Job 9:29

If I am guilty, ¹  why then ²  weary myself ³  in vain? ⁴ 

Since I am already found guilty, why should I struggle in vain?

"I am accounted wicked, Why then should I toil in vain?

Whatever happens, I will be found guilty. So what’s the use of trying?

The verdict has already been handed down--'Guilty!'--so what's the use of protests or appeals?

You will not let me be clear of sin! why then do I take trouble for nothing?

I shall be condemned; why then do I labor in vain?

If I am condemned, Why then do I labor in vain?

If I am guilty, ¹  why then ²  weary myself ³  in vain? ⁴ 

¹ tn The clause simply has “I am guilty.” It is the same type of construction found in v. 24. It is also the opposite of that in v. 20. GKC 317 §107.n lists this as an example of the use of the imperfect to express an obligation or necessity according to the judgment of others; it would therefore mean “if I am to be guilty.”

² tn The demonstrative pronoun is included to bring particular emphasis to the question, as if to say, “Why in the world…” (see R. J. Williams, Hebrew Syntax, 24, §118).

³ tn The verb means “tire oneself”; see 3:17.

⁴ tn Here הֶבֶל (hevel, “breath, vapor, vanity”) is used as an adverb (adverbial accusative).