Job 33:5
Job 33:5 in Multiple Translations
Refute me if you can; prepare your case and confront me.
If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.
If thou canst, answer thou me; Set thy words in order before me, stand forth.
If you are able, give me an answer; put your cause in order, and come forward.
Answer me, if you can. Stand in front of me and prepare to defend yourself.
If thou canst giue me answere, prepare thy selfe and stand before me.
If thou art able — answer me, Set in array before me — station thyself.
If you can, answer me. Set your words in order before me, and stand up.
If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.
If thou canst, answer me, and stand up against my face.
So, answer what I say if you can; think carefully about how you will reply to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 33:5
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 33:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
תּוּכַ֥ל
הֲשִׁיבֵ֑/נִי
עֶרְכָ֥/ה
לְ֝/פָנַ֗/י
הִתְיַצָּֽבָ/ה
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תּוּכַ֥ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
הֲשִׁיבֵ֑/נִי
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
עֶרְכָ֥/ה
ʻârak
H6186
to arrange
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
לְ֝/פָנַ֗/י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
הִתְיַצָּֽבָ/ה
yâtsab
H3320
to stand
V-Hithpael-Impv-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 33:5
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תּוּכַ֥ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
הֲשִׁיבֵ֑/נִי
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
עֶרְכָ֥/ה
ʻârak
H6186
"to arrange"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.
לְ֝/פָנַ֗/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הִתְיַצָּֽבָ/ה
yâtsab
H3320
"to stand"
V-Hithpael-Impv-2ms | Suff
To stand or place something firmly is what this word means, and it's used in the Bible to describe presenting oneself or standing firm in faith, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself 1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up). See also: Exodus 2:4; 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 2:2.
Study Notes — Job 33:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 33:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 33:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 33:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 33:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 33:5
- Cambridge Bible on Job 33:5
- Barnes' Notes on Job 33:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 33:5
- Sermons on Job 33:5
Context — Elihu Rebukes Job
3My words are from an upright heart, and my lips speak sincerely what I know.
4The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
5Refute me if you can; prepare your case and confront me.
6I am just like you before God; I was also formed from clay. 7Surely no fear of me should terrify you; nor will my hand be heavy upon you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 33:32–33 | But if you have something to say, answer me; speak up, for I would like to vindicate you. But if not, then listen to me; be quiet, and I will teach you wisdom.” |
| 2 | Job 32:1 | So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. |
| 3 | Psalms 50:21 | You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face. |
| 4 | Job 13:18 | Behold, now that I have prepared my case, I know that I will be vindicated. |
| 5 | Job 32:14 | But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments. |
| 6 | Job 32:12 | I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments. |
| 7 | Job 23:4–5 | I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would learn how He would answer, and consider what He would say. |
| 8 | Acts 10:26 | But Peter helped him up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” |
Job 33:5 Summary
[In Job 33:5, Elihu is saying to Job, 'If you think I'm wrong, tell me, and let's discuss it.' This shows that Elihu values honest conversation and is not afraid of being corrected, much like the Proverbs 9:8-9 teaching that rebuke from the wise is a sign of love. He wants to understand Job's perspective and have a respectful dialogue, just as we are called to in Ephesians 4:29 to speak the truth in love. By inviting refutation, Elihu demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn, which are important qualities for us to cultivate in our own relationships and discussions.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tone of Elihu in Job 33:5?
Elihu's tone in Job 33:5 is one of confidence and humility, inviting Job to refute him if he can, as seen in the phrase 'Refute me if you can' which shows his openness to correction, similar to the attitude of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:3-4 where he submits to judgment.
Is Elihu being arrogant in Job 33:5?
No, Elihu is not being arrogant, but rather inviting honest dialogue and critique, as he also states in Job 33:6 that he is just like Job before God, formed from clay, which shows his recognition of their shared humanity and equality before God, much like the teaching in Psalms 103:14 that God remembers we are dust.
What does Elihu mean by 'prepare your case' in Job 33:5?
By 'prepare your case', Elihu is asking Job to gather his thoughts and arguments, to present his side of the conversation, which is a call to thoughtful and intentional communication, reflecting the wisdom found in Proverbs 15:28 that the heart of the righteous studies how to answer.
How does Job 33:5 relate to other parts of the Bible?
The idea of open dialogue and refutation in Job 33:5 is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Acts 17:11 where the Bereans are commended for examining the scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true, demonstrating a similar spirit of inquiry and verification.
Reflection Questions
- What are the times in my life when I have been invited to 'refute' or challenge someone's perspective, and how did I respond?
- In what ways can I, like Elihu, invite others to critique my thoughts and actions, and what might be the benefits of such openness?
- How does recognizing our shared humanity, as Elihu does in Job 33:6, affect the way we interact with others in discussions and disagreements?
- What are some 'cases' or arguments I've been preparing in my heart, and how can I present them in a way that is respectful and open to feedback?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 33:5
If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. Images from a court of justice. Stand up - alluding to Job's words (Job 30:20).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 33:5
I shall allow thee all freedom of discourse; I cannot terrify thee, as God would: I shall not reproach thee, nor cavil at thee, as thy friends have done. Stand up, to contend with me as thing adversary in this cause.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 33:5
Job 33:5 If thou canst answer me, set [thy words] in order before me, stand up.Ver. 5. If thou canst answer me] Or, If thou canst, do thou answer me. This bold challenge, and the like confident expressions, not unlike in appearance to that of Campian, with his ten unanswerable reasons (as he accounted them), or that of Sanders, with his forty not probable reasons, but most solid demonstrations (if men would believe him) to prove, that the pope is not Antichrist, hath caused one interpreter, following Gregory, to censure Elihu, for a palpable braggadocian, full of pride and vain-glory (De visib. Monarch. libri 8). This is a hard saying, and at the best reverenter glossanda, as he said of the Pontifician laws. I think this good man is hereby no less mistaken and wronged than John Baptist was by Tertullian, who falls foul upon him in three different places, for that harmless question of his sent to our Saviour by two of his disciples (whom he sought to settle), "Art thou he that should come?" &c., Matthew 11:3, as if he himself had doubted who the person of the Messiah was. Set thy words in order before me, stand up] A metaphor from military matters; muster up and marshal thine arguments in good array, and then stand to it; make good thy ground like a valiant soldier, who will rather die for it than stir an inch. An expression not unlike this is that of David, Psalms 5:3. In the morning will I direct (or marshal up) my prayers, and then look up; be as a spy upon a watch tower, to see what speed, and whether I get the day: military terms they are both.
Cambridge Bible on Job 33:5
1–7. Introductory appeal to Job to listen to Elihu, who will speak in all honesty, and who being a man like Job himself may be argued with.
Barnes' Notes on Job 33:5
If thou canst answer me - The meaning of this verse is this: “The controversy between you and me, if you choose to reply, shall be conducted in the most equitable manner, and on the most equal terms.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 33:5
5. Before — Rather. Against me. Stand up — Literally, take thy stand. “The very ring of the words in Hebrew bears the tone of haughty defiance.” — Schlottmann.
Sermons on Job 33:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Let God Be Justified by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the necessity of self-denial and the willingness to relinquish our reputations and past victories to truly experience God's best for us. He highlights Elihu |
|
False Conclusions by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the patience of God and how it relates to the presence of evil in the world. He references Ecclesiastes 8:11, where Solomon declares that bec |
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Anarchy in Worship or Recent Innovation Contrasted W/ Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (1875) by James Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the objection to symbolism in worship. He refers to Deuteronomy 4, where it is stated that God spoke to the people without any similitude or |
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The Sinners Mistakes Exposed and Reproved. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the ancient doctrine of a judgment to come, emphasizing that God, though silent in the present life, carefully records the sins of impenitent sinners f |
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Misrepresenting God by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the importance of accurately representing God's character, warning against the extremes of portraying God solely as merciful or as cruel. He argues |
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Men Naturally Are God’s Enemies by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the natural enmity of men towards God, emphasizing that all natural men are God's enemies due to their low esteem, aversion, and opposition to God i |
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God Regains His Fear Through Judgments by John Franklin | John Franklin delves into the importance of regaining the fear of God as the antidote to the moral decline plaguing our nation and Christians, emphasizing that the loss of fear of |