Job 33:27 - Exposition

He looketh upon men ; rather, he ( i.e. the restored penitent) singeth before men . He is jubilant, and confesses his former offences with a light heart, feeling that now he is pardoned and restored to God's favour. And if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right. This is altogether a mistranslation. The construction of the Hebrew is simple enough, and runs thus: And he (the penitent) saith , I have sinned and perverted that which was right. And it profited me not; i.e. "I gained nothing by my transgressions—they brought me us advantage." Compare St. Paul's inquiry ( Romans 6:21 ), "What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed?" Some, however, translate, "And it was not requited to me," which also gives a good meaning°