23 If the scourge slay suddenly, he will laugh at the trial of the innocent.

Other Translations of Job 9:23

New International Version

23 When a scourge brings sudden death, he mocks the despair of the innocent.

English Standard Version

23 When disaster brings sudden death, he mocks at the calamityThe meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain of the innocent.

The Message

23 When calamity hits and brings sudden death, he folds his arms, aloof from the despair of the innocent.

New King James Version

23 If the scourge slays suddenly, He laughs at the plight of the innocent.

New Living Translation

23 When a plague sweeps through, he laughs at the death of the innocent.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 9:23

Commentary on Job 9:22-24

(Read Job 9:22-24)

Job touches briefly upon the main point now in dispute. His friends maintained that those who are righteous and good, always prosper in this world, and that none but the wicked are in misery and distress: he said, on the contrary, that it is a common thing for the wicked to prosper, and the righteous to be greatly afflicted. Yet there is too much passion in what Job here says, for God doth not afflict willingly. When the spirit is heated with dispute or with discontent, we have need to set a watch before our lips.