Job 8:5
Job 8:5 in Multiple Translations
But if you would earnestly seek God and ask the Almighty for mercy,
If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
If thou wouldest seek diligently unto God, And make thy supplication to the Almighty;
If you will make search for God with care, and put your request before the Ruler of all;
But if you pray to God and ask for his help,
Yet if thou wilt early seeke vnto God, and pray to the Almightie,
If thou dost seek early unto God, And unto the Mighty makest supplication,
If you want to seek God diligently, make your supplication to the Almighty.
If thou wouldst seek to God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
Yet if thou wilt arise early to God, and wilt beseech the Almighty:
But, if you will now earnestly request [DOU] Almighty God to help you,
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 8:5
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 8:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
אַ֭תָּה
תְּשַׁחֵ֣ר
אֶל
אֵ֑ל
וְ/אֶל
שַׁ֝דַּ֗י
תִּתְחַנָּֽן
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אַ֭תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
תְּשַׁחֵ֣ר
shâchar
H7836
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
שַׁ֝דַּ֗י
Shadday
H7706
Almighty
N-proper
תִּתְחַנָּֽן
chânan
H2603
be gracious
V-Hithpael-Imperf-2ms
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 8:5
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.
אַ֭תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
תְּשַׁחֵ֣ר
shâchar
H7836
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to seek or search for something early and earnestly, like in Psalm 63:1 where David seeks God diligently. It can also mean to rise early, as in Proverbs 8:17 where wisdom is found by those who seek it early. The word appears about 15 times in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to seek, seek early or earnestly, look early or diligently for 1a) (Qal) to look for diligently, seek 1b) (Piel) to seek, seek early
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (do something) betimes, enquire early, rise (seek) betimes, seek diligently) early, in the morning). See also: Job 7:21; Proverbs 7:15; Psalms 63:2.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שַׁ֝דַּ֗י
Shadday
H7706
"Almighty"
N-proper
Shadday means Almighty, referring to God's great power. It is another name for the Lord, emphasizing His strength and might. This name is used in the Bible to describe God's power and authority.
Definition: Shaddai, the Almighty (God) Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G) This name means almighty, most powerful
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Almighty. See also: Genesis 17:1; Job 22:25; Psalms 68:15.
תִּתְחַנָּֽן
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
Study Notes — Job 8:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 8:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 8:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 8:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 8:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 8:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 8:5
- Cambridge Bible on Job 8:5
- Barnes' Notes on Job 8:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 8:5
- Sermons on Job 8:5
Context — Bildad: Job Should Repent
3Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?
4When your children sinned against Him, He gave them over to their rebellion.
5But if you would earnestly seek God and ask the Almighty for mercy,
6if you are pure and upright, even now He will rouse Himself on your behalf and restore your righteous estate. 7Though your beginnings were modest, your latter days will flourish.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 4:7–10 | Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. |
| 2 | Hebrews 3:7–8 | Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, |
| 3 | Job 11:13 | As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him, |
| 4 | Matthew 7:7–8 | Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 33:12–13 | And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. And when he prayed to Him, the LORD received his plea and heard his petition; so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God. |
| 7 | Job 22:21–30 | Reconcile now and be at peace with Him; thereby good will come to you. Receive instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored. If you remove injustice from your tents and consign your gold to the dust and the gold of Ophir to the stones of the ravines, then the Almighty will be your gold and the finest silver for you. Surely then you will delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God. You will pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. Your decisions will be carried out, and light will shine on your ways. When men are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then He will save the lowly. He will deliver even one who is not innocent, rescuing him through the cleanness of your hands.” |
| 8 | Job 5:8 | However, if I were you, I would appeal to God and lay my cause before Him— |
Job 8:5 Summary
This verse reminds us that seeking God and asking for mercy is a crucial part of our relationship with Him. It means we need to genuinely pursue knowing Him and ask for His forgiveness and help. As we do this, we can trust that God will work everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28. By seeking God with all our heart, like it says in Deuteronomy 4:29, we can experience His love and care in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to earnestly seek God?
To earnestly seek God means to wholeheartedly and sincerely pursue a relationship with Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:29, where it says to seek the Lord with all our heart and soul.
How can I ask the Almighty for mercy?
Asking the Almighty for mercy involves humbling ourselves before Him, acknowledging our sin and need for forgiveness, as expressed in Psalm 51:1, where David asks God to have mercy on him according to His lovingkindness.
Is seeking God and asking for mercy a guarantee of receiving what we ask for?
While seeking God and asking for mercy is essential, it's not a guarantee of receiving what we ask for, as seen in Job 8:5, but rather it's about aligning our hearts with God's will, as taught in Romans 8:28, where we're told that all things work together for good to those who love God.
What role does purity and uprightness play in seeking God's mercy?
Purity and uprightness are crucial in seeking God's mercy, as mentioned in the next verse, Job 8:6, where it says that if we are pure and upright, God will rouse Himself on our behalf, highlighting the importance of living a righteous life, as also taught in Proverbs 11:5, where the integrity of the upright guides them.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can earnestly seek God in my daily life, and how can I prioritize this pursuit?
- In what areas of my life do I need to ask the Almighty for mercy, and how can I humble myself before Him?
- How can I balance the desire for God's mercy with the understanding that His ways are not always our ways, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9?
- What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate purity and uprightness in my life, and how can I seek accountability in this journey?
Gill's Exposition on Job 8:5
If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes,.... Here Bildad seems to think more mildly, and speak more kindly to Job, that though he had sinned, yet not in so gross a manner as his children, since he was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 8:5
If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty; Seek unto God betimes - early. Make it the first add chief anxiety.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 8:5
But, God hath spared thee, whom he might justly have destroyed with thy children, and thou art yet capable of his favour, if thou seek for it; and therefore cease from these causeless and unthankful complaints. Seek unto God betimes, Heb. rise early to seek him, i.e. if thou wouldst seek him speedily, early, and diligently. See 7:18,21. But this may be understood of the time past; and this verse being connected with the next, may be thus rendered and understood, If thou hadst sought (for the future tense in the Hebrew is oft put for the past) unto God betimes, and made supplication to the Almighty; if withal thou hadst been pure and upright, i.e. if thy prayers had been accompanied with purity and uprightness of heart and life, they should have been heard and answered. But because thou didst regard iniquity in thy heart, therefore God would not hear and did not answer thy prayers, but answered thee with a curse instead of a blessing, as he useth to deal with hypocrites.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 8:5
Job 8:5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;Ver. 5. If thou wouldst seek unto God betimes] If warned by the evil end that befell thine unhappy children, thou wouldst early and earnestly seek unto God for mercy, for which purpose it may seem that thy life hast been graciously spared, when thy children have been destroyed, that thou might be made wise at their expense. Such counsel as that is Eliphaz hath given Job before, Job 5:8. And make thy supplication to the Almighty] Pray for mercy out of free grace alone, so the Hebrew word signifieth; plead for pity, speak supplications, as the poor man doth, Proverbs 18:23. Be poor in spirit, a stark beggar and bankrupt, less than the least of all God’ s mercies, Genesis 32:10, and in this mind address thyself to the all sufficient, the cornucopia, the God rich in mercy to all that call upon him, for pardon of thy great sin in standing out in contention with his majesty, and resisting his fatherly visitation.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 8:5
Verse 5. If thou wouldest seek unto God] Though God has so severely afflicted thee, and removed thy children by a terrible judgment; yet if thou wilt now humble thyself before him, and implore his mercy, thou shalt be saved. He cut them off in their sins, but he spares thee; and this is a proof that he waits to be gracious to thee.
Cambridge Bible on Job 8:5
5. Bildad saw in the fate of Job’s children not only proof that they had sinned but that their sin was deadly. He saw in Job’s afflictions proof equally decisive that he had sinned, but the fact that he was still spared, however severe his afflictions, gave a different complexion to his sin, and also suggested a different meaning for his afflictions. They were chastisements meant for his good, and Bildad is enabled to hope the best for Job, if he will rightly lay his trials to heart. wouldest seek unto God betimes] Rather, if thou wilt seek earnestly unto God. Thou is emphatic in antithesis to “thy children,” Job 8:4.
Barnes' Notes on Job 8:5
If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes - If thou wouldest do it now.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 8:5
b. Divine Providence, that punishes the wicked, will as certainly reward the man who conciliates his God, Job 8:5-7.5. Thou — Emphatic. While the dead children cannot, thou mayest repent.
Sermons on Job 8:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Day's Journey Into the Wilderness by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of God. He references the story of Elijah and how God demonstrated His power by consuming the captain and his 50 men |
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(Nicaragua) the Lord Has Promised to Deliver You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher, who has been preaching for over 54 years, emphasizes the faithfulness of God throughout his ministry. He mentions that he and another pastor, Gary, wi |
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A Target of Satan's Envy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to seek strength and guidance from God in their spiritual battles. He acknowledges that despite hearing numerous |
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Devil, You Can't Walk on Me Anymore by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of God-loving people being oppressed and discouraged by the enemy. He emphasizes that God is looking at this situation with disbeli |
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The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes four important steps for spiritual growth. First, he urges the audience to put away any doubtful habits from their lives. Second, he emphasize |
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Turn the Tide by Abigail Miller | This sermon emphasizes the need to stand strong against evil forces that threaten to corrupt society, highlighting the importance of turning to God for restoration and revival. It |
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(In the Word) 01 - Spiritual Warfare_how We Are Decieved by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the Word of God rather than human traditions. They share a personal testimony about how the powers of darkness h |