will be no more.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Psalm 51:4</a></span><br />Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Psalm 139:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4</a></span><br />what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/32-5.htm">Psalm 32:5</a></span><br />Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-12.htm">Isaiah 59:12</a></span><br />For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us. Our transgressions are indeed with us, and we know our iniquities:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/14-7.htm">Jeremiah 14:7</a></span><br />Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-39.htm">Lamentations 3:39</a></span><br />Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30</a></span><br />Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-46.htm">1 Kings 8:46</a></span><br />When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to his own land, whether far or near,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/6-36.htm">2 Chronicles 6:36</a></span><br />When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to a land far or near,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a></span><br />for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/7-24.htm">Romans 7:24</a></span><br />What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-12.htm">Romans 14:12</a></span><br />So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">1 John 1:8-9</a></span><br />If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. / If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Hebrews 4:13</a></span><br />Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I have sinned; what shall I do to you, O you preserver of men? why have you set me as a mark against you, so that I am a burden to myself?</p><p class="hdg">I have sinned.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/9-29.htm">Job 9:29-31</a></b></br> <i>If</i> I be wicked, why then labour I in vain? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-26.htm">Job 13:26</a></b></br> For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/14-16.htm">Job 14:16</a></b></br> For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?</p><p class="hdg">O thou preserver.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/9-6.htm">Nehemiah 9:6</a></b></br> Thou, <i>even</i> thou, <i>art</i> LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all <i>things</i> that <i>are</i> therein, the seas, and all that <i>is</i> therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/36-6.htm">Psalm 36:6</a></b></br> Thy righteousness <i>is</i> like the great mountains; thy judgments <i>are</i> a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.</p><p class="hdg">why hast.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/7-12.htm">Job 7:12</a></b></br> <i>Am</i> I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/6-4.htm">Job 6:4</a></b></br> For the arrows of the Almighty <i>are</i> within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/16-12.htm">Job 16:12-14</a></b></br> I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken <i>me</i> by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark… </p><p class="hdg">I am.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/7-11.htm">Job 7:11</a></b></br> Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/3-24.htm">Job 3:24</a></b></br> For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/8-11.htm">Assault</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-11.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/esther/2-15.htm">Keeper</a> <a href="/job/5-3.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/job/6-21.htm">Object</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-3.htm">Preserver</a> <a href="/job/5-24.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/job/2-10.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-15.htm">Target</a> <a href="/daniel/4-23.htm">Watcher</a> <a href="/job/7-3.htm">Weariness</a> <a href="/job/6-30.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/62-3.htm">Assault</a> <a href="/job/16-10.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/job/33-7.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/job/27-18.htm">Keeper</a> <a href="/job/10-14.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/psalms/80-6.htm">Object</a> <a href="/psalms/116-6.htm">Preserver</a> <a href="/job/7-21.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/job/8-4.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/job/16-12.htm">Target</a> <a href="/daniel/4-13.htm">Watcher</a> <a href="/job/16-7.htm">Weariness</a> <a href="/job/8-3.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Job 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/7-1.htm">Job excuses his desire of death.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/7-12.htm">He complains of his own restlessness, and reasons with God.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If I have sinned</b><br>Job is questioning whether his suffering is due to personal sin. This reflects the common belief in ancient times that suffering was directly linked to sin. The book of Job challenges this notion, showing that suffering can occur for reasons beyond human understanding. This phrase invites reflection on the nature of sin and its consequences, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/john/9-2.htm">John 9:2-3</a>, where Jesus explains that not all suffering is a result of personal sin.<p><b>what have I done to You</b><br>Job is expressing confusion and frustration, questioning what he could have possibly done to deserve such intense suffering. This reflects a deep sense of bewilderment and a desire for understanding. It echoes the human struggle to comprehend divine justice and the reasons behind personal trials, similar to the lamentations found in Psalms, such as <a href="/psalms/22.htm">Psalm 22:1</a>.<p><b>O watcher of mankind?</b><br>This phrase acknowledges God's omniscience and His role as the overseer of human actions. The term "watcher" suggests a God who is attentive and aware of human affairs. This concept is consistent with passages like <a href="/psalms/121-3.htm">Psalm 121:3-4</a>, which describe God as a vigilant guardian. It also raises questions about the nature of divine observation—whether it is protective, judgmental, or both.<p><b>Why have You made me Your target</b><br>Job feels singled out by God for suffering, as if he is being specifically targeted. This imagery of being a target suggests a sense of persecution and highlights Job's feeling of being unjustly afflicted. It resonates with the experiences of other biblical figures who felt abandoned or targeted by God, such as David in <a href="/psalms/38-2.htm">Psalm 38:2</a>.<p><b>so that I am a burden to You?</b><br>Job perceives himself as a burden to God, which reflects his deep sense of worthlessness and despair. This phrase underscores the intensity of Job's suffering and his feeling of being a source of trouble to God. It invites reflection on the nature of human suffering and its place in the divine plan, as well as the assurance found in scriptures like <a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a>, where Jesus offers rest to the weary.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning God's justice.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Watcher of men)</a></b><br>Referred to as the "Watcher of men," highlighting His omniscience and omnipresence. Job addresses God directly, questioning His actions and intentions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_suffering.htm">Job's Suffering</a></b><br>The context of this verse is Job's lament over his suffering, which he perceives as unjust and overwhelming. He feels targeted by God despite his innocence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_omniscience.htm">Understanding God's Omniscience</a></b><br>Recognize that God is the "Watcher of men," fully aware of our actions, thoughts, and struggles. This awareness should lead us to live transparently before Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_suffering.htm">The Reality of Suffering</a></b><br>Suffering is a part of the human experience, and even the righteous may endure hardships. Job's account reminds us that suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/q/questioning_and_faith.htm">Questioning and Faith</a></b><br>It is natural to question God during times of suffering, as Job did. However, maintaining faith and seeking understanding through prayer and scripture is crucial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_justice.htm">God's Sovereignty and Justice</a></b><br>Trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when His ways are beyond our understanding. Job's account encourages us to hold onto faith amidst trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_personal_sin.htm">Reflecting on Personal Sin</a></b><br>While Job questions his sinfulness, it is important for us to regularly reflect on our own lives, confessing and repenting of sin, and seeking God's forgiveness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_7_20_conflict_with_nt's_grace.htm">Does Job 7:20’s portrayal of God as a watcher or observer of human sin conflict with the New Testament depiction of a forgiving, grace-filled God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_doubting_god.htm">What is questioning God's actions or existence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_fallen_angels.htm">What are fallen angels?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_10_7_conflict_with_'all_have_sinned'.htm">In Job 10:7, Job insists he is innocent—does this conflict with the broader biblical teaching that all have sinned? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">I have sinned</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, "Putting the case that I have sinned, yet what then can I do unto Thee, O thou keeper of men? "with a possible allusion to <a href="/job/7-12.htm" title="Am I a sea, or a whale, that you set a watch over me?">Job 7:12</a>, though the verb is not the same.<p><span class= "bld">O thou preserver of men.</span>--"Why hast Thou set me as a mark for Thee to expend all Thine arrows upon?" or, "Why hast Thou made me to be Thy stumbling-block, so that Thou ever comest into collision against me, so that I am become a burden to myself?"<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I have sinned</span>. This is not so much a confession as a concession, equivalent to "Granting that I have sinned," or, "Suppose that I have sinned." In that case, <span class="cmt_word">What shall I do unto thee?</span> or, <span class="accented">What can I do for thee?</span> How is it in my power to do anything? <span class="cmt_word">Can I undo the past?</span> Or can I make compensation in the future? Neither seems to Job to be possible<span class="cmt_word">. O thou Preserver of men</span>; rather, <span class="accented">thou Observer of</span> men. A continuation of the complaint that God's eye is always upon him<span class="cmt_word">. Why hast thou set me as a mark against thee?</span> "A mark" (<span class="hebrew">מפגע</span>) is either "a butt," "a target for arrows," or else "an obstacle," "a stumbling-block," which God, by repeated blows, is removing out of his way. The latter meaning is preferred by Schultens and Professor Lee; the former by Rosenmuller and our Revisers. <span class="cmt_word">So that I am a burden to myself</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/38-4.htm">Psalm 38:4</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/7-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If I have sinned,</span><br /><span class="heb">חָטָ֡אתִי</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ṭā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">מָ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have I done to You,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶפְעַ֨ל ׀</span> <span class="translit">(’ep̄·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6466.htm">Strong's 6466: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make, to practise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O Watcher</span><br /><span class="heb">נֹצֵ֪ר</span> <span class="translit">(nō·ṣêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5341.htm">Strong's 5341: </a> </span><span class="str2">To watch, guard, keep</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of mankind?</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָ֫דָ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֤מָה</span> <span class="translit">(lā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have You made me</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׂמְתַּ֣נִי</span> <span class="translit">(śam·ta·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Your target,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמִפְגָּ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mip̄·gā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4645.htm">Strong's 4645: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something hit, a mark</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that I am</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאֶהְיֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’eh·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a burden</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַשָּֽׂא׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·maś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4853.htm">Strong's 4853: </a> </span><span class="str2">A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to You?</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלַ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/7-20.htm">Job 7:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/7-20.htm">Job 7:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/7-20.htm">Job 7:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/7-20.htm">Job 7:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/7-20.htm">Job 7:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/7-20.htm">Job 7:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/7-20.htm">Job 7:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/7-20.htm">Job 7:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/7-20.htm">Job 7:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/7-20.htm">Job 7:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/7-20.htm">OT Poetry: Job 7:20 If I have sinned what do (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/7-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 7:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 7:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/7-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 7:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 7:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>