Job 23:3
Job 23:3 in Multiple Translations
If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat.
Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!
Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!
If only I had knowledge of where he might be seen, so that I might come even to his seat!
If only I knew where I could find him so I could go to where he sits in judgment.
Would God yet I knew how to finde him, I would enter vnto his place.
O that I had known — and I find Him, I come in unto His seat,
Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!
Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!
Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to his throne?
I ◄wish that I knew/want to know► where I could meet/talk with him, so that I could go to the place where he lives.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 23:3
BAB
Word Study
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Job 23:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִֽי
יִתֵּ֣ן
יָ֭דַעְתִּי
וְ/אֶמְצָאֵ֑/הוּ
אָ֝ב֗וֹא
עַד
תְּכוּנָתֽ/וֹ
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יִתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יָ֭דַעְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְ/אֶמְצָאֵ֑/הוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
אָ֝ב֗וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
תְּכוּנָתֽ/וֹ
tᵉkûwnâh
H8499
place
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 23:3
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יִתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
יָ֭דַעְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
וְ/אֶמְצָאֵ֑/הוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
אָ֝ב֗וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
תְּכוּנָתֽ/וֹ
tᵉkûwnâh
H8499
"place"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a fixed or arranged place, often translated as seat. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Psalms, to describe a specific location. This concept is important in understanding biblical settings and events.
Definition: fixed place, seat, place Another spelling of te.khu.nah (תְּכוּנָה "fitting" H8498)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: seat. See also: Job 23:3.
Study Notes — Job 23:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 23:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 23:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 23:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 23:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 23:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 23:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 23:3
- Cambridge Bible on Job 23:3
- Barnes' Notes on Job 23:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 23:3
- Sermons on Job 23:3
Context — Job Longs for God
1Then Job answered:
2“Even today my complaint is bitter. His hand is heavy despite my groaning.
3If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat.
4I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. 5I would learn how He would answer, and consider what He would say.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 16:21 | Oh, that a man might plead with God as he pleads with his neighbor! |
| 2 | Jeremiah 14:7 | Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You. |
| 3 | Job 13:3 | Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God. |
| 4 | Job 31:35–37 | (Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. Surely I would carry it on my shoulder and wear it like a crown. I would give account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince.)— |
| 5 | Hebrews 4:6 | Since, then, it remains for some to enter His rest, and since those who formerly heard the good news did not enter because of their disobedience, |
| 6 | Job 40:1–5 | And the LORD said to Job: “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer.” Then Job answered the LORD: “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. I have spoken once, but I have no answer— twice, but I have nothing to add.” |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 5:19–20 | that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. |
| 8 | Isaiah 55:6–7 | Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. |
| 9 | Isaiah 26:8 | Yes, we wait for You, O LORD; we walk in the path of Your judgments. Your name and renown are the desire of our souls. |
Job 23:3 Summary
In this verse, Job is expressing his deep desire to find God and talk to Him directly. He wants to go to God's 'seat' and plead his case, which means he wants to have a conversation with God and understand why he's going through hard times. This is similar to how the Psalmist desired to be in God's presence in Psalm 42:1-2. Job's desire is driven by his trust in God's justice and his desire for a personal relationship with Him, as seen in Job 19:25-27. By seeking God and expressing our desires and questions to Him, we can deepen our relationship with Him and find comfort in His presence, just like it says in Psalm 119:76.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job's desire in this verse?
Job's desire is to find God and go to His seat, so he can plead his case before Him, as seen in Job 23:3, similar to how the Psalmist desired to dwell in the house of the Lord in Psalm 23:6.
Is Job's desire to find God driven by a desire to argue with Him?
While Job does want to plead his case before God, his ultimate desire is to understand God's perspective and receive an answer, as stated in Job 23:5, much like the prophet Habakkuk who sought an answer from God in Habakkuk 1:2-4.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Job?
This verse highlights Job's trust in God's justice and his desire for a personal encounter with God, which is a central theme throughout the book of Job, as seen in Job 19:25-27 where Job declares his trust in his Redeemer.
What can we learn from Job's desire to find God?
We can learn that it's okay to express our desires and questions to God, and that He desires a personal relationship with us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13 where it says that those who seek God with all their heart will find Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can seek God's presence in my life, just like Job desired?
- How can I balance my desire for answers with trust in God's sovereignty, like Job did in the midst of his suffering?
- What are some things that might be hindering my ability to 'find' God, and how can I remove those obstacles?
- How can I, like Job, express my deepest desires and questions to God, even when I don't understand what's happening in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Job 23:3
O that I knew where I might find him,.... That is, God, who is understood, though not expressed, a relative without an antecedent, as in Psalms 87:1; Jarchi supplies, and interprets it, "my Judge",
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 23:3
Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 23:3
Where I might find him, to wit, God, as his friends well knew, and the thing itself showeth. Thou biddest me acquaint myself with him, . I desire nothing more than his acquaintance and presence; but, alas, he hides his face from me that I cannot see him, nor come near him. To his seat, i.e. to his throne or judgment-seat, to plead my cause before him, as it here follows, , not upon terms of strict justice, but upon those terms of grace and mercy upon which God is pleased to deal with his sinful creatures: see before, ,35 16:21 17:3. And this my confidence may be some evidence that I am not such a gross hypocrite as you imagine me to be.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 23:3
Job 23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! [that] I might come [even] to his seat!Ver. 3. Oh that I knew where I might find him!] That is, God, so oft in his mind and mouth, that his acquaintance might easily know whom he meant. Aph-Hu, even he, 2 Kings 2:4, as held by some to be one of God’ s attributes (Weems). And Mατον, without mention of Dια, was an ordinary oath in Plato’ s mouth, as Suidas recordeth. That I might come even to his seat!] His tribunal prepared for him. Venirem usque ad stationem eius (Mercer). Great is the confidence of a good conscience. See Genesis 20:5 1 Peter 3:21. But yet haec certe omnia audacius dicuntur a misero homuncione, this was too bold a speech for a mortal creature, as God himself (who gave him his wish) will afterwards tell him, Job 38:2; Job 40:2, and contrary to that which he had before resolved on, Job 9:3. See the like failing in David, Psalms 39:1; Psalms 39:3 2 Samuel 6:8-9.
In these examples of so good men we may see how natural it is to us in affliction to rise up against God, as the horse that casteth his rider, and riseth up against him. Hoc a pietate alienum est, quod adversus Deum praefractius, et contumeliosius loquatur quam humilitas fidei ferat (Brent.). This the poets shadowed out in their fiction of the giants conspiring to pull Jove out of heaven. That which may be said in favour of Job herein, is, 1. That Job 23:6, he professeth to plead with God in God’ s strength. 2. That being accused by his friends of such foul offences, he had no other way of clearing himself than by appealing unto God whose most just judgment he acknowledged. 3. That he dared not have spoken thus boldly, but in confidence of his mercy. 4. That he would have his controversy with his friends (and not his whole life) to be exactly examined and judged by God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 23:3
(3) Oh that I knew where I might find him.—The piteous complaint of a man who feels that God is with him for chastisement, but not for healing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 23:3
Verse 3. O that I knew where I might find him!] This and the following verse may be read thus: "Who will give me the knowledge of God, that I may find him out? I would come to his establishment; (the place or way in which he has promised to communicate himself;) I would exhibit, in detail, my judgment (the cause I wish to be tried) before his face; and my mouth would I fill with convincing or decisive arguments;" arguments drawn from his common method of saving sinners, which I should prove applied fully to my case. Hence the confidence with which he speaks, Job 23:6.
Cambridge Bible on Job 23:3
3–7. Job ardently desires that he could come to God’s judgment-seat to plead his cause before Him; and that God would give heed to him and answer him. Then assuredly his innocence would be established.
Barnes' Notes on Job 23:3
Oh that I knew where I might find him! - Where I might find “God.” He had often expressed a wish to bring his cause directly before God, and to be permitted to plead his cause there; see Job 13:3, note; Job 13:20, notes.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 23:3
3. Seat — Tekounah. Its root signifies to prepare. The Scriptures represent God as seated when administering judgment. The seat or throne where God hearkens to man is one specially prepared, and is, therefore, a throne of grace.
Sermons on Job 23:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 2. Where Job Went Wrong by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Job and explores where Job went wrong in his understanding of God's moral philosophy. The speaker explains that the ancient Orien |
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Why Doesn't God Do Something? by Vance Havner | Vance Havner addresses the profound question of why God seems silent in the face of suffering and tragedy, drawing parallels to the cries of Job and the psalmists. He reflects on p |
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The Canaanite Woman - Great Faith by Joel Beeke | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a beggar who comes to his family's door asking for a sandwich. Initially, the speaker's grandmother tells him to tell the |
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The Secret of the Vision by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the deep longing of the soul to find God, as expressed in Job's cry for divine presence. He outlines several ways to encounter God: through nature, His Word |
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In the Secret of His Presence by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the ever-present nature of God, illustrating how His presence permeates all aspects of life, yet often goes unrecognized by us. He contrasts the experiences o |
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To Prove Thee in the Wilderness - Part 3 by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches about the importance of knowing and understanding the ways of the Lord, emphasizing that true glory comes from understanding and knowing God's character of |
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Feed God First by Allan Halton | Allan Halton emphasizes the importance of considering God's interests first in all situations, highlighting the beauty of prioritizing fellowship with God above seeking solutions t |