Job 9:19

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 9:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “If [we speak] of strength, lo, [he is] mighty! And if of justice, Who, [saith he], will summon me?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

If [we speak] of strength, lo, [he is] mighty! And if of justice, Who, [saith he], will summon me?
Job 9:19 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19If [we speak] of strength, lo, [he is] mighty! And if of justice, Who, [saith he], will summon me?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“If [I speak] of strength, lo, [he is] strong, etc.] Or think of it, or betake myself to that, and propose to carry my point by mere force, as some men do by dint of power and authority they are possessed of; alas! there is nothing to be done this way; I am a poor, weak, feeble creature in body, mind, and estate; I am not able to contend with so powerful an antagonist on any account, in any way: God is strong, he is the “most strong” f393, as some render it; he is mighty, is the Almighty; the weakness of God is stronger than men; there is no disputing with God upon the foot of strength: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time [to plead]? If I think and propose to put things upon the foot…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“UMBREIT takes these as the words of God, translating, "What availeth the might of the strong?" "Here (saith he) behold! what availeth justice? Who will appoint me a time to plead?" (So Jer 49:19). The last words certainly apply better to God than to Job. The sense is substantially the same if we make "me" apply to Job. The "lo!" expresses God's swift readiness for battle when challenged.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong - There has been a considerable variety in the interpretation of this passage. The meaning seems to be this. It refers to a judicial contest, and Job is speaking of the effect if he and God were to come to a trial, and the cause were to be settled before judges. He is urging reasons why he would have no hope of success in such a case. He says, therefore, “If the matter pertained only to strength, or if it were to be determined by strength, lo, he is more mighty than I am, and I could have no hope of success in such a controversy: and if the controversy was one of judgment, that is, of justice or right, I have no one to manage my cause - no one that…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“If - If my cause were to be decided by power. Is Strong - Stronger than I. Judgment - If I would contend with him in a way of right. Who - There is no superior judge that can summon him and me together. Job 9:20”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he is strong: Job 9:4, Job 36:17-19, Job 40:9, Job 40:10; Psa 62:11; Mat 6:13; Co1 1:25, Co1 10:22 who shall: Job 9:32, Job 9:33, Job 31:35, Job 33:5-7 Job 9:20”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification