2 "Indeed, I know that this is true. But how can mere mortals prove their innocence before God?

Other Translations of Job 9:2

King James Version

2 I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God with God: or, before God?

English Standard Version

2 "Truly I know that it is so: But how can a man be in the right before God?

The Message

2 "So what's new? I know all this. The question is, 'How can mere mortals get right with God?'

New King James Version

2 "Truly I know it is so, But how can a man be righteous before God?

New Living Translation

2 "Yes, I know all this is true in principle. But how can a person be declared innocent in God's sight?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 9:2

Commentary on Job 9:1-13

(Read Job 9:1-13)

In this answer Job declared that he did not doubt the justice of God, when he denied himself to be a hypocrite; for how should man be just with God? Before him he pleaded guilty of sins more than could be counted; and if God should contend with him in judgment, he could not justify one out of a thousand, of all the thoughts, words, and actions of his life; therefore he deserved worse than all his present sufferings. When Job mentions the wisdom and power of God, he forgets his complaints. We are unfit to judge of God's proceedings, because we know not what he does, or what he designs. God acts with power which no creature can resist. Those who think they have strength enough to help others, will not be able to help themselves against it.