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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 9:20 Even if I were righteous, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would declare me guilty.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/9-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/18_Job_09_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 9:20 - Job: How Can I Argue with God?" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Even if I were righteous, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would declare me guilty." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/9-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/9-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/9-19.htm" title="Job 9:19">◄</a> Job 9:20 <a href="/job/9-21.htm" title="Job 9:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Though I am innocent, my own mouth would pronounce me guilty. Though I am blameless, it would prove me wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Though I am in the right, my own mouth would condemn me; though I am blameless, he would prove me perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even if I were righteous, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would declare me guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: <i>if I say</i>, I <i>am</i> perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Though I were righteous, my own mouth would condemn me; Though I <i>were</i> blameless, it would prove me perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Though I am righteous, my mouth will condemn me; Though I am guiltless, He will declare me guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Though I am righteous, my mouth will condemn me; Though I am guiltless, He will declare me guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Though I am righteous, my mouth will condemn me; Though I am guiltless, He will declare me guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Though I am righteous, my mouth will condemn me; Though I am blameless, He will declare me perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Though I am innocent <i>and</i> in the right, my own mouth would pronounce me guilty; Though I am blameless, He would denounce me as guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even if I were in the right, my own mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, my mouth would declare me guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even if I were in the right, my own mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, my mouth would declare me guilty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me: Though I be perfect, it shall prove me perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Even if I were innocent, God would prove me wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me: though I be perfect, it shall prove me perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If I am righteous, my own mouth would condemn me. It would declare that I am corrupt even if I am a man of integrity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I am innocent and faithful, but my words sound guilty, and everything I say seems to condemn me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Though I'm in the right, my own mouth will condemn me; though I'm blameless, he'll pronounce me as guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even if I were righteous, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would declare me guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Although I am innocent, my mouth would condemn me; although I am blameless, it would declare me perverse. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Though I am righteous, my own mouth shall condemn me. Though I am blameless, it shall prove me perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If I justify myself, my own mouth will condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, that also will prove me perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Though I am righteous, my own mouth will condemn me. Though I am blameless, it will prove me perverse. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />If I am righteous, my mouth declares me wicked; [If] I am perfect, it declares me perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> If I be righteous, Mine mouth doth declare me wicked, Perfect I am! -- it declareth me perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If I shall be just, my mouth shall condemn me: I am blameless, and he will declare me perverse.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If I would justify myself, my own mouth shall condemn me: if I would shew myself innocent, he shall prove me wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If I wanted to justify myself, my own mouth will condemn me; if I would reveal my innocence, he would prove me depraved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Though I were right, my own mouth might condemn me; were I innocent, it might put me in the wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Though I am innocent, my own mouth would condemn me; though I am blameless, he would prove me perverse.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If I justify myself, my own mouth shall condemn me; though I say I am pure, he shall also prove me perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If I shall claim innocence, my mouth will condemn me. I am perfect and I am perverted<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me; Though I be innocent, He shall prove me perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For though I should seem righteous, my mouth will be profane: and though I should seem blameless, I shall be proved perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/9-20.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=1396" 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/9.htm">Job: How Can I Argue with God?</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>If it is a matter of strength, He is indeed mighty! If it is a matter of justice, who can summon Him? <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">Even if</a> <a href="/hebrew/6663.htm" title="6663: ’eṣ·dāq (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To be just or righteous. A primitive root; to be right.">I were righteous,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">my mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/7561.htm" title="7561: yar·šî·‘ê·nî (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To be wicked, act wickedly. A primitive root; to be wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate.">would condemn me;</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ā·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">if I</a> <a href="/hebrew/8535.htm" title="8535: tām- (Adj-ms) -- Complete. From tamam; complete; usually pious; specifically, gentle, dear.">were blameless,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6140.htm" title="6140: way·ya‘·qə·šê·nî (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To twist. A primitive root; to knot or distort; figuratively, to pervert.">it would declare me guilty.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Though I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.…<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="/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="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/143-2.htm">Psalm 143:2</a></span><br />Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">1 John 1:8-10</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. / If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:20</a></span><br />Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Romans 3:10-12</a></span><br />As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. / There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. / All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a></span><br />We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-9.htm">Proverbs 20:9</a></span><br />Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4</a></span><br />My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-19.htm">Luke 18:19</a></span><br />“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18-19</a></span><br />I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. / For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Philippians 3:9</a></span><br />and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-37.htm">Matthew 12:37</a></span><br />For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/130-3.htm">Psalm 130:3</a></span><br />If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-1.htm">Romans 2:1</a></span><br />You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If I justify myself, my own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.</p><p class="hdg">justify</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/9-2.htm">Job 9:2</a></b></br> I know <i>it is</i> so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/4-17.htm">Job 4:17</a></b></br> Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/32-1.htm">Job 32:1,2</a></b></br> So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he <i>was</i> righteous in his own eyes… </p><p class="hdg">mine</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/15-5.htm">Job 15:5,6</a></b></br> For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-35.htm">Job 34:35</a></b></br> Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words <i>were</i> without wisdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/35-16.htm">Job 35:16</a></b></br> Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.</p><p class="hdg">I am perfect</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/1-1.htm">Job 1:1</a></b></br> There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name <i>was</i> Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12-15</a></b></br> Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus… </p><p class="hdg">it shall</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/33-8.htm">Job 33:8-13</a></b></br> Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of <i>thy</i> words, <i>saying</i>, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Proverbs 17:20</a></b></br> He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/6-5.htm">1 Timothy 6:5</a></b></br> Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/8-20.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Condemn</a> <a href="/esther/4-12.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/esther/4-9.htm">Declareth</a> <a href="/job/8-20.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-9.htm">Guiltless</a> <a href="/ezra/10-19.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/job/9-15.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/esther/7-4.htm">Justify</a> <a href="/job/8-21.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/job/8-20.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/job/6-30.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-7.htm">Pronounce</a> <a href="/job/6-25.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/job/9-15.htm">Right</a> <a href="/job/9-15.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/job/8-22.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/job/8-22.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/job/8-3.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/9-21.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/job/10-2.htm">Condemn</a> <a href="/job/12-7.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/job/15-6.htm">Declareth</a> <a href="/job/10-17.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/job/9-21.htm">Guiltless</a> <a href="/job/9-29.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/job/9-21.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/job/27-5.htm">Justify</a> <a href="/job/12-11.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/job/9-21.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/job/16-11.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/psalms/72-17.htm">Pronounce</a> <a href="/job/19-5.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/job/9-35.htm">Right</a> <a href="/job/10-15.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/job/9-22.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/job/9-22.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/job/9-21.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Job 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/9-1.htm">Job acknowledges God's justice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/9-22.htm">Man's innocence is not to be condemned by afflictions</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'; 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The term "righteous" here refers to being morally upright and in right standing with God. Job acknowledges that even if he were truly righteous, it would not necessarily change his situation. This reflects the biblical theme that human righteousness is insufficient before God’s perfect holiness (<a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a>). Job’s statement foreshadows the New Testament teaching that righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not through human effort (<a href="/romans/3-22.htm">Romans 3:22</a>).<p><b>my mouth would condemn me</b><br>Job is expressing the futility of self-justification. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, words held significant power, and one's own words could be used as evidence against them. This phrase highlights the biblical principle that humans are inherently flawed and that self-defense is often inadequate (<a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a>). It also points to the need for a mediator, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who intercedes on behalf of believers (<a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a>).<p><b>if I were blameless</b><br>The term "blameless" is used in the Old Testament to describe someone who is complete or has integrity, like Noah (<a href="/genesis/6-9.htm">Genesis 6:9</a>) and Job himself (<a href="/job/1.htm">Job 1:1</a>). Job’s assertion that even his blamelessness would not suffice underscores the idea that human standards of blamelessness fall short of divine standards. This anticipates the New Testament revelation that true blamelessness is found in Christ, who was without sin (<a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Hebrews 4:15</a>).<p><b>it would declare me guilty</b><br>Job acknowledges that even if he were blameless, he would still be found guilty, emphasizing the theme of human inadequacy before God’s judgment. This reflects the biblical understanding that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (<a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a>). Job’s plight points to the necessity of divine grace and the ultimate redemption found in Jesus, who took upon Himself the guilt of humanity (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21</a>).<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, known for his immense suffering and his quest to understand the reasons behind it.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign Creator who allows Job's faith to be tested by Satan. Job's discourse in chapter 9 is directed towards understanding God's justice and power.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/satan.htm">Satan</a></b><br>The adversary who challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that Job is faithful only because of his prosperity and protection from God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to comfort him but end up arguing that his suffering must be due to some hidden sin.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_heavenly_court.htm">The Heavenly Court</a></b><br>The setting in the early chapters of Job where God and Satan discuss Job's faithfulness, setting the stage for the trials Job faces.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_human_righteousness.htm">The Limitations of Human Righteousness</a></b><br>Job acknowledges that even if he were righteous, his own words could betray him. This highlights the limitations of human righteousness and the need for divine grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_self-condemnation.htm">The Nature of Self-Condemnation</a></b><br>Job's statement reflects the human tendency to self-condemn, reminding believers to rely on God's judgment rather than their own flawed self-assessment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humility.htm">The Importance of Humility</a></b><br>Recognizing our inability to justify ourselves before God should lead to humility and a deeper reliance on His mercy and grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_suffering.htm">The Role of Faith in Suffering</a></b><br>Job's struggle with understanding his suffering encourages believers to maintain faith even when God's ways are beyond comprehension.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_a_mediator.htm">The Need for a Mediator</a></b><br>Job's predicament points to the need for a mediator between God and man, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who advocates on our behalf.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_job's_words_contain_any_sin.htm">Did Job's words contain any sin?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_are_noah_and_job_called_righteous.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:20 claims no one is righteous--how does this align with biblical figures like Noah and Job who are described as righteous?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_job_both_wicked_and_blameless.htm">In Job 22:5, Eliphaz accuses Job of great wickedness, yet Job 1:1 calls him blameless; how do we resolve this apparent contradiction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_injustices_persist_if_karma_is_true.htm">If 'a man reaps what he sows' (Galatians 6:7) is universally true, why do injustices and unmerited suffering persist?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me</span>. Since he could not <span class="accented">wholly</span> justify himself. "All men have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (<a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a>). Job has already admitted the utterance of "rash words" (<a href="/job/6-3.htm">Job 6:3</a>), and, at least hypothetically, that he "has sinned" (<a href="/job/7-20.htm">Job 7:20</a>), and needs "pardon" for his "transgression" (Job 7:24). Job, if he tried to "justify himself," would have to acknowledge such shortcomings, such imperfections, such sins - at any rate, of infirmity - as would make his attempted justification a real self-condemnation. <span class="cmt_word">If I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse</span>; rather, <span class="accented">even were</span> I <span class="accented">perfect</span> <span class="accented">it</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> my mouth) <span class="accented">would prove me perverse</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> supposing I were actually perfect, and tried to prove it, my speech would be so hesitating and confused, that I should only seem to be perverse. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/9-20.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">Even if</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I were righteous,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֭צְדָּק</span> <span class="translit">(’eṣ·dāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6663.htm">Strong's 6663: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be just or righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(pî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">would condemn me;</span><br /><span class="heb">יַרְשִׁיעֵ֑נִי</span> <span class="translit">(yar·šî·‘ê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7561.htm">Strong's 7561: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, wrong, to disturb, violate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֝֗נִי</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were blameless,</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּֽם־</span> <span class="translit">(tām-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8535.htm">Strong's 8535: </a> </span><span class="str2">Complete, pious, gentle, dear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it would declare me guilty.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיַּעְקְשֵֽׁנִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya‘·qə·šê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6140.htm">Strong's 6140: </a> </span><span class="str2">To knot, distort, to pervert</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/9-20.htm">Job 9:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/9-20.htm">Job 9:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/9-20.htm">Job 9:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/9-20.htm">Job 9:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/9-20.htm">Job 9:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/9-20.htm">Job 9:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/9-20.htm">Job 9:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/9-20.htm">Job 9:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/9-20.htm">Job 9:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/9-20.htm">Job 9:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/9-20.htm">OT Poetry: Job 9:20 Though I am righteous my own mouth (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/9-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 9:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 9:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/9-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 9:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 9:21" /></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>