Job 23:3-7 - Compare All Versions

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

Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me. Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; he would pay attention to me. There an upright man could argue with him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.

If only I knew where to find God, I would go to his court. I would lay out my case and present my arguments. Then I would listen to his reply and understand what he says to me. Would he use his great power to argue with me? No, he would give me a fair hearing. Honest people can reason with him, so I would be forever acquitted by my judge.

If only I knew how to find him, so that I could go to his throne. I would plead my case before him  and fill my mouth with arguments. I would learn how  he would answer me; and understand what he would say to me. Would he prosecute  me forcefully? No, he would certainly pay attention to me. Then an upright man could reason  with him, and I would escape from my Judge  ,  forever.

Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, And fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which he would answer me, And understand what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me. There the righteous might dispute with him; So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat! I would present my case before Him, And fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which He would answer me, And understand what He would say to me. Would He contend with me in His great power? No! But He would take note of me. There the upright could reason with Him, And I would be delivered forever from my Judge.

Job replied: “I’m not letting up—I’m standing my ground. My complaint is legitimate. God has no right to treat me like this— it isn’t fair! If I knew where on earth to find him, I’d go straight to him. I’d lay my case before him face-to-face, give him all my arguments firsthand. I’d find out exactly what he’s thinking, discover what’s going on in his head. Do you think he’d dismiss me or bully me? No, he’d take me seriously. He’d see a straight-living man standing before him; my Judge would acquit me for good of all charges.

“Oh that I knew how to find Him, That I might come to His home! “I would present my case before Him And fill my mouth with arguments. “I would learn the words which He would answer, And perceive what He would tell me. “Would He contend with me by the greatness of His power? No, surely He would pay attention to me. “There the upright would argue with Him; And I would be free of my Judge forever.

“Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might [even] come to His seat! “I would present my cause before Him And fill my mouth with arguments. “I would learn the words which He would answer, And understand what He would say to me. “Would He contend against me with His great power? No, surely He would give attention to me. [Is 27:4, 5; 57:16] “There the righteous and upright could reason with Him; So I would be acquitted forever by my Judge.

O that I knew where I might find him, that I could come to his place of residence! I would lay out my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know with what words he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me. Would he contend with me with great power? No, he would only pay attention to me. There an upright person could present his case before him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge.