Job 9:29

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

If I be wicked, why then labor I in vain?

American King James Version (AKJV)

If I be wicked, why then labor I in vain?

American Standard Version (ASV)

I shall be condemned; Why then do I labor in vain?

Basic English Translation (BBE)

You will not let me be clear of sin! why then do I take trouble for nothing?

Webster's Revision

If I am wicked, why then do I labor in vain?

World English Bible

I shall be condemned. Why then do I labor in vain?

English Revised Version (ERV)

I shall be condemned; why then do I labour in vain?

Definitions for Job 9:29

Vain - Empty; foolish; useless.

Clarke's Job 9:29 Bible Commentary

If I be wicked - If I am the sinner you suppose me to be, in vain should I labor to counterfeit joy, and cease to complain of my sufferings.

Barnes's Job 9:29 Bible Commentary

If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain? - The word "if," here introduced by our translators, greatly obscures the sense. The meaning evidently is, "I am held to be guilty, and cannot answer to that charge. God regards me as such, and if I should attempt to meet him on the charge, it would be a vain attempt; and I must admit its truth. It would be labor in vain to deny it against one so mighty as he is." This interpretation accords with the argument in the whole chapter. Job maintains that it would be in vain to contend with God, and he gives up the argument in despair. It is quite evident, however, that he does not do it so much because he is convinced himself, as because he knows that God is great, and that it would be useless to contend with him. There is evidently implied all along the feeling that if he was able to cope with God in the argument, the result would be different. As it is, he submits - not because he is convinced, but because he is weak; not because he sees that God is right, but because he sees that he is powerful. How much submission of this kind is there in the world - submision, not to right, but to power; submission to God, not because he is seen to be wise and good, but because he is seen to be almighty, and it is vain to attempt to oppose him! It is needless to say that such feelings evince no true submission.

Wesley's Job 9:29 Bible Commentary

9:29 I shall - I shall be used like a wicked man still.Why - Why then should I comfort myself with vain hopes of deliverance, as thou advisest me.

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