Job 13:3
Job 13:3 in Multiple Translations
Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God.
Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
Surely I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God.
But I would have talk with the Ruler of all, and my desire is to have an argument with God.
But I would still like to speak to the Almighty: I want to prove myself to God!
But I will speake to the Almightie, and I desire to dispute with God.
Yet I for the Mighty One do speak, And to argue for God I delight.
“Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God.
Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
But yet I will speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
But I would like to speak to Almighty God, not to you; I would like to argue with him and prove that I ◄am innocent/have not done things that are wrong►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 13:3
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 13:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אוּלָ֗ם
אֲ֭נִי
אֶל
שַׁדַּ֣י
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר
וְ/הוֹכֵ֖חַ
אֶל
אֵ֣ל
אֶחְפָּֽץ
אוּלָ֗ם
ʼûwlâm
H199
but
Adv
אֲ֭נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שַׁדַּ֣י
Shadday
H7706
Almighty
N-proper
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
וְ/הוֹכֵ֖חַ
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
אֶחְפָּֽץ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
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 13:3
אוּלָ֗ם
ʼûwlâm
H199
"but"
Adv
This word is used to show contrast, like 'but' or 'however', and is often used to emphasize a point, as seen in its various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) but, but indeed (a strong adversative) 2) however, nevertheless
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: as for, but, howbeit, in very deed, surely, truly, wherefore. See also: Genesis 28:19; Job 2:5; Micah 3:8.
אֲ֭נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
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.
שַׁדַּ֣י
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.
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
וְ/הוֹכֵ֖חַ
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc
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.
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.
אֵ֣ל
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.
אֶחְפָּֽץ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
Study Notes — Job 13:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 13:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 13:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 13:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 13:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 13:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 13:3
- Cambridge Bible on Job 13:3
- Barnes' Notes on Job 13:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 13:3
- Sermons on Job 13:3
Context — Job Prepares His Case
1“Indeed, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood.
2What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.
3Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God.
4You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. 5If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 41:21 | “Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob. |
| 2 | Job 31:35 | (Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. |
| 3 | Job 13:22 | Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply. |
| 4 | Isaiah 1:18–20 | “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. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. |
| 5 | Job 9:3 | If one wished to contend with God, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand. |
| 6 | Job 9:34–35 | Let Him remove His rod from me, so that His terror will no longer frighten me. Then I would speak without fear of Him. But as it is, I am on my own. |
| 7 | Job 9:14–15 | How then can I answer Him or choose my arguments against Him? For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy. |
| 8 | Job 23:3–7 | If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. 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. Would He contend with me in His great power? No, He would certainly take note of me. Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge. |
| 9 | Micah 6:2 | Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel: |
| 10 | Job 11:5 | But if only God would speak and open His lips against you, |
Job 13:3 Summary
This verse, Job 13:3, shows us that it's okay to be honest with God about how we're feeling, even if that means expressing difficult emotions or questions. Job wants to talk to God and make his case, to understand why he's going through hard times, similar to what the Psalmist does in Psalms 77:1-2. We can do the same, coming to God in prayer and being real about our struggles, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with Him and gain a deeper understanding of His love and care for us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to argue one's case before God?
To argue one's case before God means to present one's situation and plead for justice and understanding, as seen in Job 13:3, similar to what the Psalmist does in Psalms 42:1-2, seeking a hearing from God.
Is it right to question God's sovereignty?
While we should acknowledge God's sovereignty, as in Romans 11:33-36, it is also okay to express our feelings and questions to Him, as Job does here, and as David does in Psalms 13:1-2, demonstrating that honest dialogue with God is part of a healthy relationship with Him.
How can we, like Job, speak to the Almighty?
To speak to the Almighty, we must come humbly, in prayer, and with a willingness to listen, as encouraged in Isaiah 55:6-7, and to be honest about our feelings and questions, as Job models in Job 13:3.
What is the difference between arguing with God and complaining to God?
Arguing with God, as Job does, involves a sincere desire to understand and be heard, whereas complaining to God often involves a rebellious or bitter spirit, as seen in Numbers 11:1-3, and we should strive to approach God with a humble and honest heart, as in Hebrews 4:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I feel like I need to argue my case before God, and how can I approach Him with honesty and humility?
- How do I balance my desire for answers and understanding with the reality of God's sovereignty and mystery?
- In what ways can I, like Job, express my deepest feelings and questions to God, and what might I learn from His response?
- What does it mean for me to 'speak to the Almighty' in my daily life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of conversation and relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Job 13:3
Surely I would speak to the Almighty,.... Or "therefore I would speak" (l), since he knew as much as his friends, and they knew no more than he, if so much, he would have no more to do with them,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 13:3
Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. Surely I would speak to the Almighty.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 13:3
According to thy wish, , I had rather debate the matter with God than with you. I am not afraid of presenting my person and cause before him, who is a witness of my integrity, and would not deal so unmercifully with me as you do.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 13:3
Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.Ver. 3. Surely I would speak to the Almighty] It were far better for me to speak to God than to you, and much fairer dealing from him I might expect. "A God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he," Deuteronomy 32:4; but ye are forgers of lies, and ye load me with false accusations, depraving my speeches, as thou, Zophar, especially hast done, wishing withal that God himself would speak with me face to face; which, if it should come to pass, thou saidst my misery and affliction would be redoubled. But oh that I might commune with the Almighty! surely and seriously I would rather do it than with you, my friends; and should hope so to defend mine innocence against your slanderous accusations; yea, to maintain God’ s justice against you, in the presence and judgment of God himself. Oh the confidence of a good conscience! see it in Abimelech, Genesis 20:5, but much more in David, Psalms 7:8; Psalms 7:4; Psalms 139:23-24; Jeremiah 12:1; in every strong believer, 1 Peter 3:21; those that walk uprightly, and speak uprightly, Isaiah 33:15. Not so every ungirt Christian or profligate professor, Job 13:14. The sinners in Sion are afraid, fearfulness surpriseth the hypocrites, &c., but good Job was none such; and God knew it to be so; what if to the wicked he be a devouring fire? yet to those that fear his name he is a reviving sun, Malachi 4:1-2. And upright Job feareth not to reason with him. Upon the same ground John Huss, and other martyrs, cited their persecutors to answer them by such a time before God’ s tribunal. And I desire to reason with God] If he please ( Si voluerit).
So the Septuagint adds, and makes out Job’ s meaning; as if he had used the like modesty and humility as Nehemiah, and after him Esther, did in their suits unto the king of Persia, when they said, If it seem good to the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, Nehemiah 2:5 Esther 5:4. Others think that Job here desireth to plead with God as with a party that had dealt too hardly with him, &c.; that he challengeth God into the schools, as it were, there to crack an argument with him, and by reason to reduce him to milder dealing. And, indeed, the Hebrew word here used signifieth to dispute or argue, and from it the Rabbis call logic the art of arguing. This boldness is that, say our large annotations, which both Elihu and God blame Job for in the end of the Book, though neither of them condemn him for a hypocrite; and that shows that Job did speak amiss of God in his passion, and is not altogether to be excused; much less in everything to be commended.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 13:3
Verse 3. Surely I would speak to the Almighty] אולם ulam, O that: - I wish I could speak to the Almighty! I desire to reason with God.] He speaks here to reference to the proceedings in a court of justice. Ye pretend to be advocates for God, but ye are forgers of lies: O that God himself would appear! Before him I could soon prove my innocence of the evils with which ye charge me.
Cambridge Bible on Job 13:3
3. But this knowledge neither helps nor hinders him. In spite of this knowledge, if not because of it, he desires to reason with God. surely I would speak] Rather, but I would (same word in Job 13:4).
Barnes' Notes on Job 13:3
Surely I would speak to the Almighty - I would desire to carry my cause directly up to God, and spread out my reasons before him. This Job often professed to desire; see Job 9:34-35.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 13:3
3. Zophar (Job 11:5) had thought to silence Job by calling upon God to appear against him. Job now takes Zophar at his word, by a summons for God to the controversy. This furnishes the clew to this chapter.
Sermons on Job 13:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 1 by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the world of apologetics, exploring the defense and evidences of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the need for a rational, historical, and objective faith |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a tabernacle as a place of refuge and protection from the elements. He then transitions to the topic of the day of the Lord, wh |
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The Sure Word of God, pt.2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He shares his personal experience of how God's Word has pro |
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Plead Your Case by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye preaches on the power of prayer and presenting our cases before God in times of trouble. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's intervention through prayer, cit |
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Psalms 118:22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of prophecy as a foundation for faith, illustrating how it foretells events, particularly the rejection of the Messiah by religious leaders. |
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Don't Panic by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes God's patience and invitation for His children to bring their concerns to Him, especially during times of crisis. He reassures that in moments of panic, |
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A Time to Do Nothing by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of waiting on God through the story of Saul, who, despite being anointed and blessed by God, fell into disobedience and despair when faced |