I am pure
The Hebrew word for "pure" is "zak," which conveys a sense of being clean or innocent. In the context of Job, this declaration of purity is significant because Job is asserting his righteousness and integrity before God and his friends. Historically, purity was not only a physical state but also a moral and spiritual condition. Job's claim reflects his understanding of his own heart and actions, aligning with the biblical theme that God desires purity of heart (Psalm 24:4).

without transgression
The term "transgression" in Hebrew is "pesha," which refers to rebellion or willful sin. Job's assertion that he is "without transgression" emphasizes his belief that he has not consciously rebelled against God's laws. This is crucial in the narrative, as Job's friends accuse him of hidden sins. Theologically, this highlights the struggle of the righteous who suffer, challenging the simplistic view that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin.

I am clean
The Hebrew word "bar" is used here, meaning pure or free from guilt. Job's insistence on being "clean" underscores his internal conviction of innocence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, cleanliness was often associated with ritual purity, but Job speaks of a deeper, moral cleanliness. This reflects the biblical principle that true cleanliness is a matter of the heart, as seen in Psalm 51:10, where David asks God to create a pure heart within him.

without iniquity
"Iniquity" in Hebrew is "avon," which denotes guilt or moral perversity. Job's claim of being "without iniquity" is a bold statement of his moral standing. In the broader scriptural context, iniquity often refers to the inherent sinfulness of humanity (Isaiah 53:6). Job's assertion is not of sinless perfection but rather a defense against the accusations of specific, unrepented sins. This highlights the biblical theme of integrity and the importance of a clear conscience before God.

1. Job
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 the reasons behind it.

2. Elihu
A younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He challenges Job's assertions of innocence and offers a different perspective on suffering and divine justice.

3. The Dialogue
This verse is part of Elihu's speech, where he quotes Job's claims of innocence to address Job's understanding of his suffering.Understanding Human Nature
Job's claim of purity reflects a common human tendency to view oneself as righteous. However, Scripture teaches that all have sinned and need God's grace.

The Role of Suffering
Elihu suggests that suffering can be a tool for spiritual growth and correction, not necessarily a punishment for sin.

The Importance of Humility
Recognizing our own limitations and sinfulness is crucial in our relationship with God. Humility opens the door to God's grace and transformation.

God's Perspective vs. Human Perspective
Our understanding of purity and righteousness is limited. God's perspective is perfect and encompasses His justice and mercy.

The Need for Repentance
Even when we feel innocent, it's important to maintain a posture of repentance and seek God's guidance and forgiveness.(9) I am clean without transgression.--Job has nowhere used this language; but many of his statements were capable of being so perverted and misrepresented (Job 9:20-21; Job 16:17; Job 23:10-12; Job 27:5-6). This shows that Elihu even was incapable of entering fully into Job's position. He did not understand that a man could alone be righteous in proportion as he trusted God, but that, trusting God, he was righteous with His righteousness. This was the truth that Job dimly perceived and was faintly, though surely, striving after; and to his friends it was unintelligible, and not wholly apprehended by Elihu.

Verse 9. - I am clean without transgression, I am innocent. Job had not said that he was "clean," or "without transgression," or "innocent." With respect to "cleanness," he had observed, "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one," implying that all men were unclean (see Job 14:4). Concerning ,'transgressions," he had declared, "I have sinned... Why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity?" (Job 7:20, 21); and again, "Thou makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth" (Job 13:26). Further, he had asked to be told the number of his iniquities and sins (Job 13:23), and declared that God kept his transgressions and iniquities sewn up and sealed in a bag (Job 14:17). With regard to "innocence," the only observation that he had made was, "I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent" (Job 9:28). What he had really asserted was his uprightness, his integrity, his "righteousness" (Job 12:4: 16:17; 23. 7; 27:5, 6; 31:5-40). And these are exactly what God bore witness to (Job 1:8; Job 2:3). It is plain, then, that Elihu overstated his ease, and, whatever his intentions were, was practically almost as unfair to Job as the "comforters." Neither is there iniquity in me. Nor had Job said this. He had frequently acknowledged the contrary (see Job 7:21; Job 13:26; Job 14:17).

Parallel Commentaries ...


‘I
אֲנִ֗י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am pure,
זַ֥ךְ (zaḵ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2134: Pure, clean

without
בְּֽלִ֫י (bə·lî)
Adverb
Strong's 1097: Failure, nothing, destruction, without, not yet, because not, as long as

transgression;
פָ֥שַׁע (p̄ā·ša‘)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6588: Transgression

I
אָנֹכִ֑י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

am clean,
חַ֥ף (ḥap̄)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2643: Clean

with no
וְלֹ֖א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

iniquity
עָוֺ֣ן (‘ā·wōn)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity

in me.
לִֽי׃ (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew


Job 33:9 NIV
Job 33:9 NLT
Job 33:9 ESV
Job 33:9 NASB
Job 33:9 KJV

Job 33:9 BibleApps.com
Job 33:9 Biblia Paralela
Job 33:9 Chinese Bible
Job 33:9 French Bible
Job 33:9 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Job 33:9 I am clean without disobedience (Jb)