Job 33:5

5 Answer me then, if you can; stand up and argue your case before me.

Job 33:5 in Other Translations

5 If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.

5 Answer me, if you can; set your words in order before me; take your stand.

5 Answer me, if you can; make your case and take your stand.

5 "And if you think you can prove me wrong, do it. Lay out your arguments. Stand up for yourself!

5 If thou canst, answer thou me; Set [thy words] in order before me, stand forth.

5 Answer me if you can. Present your case to me, and take your stand.

5 Refute me if you can. Prepare your case against me; take your stand.

5 So answer me if you can. Prepare yourself to face me.

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 words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely speak what I know.

4 The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

5 Answer me then, if you can; stand up and argue your case before me.

6 I am the same as you in God’s sight; I too am a piece of clay.

7 No fear of me should alarm you, nor should my hand be heavy on you.

Cross References

• 1. ver 32
• 2. Job 13:18
• 3. S Job 31:14