Job 7:20 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

I have sinned; what should I do to make things right with you, O God who watches over all people? Why have you made me your target, so that I have become a burden to myself?

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Job is crying out to God, acknowledging his sin while questioning why God seems to be targeting him with suffering that makes his own life unbearable.

📚 Historical Context

This verse comes from Job's response to his friend Eliphaz, during the intense suffering he experienced after losing his children, wealth, and health. In ancient Near Eastern culture, suffering was often viewed as direct punishment for sin, which is why Job feels compelled to acknowledge his sinfulness even while questioning God's treatment of him.

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If I sin, then you take notice of it, and you will not declare me innocent of my wrongdoing.

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📚 Historical Context

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