Job 23 – read and compare multiple versions
Job 23
[1] Then Job answered,
[2] “Even today my complaint is rebellious.
His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
[3] Oh that I knew where I might find him!
That I might come even to his seat!
[4] I would set my cause in order before him,
and fill my mouth with arguments.
[5] I would know the words which he would answer me,
and understand what he would tell me.
[6] Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No, but he would listen to me.
[7] There the upright might reason with him,
so I should be delivered forever from my judge. [8] “If I go east, he is not there.
If I go west, I can’t find him.
[9] He works to the north, but I can’t see him.
He turns south, but I can’t catch a glimpse of him. [10] But he knows the way that I take.
When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.
[11] My foot has held fast to his steps.
I have kept his way, and not turned away.
[12] I haven’t gone back from the commandment of his lips.
I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
[13] But he stands alone, and who can oppose him?
What his soul desires, even that he does.
[14] For he performs that which is appointed for me.
Many such things are with him.
[15] Therefore I am terrified at his presence.
When I consider, I am afraid of him.
[16] For God has made my heart faint.
The Almighty has terrified me.
[17] Because I was not cut off before the darkness,
neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.
[2] “Even today my complaint is rebellious.
His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
[3] Oh that I knew where I might find him!
That I might come even to his seat!
[4] I would set my cause in order before him,
and fill my mouth with arguments.
[5] I would know the words which he would answer me,
and understand what he would tell me.
[6] Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No, but he would listen to me.
[7] There the upright might reason with him,
so I should be delivered forever from my judge. [8] “If I go east, he is not there.
If I go west, I can’t find him.
[9] He works to the north, but I can’t see him.
He turns south, but I can’t catch a glimpse of him. [10] But he knows the way that I take.
When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.
[11] My foot has held fast to his steps.
I have kept his way, and not turned away.
[12] I haven’t gone back from the commandment of his lips.
I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
[13] But he stands alone, and who can oppose him?
What his soul desires, even that he does.
[14] For he performs that which is appointed for me.
Many such things are with him.
[15] Therefore I am terrified at his presence.
When I consider, I am afraid of him.
[16] For God has made my heart faint.
The Almighty has terrified me.
[17] Because I was not cut off before the darkness,
neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.