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Job 23:5

Job 23:5 in Multiple Translations

I would learn how He would answer, and consider what He would say.

I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.

I would know the words which he would answer me, And understand what he would say unto me.

I would see what his answers would be, and have knowledge of what he would say to me.

I would discover how he would answer me and learn what he has to say to me.

I would knowe the wordes, that he would answere me, and would vnderstand what he would say vnto me.

I know the words He doth answer me, And understand what He saith to me.

I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would tell me.

I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

That I might know the words that he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

Then I would find out what he would reply to me [DOU].

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 23:5

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Job 23:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אֵ֭דְעָה מִלִּ֣ים יַעֲנֵ֑/נִי וְ֝/אָבִ֗ינָה מַה יֹּ֥אמַר לִֽ/י
אֵ֭דְעָה yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-1cs
מִלִּ֣ים millâh H4405 speech N-fp
יַעֲנֵ֑/נִי ʻânâh H6030 to dwell V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ֝/אָבִ֗ינָה bîyn H995 to understand Conj | V-Qal-1cs
מַה mâh H4100 what? Part
יֹּ֥אמַר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִֽ/י Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 23:5

אֵ֭דְעָה yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-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.
מִלִּ֣ים millâh H4405 "speech" N-fp
This Hebrew word means a word or speech, and can also refer to a topic or subject. It's used in the Bible to describe what people say or talk about.
Definition: word, speech, utterance Aramaic equivalent: mil.lah (מִלָּה "word" H4406)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] answer, by-word, matter, any thing (what) to say, to speak(-ing), speak, talking, word. See also: 2 Samuel 23:2; Job 30:9; Psalms 19:5.
יַעֲנֵ֑/נִי ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
וְ֝/אָבִ֗ינָה bîyn H995 "to understand" Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יֹּ֥אמַר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לִֽ/י "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Job 23:5

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 13:22–23 Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply. How many are my iniquities and sins? Reveal to me my transgression and sin.
2 Job 10:2 I will say to God: Do not condemn me! Let me know why You prosecute me.
3 1 Corinthians 4:3–4 I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.
4 Job 42:2–6 “I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this who conceals My counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak. I will question you, and you shall inform Me.’ My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes.”

Job 23:5 Summary

In Job 23:5, Job expresses his desire to hear from God and understand His response. He wants to learn from God and consider what He has to say, showing a willingness to listen and be taught. This is similar to the way we should approach our relationship with God, as encouraged in Psalm 119:66, where we are told to 'learn' from God's commands and 'understand' His ways. By seeking to understand God's perspective and listening to His voice, we can deepen our trust in His goodness and wisdom, just like Job did, and find comfort in His presence, as promised in Matthew 11:28-30.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Job's desire in this verse?

Job's desire is to hear from God and understand His response, as seen in Job 23:5, where he says, 'I would learn how He would answer, and consider what He would say.', similar to Moses' desire in Exodus 33:18 to see God's glory.

Is Job seeking to argue with God?

No, Job is not seeking to argue with God, but rather to understand and learn from Him, as indicated by his willingness to 'plead my case before Him' in Job 23:4 and 'consider what He would say' in Job 23:5, showing a humble and submissive attitude.

What does Job hope to gain from this encounter with God?

Job hopes to be delivered from his suffering and to be vindicated, as stated in Job 23:7, 'Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge.', reflecting his trust in God's justice and righteousness, similar to the trust expressed in Psalm 37:3-7.

How does this verse relate to our own relationship with God?

This verse reminds us of the importance of listening to God and seeking to understand His ways, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:1-6, where we are told to 'incline our ear' to wisdom and 'apply our heart' to understanding, and in Jeremiah 29:12-13, where we are promised that God will hear and answer us if we call to Him with a sincere heart.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can 'learn how He would answer' and 'consider what He would say' in my own life, just like Job desired?
  2. How can I cultivate a humble and submissive attitude, like Job, when facing difficult circumstances or uncertainty?
  3. In what ways can I 'plead my case' before God, and what does this reveal about my trust in His character and promises?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's justice and righteousness, just like Job did, and how can I apply this trust in practical ways?

Gill's Exposition on 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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 23:5

I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. He - emphatic: it matters little what man may say of me, if only I know what God judges of me.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 23:5

I long to know what he would say, either to prove me a hypocrite, or to justify his harsh proceedings against me; and if be should discover to me any secret and unknown sins, for which he contendeth with me, I should humble myself before him, and accept of the punishment of mine iniquity.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 23:5

Job 23:5 I would know the words [which] he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.Ver. 5. I would know the words that he would answer me] q.d. I cannot know your minds, O my friends, nor understand your words, which yet I believe are little to the purpose; but God (I know) will utter his mind plainly, and approve my cause, which you so rashly condemn. Thus John Huss and other martyrs, when they could not have a fair hearing from men, appealed and applied themselves to God, committing their cause to him who judgeth righteously.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 23:5

Verse 5. I would know the words which he would answer me] He would speak nothing but what was true, decree nothing that was not righteous, nor utter any thing that I could not comprehend.

Cambridge Bible on Job 23:5

5. Job would not only plead his own cause, but he would hear from the Almighty what charges He had to make against him; comp. ch. Job 10:2, Job 13:23. and especially ch. Job 31:35-37.

Barnes' Notes on Job 23:5

I would know the words which he would answer me - That is, I wish to understand what would be “his” decision in the case - and what would be his judgment in regard to me.

Sermons on Job 23:5

SermonDescription
J.C. Ryle Where Are Your Sins? by J.C. Ryle J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical question of 'Where are your sins?' urging listeners to confront their sinfulness and the necessity of cleansing through Christ's blood. He asserts
Russell Kelfer God's Truth About Responsibility by Russell Kelfer In this sermon, the preacher addresses the controversial topic of responsibility and who is to blame for our problems. He discusses the common belief that Satan is responsible for
W.F. Anderson Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends.
C.H. Spurgeon Look Into Those Languid Eyes! by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of seeking a deep, personal connection with Jesus, urging believers to confront their spiritual apathy and return to the cross for renewal.
Charles E. Cowman Discovering God's Graces by Charles E. Cowman Charles H. Spurgeon preaches about how trials and afflictions are often used by God to develop and reveal the graces within us. Just like how faith shines brighter in times of adve
St. John Chrysostom Philippians 2:1-4 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of unity, love, and humility among believers, emphasizing the need to have the same mind, love one another, and be of one accord. He urge
Arno Clemens Gaebelein Nebuchadnezzar's Dream by Arno Clemens Gaebelein Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the prophetic unfolding in the Book of Daniel, focusing on the great pivotal chapter introducing the times of the Gentiles. The chapter reveals t

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