Job 23:5

5 I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say to me.

Job 23:5 in Other Translations

KJV
5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.
ESV
5 I would know what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me.
NLT
5 Then I would listen to his reply and understand what he says to me.
MSG
5 I'd find out exactly what he's thinking, discover what's going on in his head.
CSB
5 I would learn how He would answer me; and understand what He would say to me.

Job 23:5 Meaning and Commentary

Job 23:5

I would know the words [which] he would answer me
Being a God hearing and answering prayer, who always hears, and sooner or later answers the petitions of his people in his own way; and which when he does, they know, take notice, and observe it: or then he should know the reason why the Lord contended with him, and what were his sins and transgressions, which were the cause of his afflictions; things he had desired to know, but as yet had no answer, see ( Job 10:2 ) ( Job 13:22 Job 13:23 ) ;

and understand what he would say unto me;
what judgment he would pass upon him, what sentence he would pronounce on him, whether guilty or not, and by which judgment he was content to stand or fall; as for men's judgment, the judgment of his friends, or to be judged by them, he required it not, as he did not understand upon what ground they went, or that it was a good one; but the judgment of God he should pay a deference to, as being always according to truth, and the reason of which, when he should have a hearing before him, and a decisive sentence by him, he should clearly perceive; see ( 1 Corinthians 4:3 ) .

Job 23:5 In-Context

3 If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling!
4 I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say to me.
6 Would he vigorously oppose me? No, he would not press charges against me.
7 There the upright can establish their innocence before him, and there I would be delivered forever from my judge.

Cross References 1

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