Job 23:1
Job 23:1 in Multiple Translations
Then Job answered:
Then Job answered and said,
Then Job answered and said,
And Job made answer and said,
Job replied,
Bvt Iob answered and sayd,
And Job answereth and saith: —
Then Job answered,
Then Job answered and said,
Then Job answered, and said:
Then Job replied again,
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 23:1
BAB
Word Study
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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 23:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
אִיּ֗וֹב
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִיּ֗וֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
Job
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 23:1
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אִיּ֗וֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
"Job"
N-proper
Job was a patriarch famous for his patience and is the subject of the book of Job, which explores his struggles and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Job.1.1 Also named: Iōb (Ἰώβ "Job" G2492) § Job = "hated" a patriarch, the subject of the book of Job
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Job. See also: Job 1:1; Job 32:3; Ezekiel 14:20.
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Job 23:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Job Longs for God
Job 23:1 Summary
[Job is getting ready to talk about how he's feeling, and it's not going to be easy for him to share. He's hurt and struggling to understand why bad things are happening to him, as we see in the next verses, Job 23:2-3. We can learn from Job's example to be honest with God about our feelings, just like we see in Psalms 102:1, where it says, 'Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you.' We can trust that God cares about our struggles and will help us through them, as promised in Isaiah 41:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Job answering in this verse?
Job's response indicates that he is about to express his thoughts and feelings about his situation, which is a common pattern throughout the book of Job, as seen in Job 3:1 and Job 6:1, where he also begins to speak after being addressed by others.
Why does the Bible record Job's exact words?
The Bible records Job's words to show his honesty and transparency in expressing his emotions and struggles, as encouraged in Psalms 51:17, where it says, 'The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart; these, O God, you will not despise.'
How does Job's response relate to the rest of the book of Job?
Job's answer sets the stage for his continued lament and dialogue with his friends, as seen in the following verses, Job 23:2-3, where he expresses his desire to find God and understand his situation, reflecting the overall theme of the book, which is to understand God's sovereignty and justice, as discussed in Romans 8:28.
What can we learn from Job's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of expressing our true feelings and thoughts to God, as Job does, and trusting in His sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can honestly express my emotions and struggles to God, just like Job?
- How can I, like Job, trust in God's sovereignty even when I don't understand my circumstances?
- What are some things that I can learn from Job's example of perseverance and faith in the midst of suffering?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of honesty and transparency in my relationships with others, just as Job does in his dialogue with his friends?
Gill's Exposition on Job 23:1
Then Job answered and said. In reply to Eliphaz; for though he does not direct his discourse to him, nor take any notice of his friends; yet, as a proof of his innocence, against his and their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 23:1
Then Job answered and said, No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 23:1
Job 23:1 Then Job answered and said,Ver. 1. Then Job answered and said] viz. In defence of his own integrity, against Eliphaz’ s calumnies in the foregoing chapter. To make apology to every one that shall traduce us, Plato holdeth to be both base and bootless, Pασιναπολογεισθαιθεραπευτικον (Plat.). But when such a weighty man as Eliphaz shall lay load upon so innocent a man as Job, Quis tulerit? something would be said in way of answer.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 23:1
XXIII.(1) Then Job answered.—Job replies to the insinuations of Eliphaz with the earnest longing after God and the assertion of his own innocence; while in the twenty-fourth chapter he laments that his own case is but one of many, and that multitudes suffer from the oppression of man unavenged, as he suffers from the stroke of God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 23:1
CHAPTER XXIII Job answers; apologizes for his complaining; wishes to plead his cause in the presence of his Maker, from whom he knows he should receive justice; but regrets that he cannot find him, 1-9. He, however, gives himself and his cause up to God, with the conviction of his own innocence, and God's justice and goodness, 10-14. He is, nevertheless, afraid when he considers the majesty of his Maker, 15-17. NOTES ON CHAP. XXIII
Whedon's Commentary on Job 23:1
JOB’S SEVENTH REPLY, Job 23, 24. 1. Then Job answered — In response to the touching exhortation of Eliphaz, calling him to prayer and holy living, Job pleads that his great misery is that he cannot find God.