Job 33:5

5 If thou canst, give me an answer: wait therefore; stand against me, and I against thee.

Job 33:5 Meaning and Commentary

Job 33:5

If thou canst answer me
That is, when he had done speaking, after he had heard him out; if he thought he could make a reply to him, he gave him full liberty so to do, and tacitly suggests that he should give him an attentive and candid hearing, as he had requested of him:

set [thy words] in order before me;
put them into the best form and order thou canst for thy self-defence, and level them at me; set them, as it were, in battle array against me; give them all the poignancy, strength, and three thou art capable of:

stand up;
not out of veneration to him, but to denote freedom and boldness in himself; a presentation of himself with boldness, and standing and keeping his ground: the expressions are military; Mr. Broughton renders it, "stand to it".

Job 33:5 In-Context

3 My heart pure by words; and the understanding of my lips shall meditate purity.

4 The Divine Spirit is that which formed me, and the breath of the Almighty that which teaches me.

5 If thou canst, give me an answer: wait therefore; stand against me, and I against thee.

6 Thou art formed out of the clay as also I: we have been formed out of the same .

7 My fear shall not terrify thee, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.