אַ֭ף כִּֽי־אָנֹכִ֣י אֶֽעֱנֶ֑נּוּ אֶבְחֲרָ֖ה דְבָרַ֣י עִמֹּֽו׃
(Job 9:14)
How much less shall I answer Him and choose my words with Him?
This verse, coming from Job’s long reply to Bildad, conveys Job’s sense of smallness when standing before God. The Hebrew phrase is tightly woven, but when unpacked word by word, it shows Job’s rhetorical humility: even if he wanted to argue, he admits he could not select his words properly before the Almighty. The beauty of the Hebrew lies not only in its vocabulary but also in the poetic order, where the words mirror Job’s emotional wrestling. Understanding the original helps us feel Job’s hesitation, his trembling, and his reverence before divine judgment.
Word-by-Word Explanation
- אַף כִּי — “how much more / indeed / even if.” This phrase works as a rhetorical intensifier in Hebrew poetry. It heightens Job’s statement, showing that what follows is not just a simple possibility but a recognition of impossibility. In context, Job is saying: “If even the mighty cannot contend with God, how much less I!” This small two-word phrase sets the tone for the entire verse.
- אָנֹכִי — “I.” The emphatic pronoun underscores Job’s personal role in this reflection. Instead of a casual “I,” it has a heavy tone, almost like “As for me, I myself.” This subtlety highlights Job’s vulnerability. Hebrew uses different pronouns strategically, and here אָנֹכִי conveys solemnity and weight.
- אֶעֱנֶנּוּ — “I would answer Him.” From the root עָנָה (“to answer, respond”), Qal imperfect 1cs with 3ms suffix -נּוּ (“him”). Grammatically, it expresses a hypothetical or potential action: “if I were to answer Him.” The suffix “Him” refers directly to God, making this an intimate yet trembling acknowledgement of dialogue with the Divine.
- אֶבְחֲרָה — “I would choose.” From the root בָּחַר (“to choose, select”), Qal cohortative 1cs. The cohortative expresses determination or intent, often softened in translation as “let me choose” or “I would choose.” Here, Job admits that even if given the chance, he would struggle to choose the right words before God.
- דְבָרַי — “my words.” Plural noun from דָּבָר (“word, matter, thing”) with suffix -ַי (“my”). In poetry, “words” can carry weight beyond simple speech, hinting at arguments, claims, or reasons. Job’s point is that even his best-chosen arguments would falter before divine wisdom.
- עִמּוֹ — “with Him.” Preposition עִם (“with”) + 3ms suffix -וֹ (“him”). It conveys closeness, but also confrontation. To “speak with Him” is not mere conversation, but standing in God’s presence and attempting dialogue. The closeness implied makes Job’s statement even more poignant: he feels unworthy to contend “with Him.”
Word Order and Sentence Flow
In Hebrew poetry, word order is flexible but always purposeful. Here, the verse flows with an escalating intensity:
- אַף כִּי־אָנֹכִי אֶעֱנֶנּוּ — “Even if I myself would answer Him…”
The phrase starts with the emphatic “even if,” immediately lowering Job’s sense of confidence. He imagines himself daring to speak before God. - אֶבְחֲרָה דְבָרַי — “I would choose my words…”
Job shifts from the act of answering to the internal struggle of selecting words. Hebrew poetry often pairs action with intention — answering vs. choosing — to highlight the difficulty of expression. - עִמּוֹ — “…with Him.”
The final word lands heavily. The whole verse builds up to this: God is the one Job must answer, and His presence makes every chosen word fragile. By placing “with Him” last, the verse leaves the reader with a lingering sense of awe and hesitation.
This structure mirrors Job’s inner turmoil: the very thought of answering God collapses under the weight of divine presence. Hebrew poetry thrives on this kind of pacing — short clauses, big emotions, and carefully chosen order.
Rhetorical Flow Diagram
| Step | Hebrew Phrase | Meaning | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | אַף כִּי־אָנֹכִי אֶעֱנֶנּוּ | “Even if I would answer Him” | Sets up Job’s hypothetical boldness |
| 2 | אֶבְחֲרָה דְבָרַי | “I would choose my words” | Shows hesitation and carefulness |
| 3 | עִמּוֹ | “with Him” | Final punch — the awe of standing before God |
How the Sentence Works (Beginner’s View)
For a beginner in Hebrew, this verse is a perfect example of how Biblical Hebrew condenses meaning. The little phrase אַף כִּי shows us how Hebrew signals emphasis, something English needs extra words to explain. The verbs are in imperfect and cohortative forms, showing possibility and intent rather than simple past or future. And the placement of עִמּוֹ at the end highlights the emotional climax. Altogether, the verse reveals Job’s heart: bold enough to think about answering God, but aware that every word would be inadequate. The beauty of Hebrew is that this emotional drama fits into just a handful of words.
What This Verse Just Taught You
From Job 9:14 you’ve learned how Hebrew builds intensity with short but powerful expressions. You’ve seen how suffixes tie words together (אֶעֱנֶנּוּ, דְבָרַי, עִמּוֹ), how special forms like cohortatives (אֶבְחֲרָה) add nuance, and how the word order itself carries emotional weight. This verse shows that even in just a single poetic line, Hebrew conveys awe, humility, and dramatic tension. By unpacking each element, you’ve taken a huge step toward appreciating not only the grammar but also the artistry of Biblical Hebrew.
