For then thou wouldest number my steps: scholars disagree about the application of this verse. Some take it to be a complaint such as Job had voiced against God in 13.27, when he said bitterly “you watch every step I take” (Good News Translation). Those who understand this line as an unfriendly act make a contrast between it and verse 15. For example, New English Bible “But now thou dost count every step I take.” Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation see the line as continuing verse 15, and describing the way God counts Job’s steps as watching over him in a friendly way. Translators are advised to follow Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation, since their sense seems to fit the context and requires no modification of the text. Then, in this view, refers to the imagined future in which Job sees himself as being called by God in Sheol and given new life. Number my steps or “count my steps” is best taken here as “watching over, protecting, guiding.” This line may be rendered, for example, “Then you would look after me,” “Then you would guard over me,” or “… take care of me.”

Thou wouldest not keep watch over my sin: Good News Translation begins this line with “but” to strengthen the contrast of God’s care of Job in line a and his not keeping track of Job’s sins in line b. Watch over translates the same verb used in 10.14, which Good News Translation renders “You were watching to see if I would sin.” There Job complained of God’s spying on his sin. As he looks to the imagined future, God will no longer spy on him and his sins. This line may also be expressed, for example, “You would not keep your eye on my sins” or “You would not spy on me to see if I sinned.”

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 .