And even if it be true that I have erred: this line appears clear enough by itself, but it cannot be considered without regard to the second line, where scholars differ greatly in their interpretations. In this first line Job is not likely to be admitting that he has sinned, because elsewhere he has repeatedly defended his innocence (9.21; 10.7; 16.17). Some scholars understand that Job is using sarcasm and attacking his friends. If he had erred it was between him and God, not a matter for their eyes. His argument is with God. Dhorme and others also take the view that any error Job may have committed is strictly his own business. Rowley, on the other hand, thinks that Job is striking back at the friends, not because they pry into his affairs, but because of their hostility toward him.

My error remains with myself: in this line Job is saying “I have not injured you,” or as Good News Translation translates, “How does that hurt you?” Pope takes the view that if Job sinned, the fault lies with God. It is not possible to exclude these varying interpretations; however, all the modern translations consulted take the view of Dhorme that Job’s error, if he ever had such, is his own business and does not concern the friends. Verse 4 may be rendered, for example, “Even if I sinned, that has nothing to do with you,” “If it is true that I have done wrong, how does that affect you?” or “If I have sinned, that would hurt me, not you.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .