Job 9:27
New International Version
If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,’

New Living Translation
If I decided to forget my complaints, to put away my sad face and be cheerful,

English Standard Version
If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and be of good cheer,’

Berean Standard Bible
If I were to say, ‘I will forget my complaint and change my expression and smile,’

King James Bible
If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself:

New King James Version
If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face and wear a smile,’

New American Standard Bible
“Though I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put my face in order and be cheerful,’

NASB 1995
“Though I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my sad countenance and be cheerful,’

NASB 1977
“Though I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my sad countenance and be cheerful,’

Legacy Standard Bible
Though I say, ‘I will forget my musing, I will forsake my sad countenance and be cheerful,’

Amplified Bible
“If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my sad appearance, and be cheerful and brighten up,’

Christian Standard Bible
If I said, “I will forget my complaint, change my expression, and smile,”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If I said, “I will forget my complaint, change my expression, and smile,”

American Standard Version
If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad countenance, and be of good cheer;

Contemporary English Version
Sometimes I try to be cheerful and to stop complaining,

English Revised Version
If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad countenance, and be of good cheer:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[Even] if I say, 'I will forget my complaining; I will change my expression and smile,'

International Standard Version
If I were to say, 'Let me forget my complaint,' change the expression on my face, and look cheerful,

Majority Standard Bible
If I were to say, ?I will forget my complaint and change my expression and smile,?

NET Bible
If I say, 'I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression and be cheerful,'

New Heart English Bible
If I say, 'I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and cheer up;'

Webster's Bible Translation
If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself:

World English Bible
If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and cheer up,’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Though I say, I forget my talking, "" I forsake my corner, and I brighten up!

Young's Literal Translation
Though I say, 'I forget my talking, I forsake my corner, and I brighten up!'

Smith's Literal Translation
If my saying, I will forget my complaint, I will let go my face, and I will be cheerful:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If I say: I will not speak so: I change my face, and am tormented with sorrow.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If I say: “By no means will I speak this way.” I change my face and I am tortured with sorrow.

New American Bible
If I say: I will forget my complaining, I will lay aside my sadness and be of good cheer,

New Revised Standard Version
If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint; I will put off my sad countenance and be of good cheer,’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I have forgotten my bitterness; if my mind or my thought would leave me alone, then I would find rest.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
With my bitterness I have forgotten my story; if I shall leave my meditation or my words, I am grieved
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
If I say: 'I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad countenance, and be of good cheer',

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if I should say, I will forget to speak, I will bow down my face and groan;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Job: How Can I Argue with God?
26They sweep by like boats of papyrus, like an eagle swooping down on its prey. 27If I were to say, ‘I will forget my complaint and change my expression and smile,’ 28I would still dread all my sufferings; I know that You will not acquit me.…

Cross References
Psalm 39:13
Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may again be cheered before I depart and am no more.”

Psalm 39:2
I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred.

Psalm 77:2-4
In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. / I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah / You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak.

Psalm 42:5
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.

Psalm 42:11
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 55:2
Attend to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and distraught

Psalm 55:6
I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.

Psalm 102:9
For I have eaten ashes like bread and mixed my drink with tears

Psalm 143:4
My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me.

Ecclesiastes 2:2
I said of laughter, “It is folly,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?”

Ecclesiastes 7:3
Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart.

Isaiah 38:15
What can I say? He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done this. I will walk slowly all my years because of the anguish of my soul.

Jeremiah 20:7
You have deceived me, O LORD, and I was deceived. You have overcome me and prevailed. I am a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me.

Lamentations 3:17
My soul has been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is.

Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.


Treasury of Scripture

If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself:

Job 7:13
When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint;

Psalm 77:2,3
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted…

Jeremiah 8:18
When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me.

Jump to Previous
Bright Brighten Change Cheer Cheerful Comfort Complaint Corner Countenance Expression Face Forget Forsake Good Grief Heaviness Leave Mind Sad Smile Talking
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Bright Brighten Change Cheer Cheerful Comfort Complaint Corner Countenance Expression Face Forget Forsake Good Grief Heaviness Leave Mind Sad Smile Talking
Job 9
1. Job acknowledges God's justice
22. Man's innocence is not to be condemned by afflictions














If I were to say
This phrase introduces a hypothetical situation, reflecting Job's internal struggle. Job is contemplating a change in his approach to his suffering. This reflects the human tendency to consider altering one's mindset or behavior in response to adversity. In the broader context of the Book of Job, this moment is part of Job's dialogue with his friends, who have been offering various explanations for his suffering. Job's consideration of a change in attitude highlights the tension between maintaining integrity and seeking relief.

‘I will forget my complaint
Job's "complaint" refers to his lament and questioning of God's justice in light of his suffering. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, lament was a common form of expressing grief and seeking divine intervention. Job's desire to forget his complaint suggests a longing for peace and a return to normalcy. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of lament, seen in the Psalms and the Prophets, where individuals cry out to God in times of distress.

and change my expression
The idea of changing one's expression indicates a shift from sorrow to a more positive demeanor. In ancient cultures, facial expressions were often seen as reflections of one's inner state. This phrase suggests a conscious effort to alter one's outward appearance, possibly to conform to societal expectations or to demonstrate faith. The Bible often speaks of the heart's condition being reflected in one's countenance, as seen in Proverbs 15:13, which states, "A joyful heart makes a cheerful face."

and smile,’
Smiling in the face of adversity can be seen as an act of faith or resilience. In the context of Job's suffering, a smile might symbolize hope or trust in God's ultimate justice and goodness. This phrase can also be seen as a precursor to the New Testament teachings on joy and perseverance, such as in James 1:2-4, which encourages believers to consider trials as opportunities for growth. The act of smiling despite circumstances can be viewed as a type of Christ, who endured suffering with the hope set before Him, as described in Hebrews 12:2.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man described as blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He undergoes severe trials and suffering, which lead him to question and dialogue about the nature of suffering and God's justice.

2. God
The omnipotent, omniscient Creator who allows Job's trials as a test of faith and integrity. His role in the account is central to understanding the themes of divine justice and human suffering.

3. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to offer comfort but end up arguing that his suffering must be due to sin, reflecting a common belief in retributive justice.

4. Suffering
A key theme in the Book of Job, representing the trials and tribulations that Job endures, which serve as a backdrop for exploring deeper theological questions.

5. The Dialogue
The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, and eventually God, which forms the structure of the book and explores themes of justice, suffering, and faith.
Teaching Points
The Struggle with Despair
Job's desire to change his expression and smile highlights the human struggle to overcome despair. It is a reminder that while emotions are real, they do not have to dictate our actions or faith.

The Power of Perspective
Job's statement suggests a shift in perspective. As believers, we are encouraged to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in God's greater plan.

Authenticity in Suffering
Job's honesty about his feelings teaches us the importance of being genuine in our relationship with God. We can bring our complaints and struggles to Him without fear.

The Role of Community
Job's interaction with his friends, though flawed, underscores the importance of community in times of suffering. We are called to support and uplift one another with grace and truth.

Faith Amidst Trials
Job's journey is a testament to maintaining faith even when understanding is lacking. It challenges us to trust in God's character and promises, even when life is difficult.Verse 27. - If I say, I will forget my complaint (comp. above, Job 7:13). Job represents himself as sometimes, for a moment, imagining that he might put aside his load of sorrow by not thinking of it. He tries, and says to himself, "I will forget," etc.; but in vain. The whole mass of his sufferings seems to rise up against him, and make even momentary forgetfulness impossible. I will leave off my heaviness; or, my black looks. And comfort myself (comp. Job 10:20 and Psalm 39:13, where the same verb is rendered "recover strength").

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

I say,
אָ֭מְרִי (’ā·mə·rî)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘I will forget
אֶשְׁכְּחָ֣ה (’eš·kə·ḥāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 7911: To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention

my complaint,
שִׂיחִ֑י (śî·ḥî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7879: A contemplation, an utterance

I will change
אֶעֶזְבָ֖ה (’e·‘ez·ḇāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit

my expression,
פָנַ֣י (p̄ā·nay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440: The face

and smile,’
וְאַבְלִֽיגָה׃ (wə·’aḇ·lî·ḡāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 1082: To break off, loose, desist, invade


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OT Poetry: Job 9:27 If I say 'I will forget my (Jb)
Job 9:26
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