KJV ORIGINAL
Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Even if I were completely innocent, I wouldn't trust my own judgment about myself. I would hate my own life.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Job is saying that even if he were perfect, he still wouldn't trust his own understanding of himself and would despise his existence because of his suffering.
📚 Historical Context
Job spoke these words during his intense suffering after losing his children, wealth, and health. He was responding to the reality that arguing his case before God seemed impossible, since God's ways are beyond human understanding. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding that humans cannot fully comprehend divine justice.
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