Job acknowledges human limitations, yet he longs for a fearless relationship with God.
“Then I would speak and not fear Him; But I am not like that in myself.” (v.35) In this verse, Job concludes his heartfelt discourse by imagining a scenario where he could directly address God without any fear. He laments that if he had the confidence or the rightful standing, he would openly express the depths of his anguish. Yet he acknowledges his own limitations. This highlights Job’s deep reverence and recognition of God’s infinite greatness compared to his own frail and limited human nature. Job, traditionally understood to have lived in the land of Uz sometime before Moses (roughly between 2100 and 1900 BC—during the patriarchal period), grapples with his circumstances while still yearning for communion with the Almighty.
“Then I would speak and not fear Him” (v.35) points to Job’s desire for a relationship that allows for honest dialogue, unimpeded by terror or unworthiness. This longing speaks to our human desire to connect with God and find answers for our suffering. In the fullness of time, Jesus would become the ultimate mediator for humankind (1 Timothy 2:5), allowing believers to approach God with confidence. Job’s condition underlines the profound distance humans feel from the divine when faced with intensely painful trials. While he feels compelled to speak, he is well aware of his insignificance before the Creator.
“But I am not like that in myself” (v.35) underscores Job’s confession that he cannot rely on his own righteousness or ability to navigate his relationship with God. He honestly admits that he does not possess the personal strength to stand before the Lord fearlessly. This foreshadows the gospel truth that it is not by human effort but by God’s grace that we can approach His throne (Ephesians 2:8-9). Job stands as an example of humility, even as he suffers, reminding believers that true confidence before God ultimately rests in divine provision rather than human merit.
Job 9:35 meaning
“Then I would speak and not fear Him; But I am not like that in myself.” (v.35) In this verse, Job concludes his heartfelt discourse by imagining a scenario where he could directly address God without any fear. He laments that if he had the confidence or the rightful standing, he would openly express the depths of his anguish. Yet he acknowledges his own limitations. This highlights Job’s deep reverence and recognition of God’s infinite greatness compared to his own frail and limited human nature. Job, traditionally understood to have lived in the land of Uz sometime before Moses (roughly between 2100 and 1900 BC—during the patriarchal period), grapples with his circumstances while still yearning for communion with the Almighty.
“Then I would speak and not fear Him” (v.35) points to Job’s desire for a relationship that allows for honest dialogue, unimpeded by terror or unworthiness. This longing speaks to our human desire to connect with God and find answers for our suffering. In the fullness of time, Jesus would become the ultimate mediator for humankind (1 Timothy 2:5), allowing believers to approach God with confidence. Job’s condition underlines the profound distance humans feel from the divine when faced with intensely painful trials. While he feels compelled to speak, he is well aware of his insignificance before the Creator.
“But I am not like that in myself” (v.35) underscores Job’s confession that he cannot rely on his own righteousness or ability to navigate his relationship with God. He honestly admits that he does not possess the personal strength to stand before the Lord fearlessly. This foreshadows the gospel truth that it is not by human effort but by God’s grace that we can approach His throne (Ephesians 2:8-9). Job stands as an example of humility, even as he suffers, reminding believers that true confidence before God ultimately rests in divine provision rather than human merit.