I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.

JOB 10:2KJV
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Job 10:2 (KJV)

What does Job 10:2 mean?

Job 10:2 shows Job speaking directly to God, pleading not to be condemned without explanation and asking God to reveal the reason for His opposition. Job is seeking understanding about why he is suffering and wants God to explain what he has done to deserve such treatment.

Job is the speaker here, addressing God in the midst of his suffering and confusion. He feels wrongly accused and is desperate for an answer, wanting God to show him the cause of his distress. This verse captures Job’s honest struggle to make sense of his pain and his desire for a fair explanation from God.

The Hebrew behind Job 10:2

  • "condemn" (רָשַׁע, rāshaʿ): This word often means to declare someone wicked or guilty. Job is asking God not to judge him as wicked without cause, highlighting Job’s sense of innocence and confusion about his suffering.
  • "shew" (יָדַע, yādaʿ): This word means "to make known" or "to reveal." Job is not just asking for comfort but for understanding—he wants God to clearly explain the reason behind his suffering.
  • "contendest" (רִיב, rīv): This word means "to strive" or "to bring a legal case against." Job feels as if God is acting like an opponent in a lawsuit, and he wants to know the charges against him.

Why Job 10:2 matters

  • Job 10:2 clears up the idea that Job is passively accepting his fate; instead, he is actively seeking answers and justice from God.
  • The verse emphasizes Job’s relationship with God as deeply personal—Job is not afraid to question or plead with God directly.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of the book, where Job repeatedly asks for an explanation for his suffering, highlighting the struggle to understand undeserved pain.

Where else these words appear

“condemn” Hebrew H7561 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 22:9 For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
  • Job 9:29 If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain?
  • Psalms 94:21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.

“God” Hebrew H433 · used in 56 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
  • Job 15:8 Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?
  • Job 33:12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.

“contendest” Hebrew H7378 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 26:20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
  • Nehemiah 13:11 Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.
  • Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.