Job 9 · Verse 14

Job 9:14

How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?
Job 9:14, King James Version

Job 9:14 in other translations

BSBHow then can I answer Him or choose my arguments against Him?
WEBHow much less will I answer him, and choose my words to argue with him?
ASVHow much less shall I answer him, And choose out my words to reason with him?
YLTHow much less do I--I answer Him? Choose out my words with Him?
DARBYHow much less shall I answer him, choose out my words to strive with him?
BBEHow much less may I give an answer to him, using the right words in argument with him?
WebsterHow much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?

What does Job 9:14 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
14. 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.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 14 How 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?

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Job 9:14-21
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 knew so much of himself, that he durst not stand a trial. If we say, We have no sin, we not only deceive ourselves, but we affront God; for we sin in saying so, and give the lie to the Scripture. But Job reflected on God's goodness and justice in saying his affliction was without cause.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain

Job 9:14 in the original Hebrew

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

אַ֭ף'afindeed?H637
כִּֽי\־ki-forH3588
אָנֹכִ֣י'a.no.KhiIH595
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑נּוּ'e.'e.Ne.nuI will answer himH6030
אֶבְחֲרָ֖ה'ev.cha.RahI will chooseH977
דְבָרַ֣יde.va.Raiwords myH1697
עִמּֽוֹ\׃i.Mowith himH5973

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Job 9:14

  • Job 11:4-5

    For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes. But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;

  • Job 4:19

    How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?

  • Job 9:3

    If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.

  • Job 23:7

    There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

  • Job 23:4

    I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

  • 1 Kings 8:27

    But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

  • Job 25:6

    How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?

  • Job 33:5

    If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
How much.
4:19; 25:6; 1Ki 8:27
shall I.
11:4,5
choose.
23:4,7; 33:5

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Job 9:13

    If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.

  • Job 9:14

    How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?

  • Job 9:15

    Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge.

Read all of Job 9

Job 9:14 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909
¿Cuánto menos le responderé yo, y hablaré con él palabras estudiadas?
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885
Combien moins lui répondrais-je, moi, et choisirais-je mes paroles avec lui!
German
Elberfelder 1871
Wieviel weniger könnte ich ihm antworten, meine Worte wählen ihm gegenüber!
Latin
Clementine Vulgate
Quantus ergo sum ego, ut respondeam ei, et loquar verbis meis cum eo?