Job 23:7
Job 23:7 in Multiple Translations
Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge.
There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
There the upright might reason with him; So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
There an upright man might put his cause before him; and I would be free for ever from my judge.
There a good person could reason with him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.
There the righteous might reason with him, so I shoulde be deliuered for euer from my Iudge.
There the upright doth reason with Him, And I escape for ever from my judge.
There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.
There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to victory.
I am ◄an honest/a righteous► man; so I would be able to discuss things with him fairly, and then he would declare that I am innocent, and that decision would endure forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 23:7
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 23:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁ֗ם
יָ֭שָׁר
נוֹכָ֣ח
עִמּ֑/וֹ
וַ/אֲפַלְּטָ֥ה
לָ֝/נֶ֗צַח
מִ/שֹּׁפְטִֽ/י
שָׁ֗ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
יָ֭שָׁר
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
נוֹכָ֣ח
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
V-Niphal
עִמּ֑/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וַ/אֲפַלְּטָ֥ה
pâlaṭ
H6403
to escape
Conj | V-Piel-1cs
לָ֝/נֶ֗צַח
netsach
H5331
perpetuity
Prep | N-ms
מִ/שֹּׁפְטִֽ/י
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 23:7
שָׁ֗ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
יָ֭שָׁר
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
נוֹכָ֣ח
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to decide, judge 1a2) to adjudge, appoint 1a3) to show to be right, prove 1a4) to convince, convict 1a5) to reprove, chide 1a6) to correct, rebuke 1b) (Hophal) to be chastened 1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together 1d) (Hithp) to argue
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. See also: Genesis 20:16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 6:2.
עִמּ֑/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וַ/אֲפַלְּטָ֥ה
pâlaṭ
H6403
"to escape"
Conj | V-Piel-1cs
To escape means to slip out of a difficult situation, like the Israelites did when they left Egypt, as told in Exodus 14. The word can also mean to deliver or save someone, often used to describe God's actions in the Bible. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to escape, save, deliver, slip away 1a) (Qal) to escape 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bring into security, deliver 1b2) to cause to escape, cast forth 1b3) to be delivered 1b4) to slip away 1c) (Hiphil) to bring into security, bring to safety
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: calve, carry away safe, deliver, (cause to) escape. See also: 2 Samuel 22:2; Psalms 37:40; Psalms 17:13.
לָ֝/נֶ֗צַח
netsach
H5331
"perpetuity"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for perpetuity or everlastingness, often used to describe God's nature. It appears in Psalm 9:7, where the psalmist praises God's enduring presence. This word conveys the idea of something lasting forever.
Definition: 1) eminence, perpetuity, strength, victory, enduring, everlastingness 1a) eminence 1b) enduring of life 1c) endurance in time, perpetual, continual, unto the end 1d) everlastingness, ever
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), constantly, end, ([phrase] n-) ever(more), perpetual, strength, victory. See also: 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalms 74:10; Psalms 9:7.
מִ/שֹּׁפְטִֽ/י
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
Study Notes — Job 23:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 23:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 23:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 23:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 23:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 23:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 23:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 23:7
- Cambridge Bible on Job 23:7
- Barnes' Notes on Job 23:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 23:7
- Sermons on Job 23:7
Context — Job Longs for God
5I would learn how He would answer, and consider what He would say.
6Would He contend with me in His great power? No, He would certainly take note of me.
7Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge.
8If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him. 9When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 13:3 | Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God. |
| 2 | Romans 8:1 | Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. |
| 3 | Isaiah 1:18 | “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 3:5 | Will He be angry forever? Will He be indignant to the end?’ This you have spoken, but you keep doing all the evil you can.” |
| 5 | Job 9:15 | For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy. |
| 6 | Romans 3:19–22 | Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, |
| 7 | Romans 8:33–34 | Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 12:1 | Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? |
Job 23:7 Summary
This verse is saying that if Job were a completely good and innocent person, he would be able to talk to God directly and honestly, and God would listen to him and clear his name. It's like having a close friend who you can trust and talk to about anything, and that's what Job is longing for - a deep and personal relationship with God (as seen in Exodus 33:11). Job wants to be able to express himself to God and be heard, and he believes that if he were upright, God would deliver him from any judgment or guilt. This reminds us that, as believers, we can come to God in prayer and talk to Him about anything, and He will listen and help us (Hebrews 4:16).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'reason with Him' in Job 23:7?
In this context, 'reasoning with Him' means having an open and honest conversation with God, where one can express their thoughts and feelings, as seen in Genesis 18:22-33 where Abraham intercedes for Sodom, demonstrating a personal and intimate relationship with God.
Why does Job think an upright man could reason with God?
Job believes that if he were upright and blameless, he could have a direct and personal conversation with God, much like Moses in Exodus 33:11, where it is written that 'the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend'.
What does Job mean by being 'delivered forever from my Judge'?
Job is expressing his desire to be vindicated and cleared of any guilt or wrongdoing, much like in Psalm 51:4 where David asks God to 'wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin', seeking forgiveness and deliverance from God's judgment.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that, as believers, we have direct access to God through prayer, as seen in Hebrews 4:16, where it says 'let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm being judged, and how can I bring those before God in prayer?
- In what ways can I cultivate a more personal and intimate relationship with God, like the one described in this verse?
- How does the idea of being 'upright' and 'blameless' before God challenge or encourage me in my daily walk with Him?
- What are some things that I feel like I need to 'reason with God' about, and how can I bring those concerns before Him in a honest and open way?
Gill's Exposition on Job 23:7
There the righteous might dispute with him,.... That is, at his seat, either at his mercy seat, where even God allows sinners to come and reason with him, for pardoning grace and mercy, upon the foot
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 23:7
There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge. There - rather, Then: if God would 'attend' to me (Job 23:6).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 23:7
There; at that throne of grace, as it is called, , where God lays aside his majesty and power, and judgeth according to his wonted grace and clemency. The righteous; such as I do and dare avow myself to be, to wit, in sincerity, though not in perfection. Might dispute with him; humbly and modestly propounding the grounds of their confidence, and the evidences of their righteousness. So; upon such a fair and equal hearing. From my judge; either, 1. From the severe censures of all corrupt and partial judges, such as you my friends are. Or rather, 2. From the damnatory sentence of God; for he is not only pleading before him, but also with him. He would give sentence for me, and against himself. This and some such expressions of Job cannot be excused from reverence towards God, and too great a confidence in himself; for which therefore God sharply reproves him hereafter, and Job abhorreth himself.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 23:7
Job 23:7 There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.Ver. 7. There the righteous might dispute with him] There for then; sc. when God shall put strength into him; the upright or honest man (who draweth near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having his heart sprinkled from an evil conscience by the blood of Jesus Christ, Hebrews 10:22) might dispute with God, but not unless he have that advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the just one, to appear in the presence of God for him, Hebrews 9:24, as the lawyer appeareth for his client, to put by and non suit all accusations, to plead his cause, and to justify him by the only merit of his righteousness and obedience. All St Paul’ s care was to be found in Christ when sought for by the justice of God; not having his own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, Philippians 3:9; for sordet in conspectu iudicis, quod fulget in conspectu operantis (Aug.), "that which is highly esteemed among men, is abomination in the sight of God," Luke 16:15. They only may dispute with God, that is, in a humble and laudable manner plead with him, as did Jacob, Genesis 32:24, and Jeremiah, Jeremiah 12:1, who partake of Christ’ s righteousness imputed and imparted; opposing to the appearances of God’ s wrath the firm persuasion of his grace, by the seal of his Spirit, Et O quam hoc non est omnium! This is few men’ s happiness. So should I be delivered for ever from my judge] Who would quit me by proclamation; and then I should the less care to be condemned by you, my fellow prisoners. I care not for man’ s day, since he that judgeth me is the Lord, 1 Corinthians 4:3-4; where note what boldness and confidence the upright have in God; neither shall they be herein deceived, as Job was not.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 23:7
(7) There the righteous might dispute.—He has learnt this marvellous truth, which the Gospel has so effectually brought to light, that it is God the Saviour who is Himself the refuge from God the Judge (John 12:47); and then, in the solemn conviction of His presence, he makes use of the most sublime language expressive of it, being assured, though He may hide Himself with the express purpose of not interfering in his cause, yet that all things work together for good to them that love Him (Romans 8:28), and that when his time of trial is over, he himself will come forth like gold. Job’s case teaches us that if an innocent man is falsely accused, God’s honour is vindicated and maintained by his holding fast his conviction of innocence rather than by his yielding to the pressure of adversity and owning to sins he has not committed, or relaxing his hold on innocence by yielding to irritability.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 23:7
Verse 7. There the righteous might dispute with him] נוכח nochach, might argue or plead. To dispute with God sounds very harsh. So should I be delivered for ever] Mr. Good translates: "And triumphantly should I escape from my condemnation." The Hebrew word לנצח lanetsach may as well be translated to victory as for ever: and in this sense the Vulgate understood the words: Proponat aequitatem contra me; et perveniat ad victoriam judicium meum. "He would set up equity against me; and would lead on my cause to victory." Coverdale renders thus: - But let hym give me like power to go to lawe, then am I sure to wynne my matter. Nothing less than the fullest conviction of his own innocence could have led Job to express himself thus to the Judge of quick and dead!
Cambridge Bible on Job 23:7
7. This verse, as rendered in the A.V., seems to mean that in such circumstances (Job 23:3-6) a righteous man might plead his cause before God. Rather the words run literally, then a righteous man would be pleading with him, i. e. then it would appear that the man who pleads with Him (i. e. Job) is righteous. This sense fits into the parallelism of the second clause.
Barnes' Notes on Job 23:7
There the righteous might dispute with him - One who is conscious of his integrity might carry his cause there, with the assurance that he would be heard, and that justice would be done him.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 23:7
7. Might dispute — πελη, pleads, the Niphal form of the verb. With the same preposition, ςν, the Hiphil form is also rendered plead in Job 16:21, which see.
Sermons on Job 23:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Enjoying God's Grace - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that each individual is responsible for their own spiritual journey and cannot rely on a set of rules to save them. They explain that when Je |
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Offer Your Bodies a Living Sacrifice by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the radical depravity and evil nature of mankind, highlighting that there is no hope for self-righteousness. The first 11 chapters of the bo |
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Behold He Prayeth by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for the church to wake up and stand up in this critical hour of history. He highlights the seduction of worldly distractions like TV |
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A Free Salvation by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, preached by H. Spurgeon on June 11, 1858, the speaker invites the audience to come and buy wine and milk without money and without price. He describes the gospel as |
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How Much Are You Worth by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transformation of a man named Solitars into the Apostle Paul. Solitars experienced a moment of humiliation where he realized that a perso |
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If Any Man Be in Christ - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts by discussing the story of Paul's shipwreck and how he cast four anchors into the sea when all hope seemed lost. He then shares a personal anecd |
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Body in Christ (Reading) by Watchman Nee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the preaching of the word of God is not something new, but a revelation of what has already been given. The speaker highlights the impor |