King James Version
Job 23
17 verses with commentary
Job's Reply: Oh, That I Knew Where to Find Him!
Then Job answered and said,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then Job answered and said</strong> (וַיַּעַן אִיּוֹב וַיֹּאמַר, <em>wayya'an 'iyyov wayyo'mar</em>)—This formulaic introduction marks Job's penultimate speech in the third cycle of dialogues (Job 23-24). Following Eliphaz's third accusation (chapter 22), Job shifts from defending himself to desperately seeking God's presence for vindication.<br><br>The verb <em>עָנָה</em> ('anah, 'to answ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. Therefore (as affliction is ordered by God, on account of sin), "I would" have you to "seek unto God" (Is 8:19; Am 5:8; Jr 5:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
Job complains that God has withdrawn.(1-7)
He asserts his own integrity.(8-12)
The Divine terrors.(13-17)
**Verses 1-7**
Job appeals from his friends to the just judgement of God. He wants to have his cause tried quickly. Blessed be God, we may know where to find him. He is in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself; and upon a mercy-seat, waitin...
Read full commentary →Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. stroke: Heb. hand
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Even to day is my complaint bitter</strong> (גַּם־הַיּוֹם מְרִי שִׂחִי, <em>gam-hayyom meri sichi</em>)—The word <em>מְרִי</em> (meri) derives from <em>מָרָה</em> (marah, 'to be bitter/rebellious'), the same root as Marah, the bitter waters (Exodus 15:23). Job's <em>שִׂיחַ</em> (siach, 'complaint/meditation') remains <em>מְרִי</em>—not sinfully rebellious but honestly bitter. The phrase <s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Even to day.**—Or, *Still is my complaint bitter *or accounted rebellion; yet is my stroke heavier than my groaning: my complaint is no just measure of my suffering.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
Job complains that God has withdrawn.(1-7)
He asserts his own integrity.(8-12)
The Divine terrors.(13-17)
**Verses 1-7**
Job appeals from his friends to the just judgement of God. He wants to have his cause tried quickly. Blessed be God, we may know where to find him. He is in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself; and upon a mercy-seat, waitin...
Read full commentary →Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!
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KJV Study Commentary
Job's longing: 'Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!' This desire for direct divine encounter shows faith that persists despite God's apparent absence. Job wants audience, not explanation through intermediaries.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3*)* **Oh that I knew where I might find him.**—The piteous complaint of a man who feels that God is with him for chastisement, but not for healing.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
Job complains that God has withdrawn.(1-7)
He asserts his own integrity.(8-12)
The Divine terrors.(13-17)
**Verses 1-7**
Job appeals from his friends to the just judgement of God. He wants to have his cause tried quickly. Blessed be God, we may know where to find him. He is in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself; and upon a mercy-seat, waitin...
Read full commentary →I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I would order my cause before him</strong> (אֶעֶרְכָה מִשְׁפָּט לְפָנָיו, e'erkah mishpat lefanav)—Job longs for a courtroom encounter with God where he could <em>arak</em> (arrange, set in order) his legal case. The verb evokes military formations or priestly arrangement of sacrifices, suggesting meticulous preparation. <strong>Fill my mouth with arguments</strong> (תּוֹכָחוֹת, tokhachot)...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11. Connected with Job 5:9. His "unsearchable" dealings are with a view to raise the humble and abase the proud (Lu 1:52). Therefore Job ought to turn humbly to Him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
Job complains that God has withdrawn.(1-7)
He asserts his own integrity.(8-12)
The Divine terrors.(13-17)
**Verses 1-7**
Job appeals from his friends to the just judgement of God. He wants to have his cause tried quickly. Blessed be God, we may know where to find him. He is in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself; and upon a mercy-seat, waitin...
Read full commentary →I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I would know the words which he would answer me</strong>—Job craves divine explanation, not just relief from suffering. The verb <em>yada</em> (יָדַע, to know) means intimate, experiential knowledge beyond mere intellectual information. Job wants to understand God's reasoning, confident that divine wisdom would vindicate rather than condemn him. <strong>What he would say unto me</strong> e...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. enterprise--**literally, "realization." The Hebrew combines in the one word the two ideas, wisdom and happiness, "enduring existence" being the etymological and philosophical root of the combined notion [Umbreit].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
Job complains that God has withdrawn.(1-7)
He asserts his own integrity.(8-12)
The Divine terrors.(13-17)
**Verses 1-7**
Job appeals from his friends to the just judgement of God. He wants to have his cause tried quickly. Blessed be God, we may know where to find him. He is in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself; and upon a mercy-seat, waitin...
Read full commentary →Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Will he plead against me with his great power?</strong> (הַבְּרָב־כֹּחַ יָרִיב עִמָּדִי, hab'rav-koach yariv immadi)—Job questions whether God would use overwhelming might (<em>rav koach</em>, great power) to crush him in debate rather than engage fairly. The verb <em>yariv</em> (contend, plead) suggests legal disputation. Job fears divine omnipotence might silence legitimate questions thr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Plead against me.**—Rather, *Would he plead with me, *or *contend with me in the greatness of his power? Nay; but he would have regard unto me; he would consider my case. *Eliphaz had bidden Job to acquaint himself with God, and return unto Him (Job 22:23); Job says there is nothing he longs for more than to come into His presence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13. Paul (1Co 3:19) quoted this clause with the formula establishing its inspiration, "it is written." He cites the exact Hebrew words, not as he usually does the Septuagint, Greek version (Psa 9:15). Haman was hanged on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai (Es 5:14; 7:10).
**the wise--**that is, "the cunning."
**is carried headlong--**Their scheme is precipitated before it is ripe.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
Job complains that God has withdrawn.(1-7)
He asserts his own integrity.(8-12)
The Divine terrors.(13-17)
**Verses 1-7**
Job appeals from his friends to the just judgement of God. He wants to have his cause tried quickly. Blessed be God, we may know where to find him. He is in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself; and upon a mercy-seat, waitin...
Read full commentary →There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>There the righteous might dispute with him</strong> (שָׁם יָשָׁר נוֹכָח עִמּוֹ, sham yashar nokhach immo)—<em>Yashar</em> (upright, righteous) describes moral integrity, while <em>nokhach</em> means to reason, prove, or argue a case. Job envisions a tribunal where the righteous can engage God in rational discourse on equal forensic footing. This remarkable claim—that God permits legal disp...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **There the righteous might dispute.**—He has learnt this marvellous truth, which the Gospel has so effectually brought to light, that it is God the Saviour who is Himself the refuge from God the Judge (John 12:47); and then, in the solemn conviction of His presence, he makes use of the most sublime language expressive of it, being assured, though He may hide Himself with the express purpose o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14. Judicial blindness often is sent upon keen men of the world (De 28:29; Is 59:10; Joh 9:39).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 23
Chapter Outline
Job complains that God has withdrawn.(1-7)
He asserts his own integrity.(8-12)
The Divine terrors.(13-17)
**Verses 1-7**
Job appeals from his friends to the just judgement of God. He wants to have his cause tried quickly. Blessed be God, we may know where to find him. He is in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself; and upon a mercy-seat, waitin...
Read full commentary →Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
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KJV Study Commentary
Job's complaint: 'Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him.' The four-directional search (forward/backward/left/right) emphasizes totality of divine hiddenness. Yet Job continues seeking, modeling faith that pursues despite absence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15. "From the sword" which proceedeth "from their mouth" (Psa 59:7; 57:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Job knew that the Lord was every where present; but his mind was in such confusion, that he could get no fixed view of God's merciful presence, so as to find comfort by spreading his case before him. His views were all gloomy. God seemed to stand at a distance, and frown upon him. Yet Job expressed his assurance that he should be brought forth, tried, and approved, for he had o...
Read full commentary →On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him</strong> (בִּשְׂמֹאול בַּעֲשֹׂתוֹ וְלֹא־אָחָז, bis'mol ba'asoto v'lo-achaz)—The left hand (שְׂמֹאול, s'mol) represents the north in Hebrew spatial orientation. Job searches for God in every direction but cannot <em>chazah</em> (behold, perceive) divine presence. The verb <em>asah</em> (work, do) indicates God actively operates i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. the poor hath hope--**of the interposition of God.
**iniquity stoppeth her mouth--**(Psa 107:42; Mi 7:9, 10; Is 52:15). Especially at the last day, through shame (Jude 15; Mt 22:12). The "mouth" was the offender (Job 5:15), and the mouth shall then be stopped (Is 25:8) at the end.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Job knew that the Lord was every where present; but his mind was in such confusion, that he could get no fixed view of God's merciful presence, so as to find comfort by spreading his case before him. His views were all gloomy. God seemed to stand at a distance, and frown upon him. Yet Job expressed his assurance that he should be brought forth, tried, and approved, for he had o...
Read full commentary →But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. that: Heb. that is with me
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.</strong> Job expresses confident faith despite his suffering. "He knoweth" (<em>yada</em>, יָדַע) indicates intimate, comprehensive knowledge—God fully understands Job's path and circumstances. "The way that I take" (<em>derek immadi</em>, דֶּרֶךְ עִמָּדִי) literally means "the way with me" or "my way"—G...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. happy--**not that the actual suffering is joyous; but the consideration of the righteousness of Him who sends it, and the end for which it is sent, make it a cause for thankfulness, not for complaints, such as Job had uttered (He 12:11). Eliphaz implies that the end in this case is to call back Job from the particular sin of which he takes for granted that Job is guilty. Paul seems to allude...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Job knew that the Lord was every where present; but his mind was in such confusion, that he could get no fixed view of God's merciful presence, so as to find comfort by spreading his case before him. His views were all gloomy. God seemed to stand at a distance, and frown upon him. Yet Job expressed his assurance that he should be brought forth, tried, and approved, for he had o...
Read full commentary →My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>My foot hath held his steps</strong> (בַּאֲשֻׁרוֹ אָחֲזָה רַגְלִי, ba'ashuro achazah ragli)—<em>Achaz</em> (held fast, seized) describes tenacious grip. The <em>ashur</em> (step, path) represents God's prescribed way for righteous living. Job claims his <em>regel</em> (foot) firmly gripped the divine path, suggesting careful, deliberate obedience rather than casual religiosity. This echoes...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. he maketh sore, and bindeth up--**(De 32:39; Ho 6:1; 1Sa 2:6). An image from binding up a wound. The healing art consisted much at that time in external applications.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Job knew that the Lord was every where present; but his mind was in such confusion, that he could get no fixed view of God's merciful presence, so as to find comfort by spreading his case before him. His views were all gloomy. God seemed to stand at a distance, and frown upon him. Yet Job expressed his assurance that he should be brought forth, tried, and approved, for he had o...
Read full commentary →Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. esteemed: Heb. hid, or, laid up my: or, my appointed portion
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KJV Study Commentary
Job's testimony reaches devotional heights: "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food (<em>chukqi</em>, חֻקִּי)." The noun <em>choq</em> refers to that which is decreed or prescribed—Job's portion, his daily sustenance. The verb <em>tsaphan</em> (צָפַן, "esteemed") means to treasure, hide, or store up. Job hasn't merely valued God's word intellectually—he has treasured it...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.**—Comp. John 4:32-34. Or, *I have treasured up the words, &c., according to the statute prescribed to me, *or *from my own law: i.e.*, “I made it a principle with myself to treasure up the words of His mouth.” The LXX. and the Vulg. have a differing reading, and render *in my bosom.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. in six ... yea, in seven--**(Pr 6:16; Am 1:3). The Hebrew idiom fixes on a certain number (here "six"), in order to call attention as to a thing of importance; then increases the force by adding, with a "yea, nay seven," the next higher number; here "seven," the sacred and perfect number. In all possible troubles; not merely in the precise number "seven."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
Job knew that the Lord was every where present; but his mind was in such confusion, that he could get no fixed view of God's merciful presence, so as to find comfort by spreading his case before him. His views were all gloomy. God seemed to stand at a distance, and frown upon him. Yet Job expressed his assurance that he should be brought forth, tried, and approved, for he had o...
Read full commentary →But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
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KJV Study Commentary
Job declares God's sovereignty: "But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth." The phrase "in one" (<em>be'echad</em>, בְּאֶחָד) means unique, alone, unchangeable. The verb <em>shuv</em> (שׁוּב, "turn") means to cause to return or change direction. Job affirms divine immutability—God's purposes cannot be thwarted. The phrase "what his soul desireth" ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **He is one, or in one.**—Job either declares His unique sovereignty or His unchangeable purpose. The context seems to support the latter, in which case the sense given by the Authorised Version is correct.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. power--**(Jr 5:12). Hebrew, "hands."
**of the sword--**(Eze 35:5, Margin). Hands are given to the sword personified as a living agent.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-17**
As Job does not once question but that his trials are from the hand of God, and that there is no such thing as chance, how does he account for them? The principle on which he views them is, that the hope and reward of the faithful servants of God are only laid up in another life; and he maintains that it is plain to all, that the wicked are not treated according to their deser...
Read full commentary →For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me</strong> (כִּי־יַשְׁלִים חֻקִּי, <em>ki-yashlim chukki</em>)—The verb <em>shalam</em> (שָׁלַם) means "to complete, fulfill, finish." The noun <em>choq</em> (חֹק) denotes a decreed statute or appointed portion. Job confesses divine sovereignty extends to his personal life: God completes what He has ordained. This echoes Philippians 1:6, "...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **He performeth the thing that is appointed for me.**—“He will accomplish my appointed lot; He will complete that which He has decreed for me; and like these things there are many (more) with Him” (Job 10:13). Job is disposed to take the full measure of the worst, like a pessimist, that being steeled against it, he may be prepared; and so steeled, he still trusts God. (Comp. Job 13:15, Author...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
21. (Psa 31:20; Jr 18:18). Smite (Psalm 73. 9).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-17**
As Job does not once question but that his trials are from the hand of God, and that there is no such thing as chance, how does he account for them? The principle on which he views them is, that the hope and reward of the faithful servants of God are only laid up in another life; and he maintains that it is plain to all, that the wicked are not treated according to their deser...
Read full commentary →Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore am I troubled at his presence</strong> (עַל־כֵּן מִפָּנָיו אֶבָּהֵל, <em>al-ken mippanav ebahel</em>)—The verb <em>bahal</em> (בָּהַל) means "to be terrified, dismayed, horrified." The preposition <em>min-panav</em> (from His face/presence) indicates God Himself is the source of terror. This is the <em>mysterium tremendum</em>—the overwhelming terror of the holy. Job experiences ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Therefore am I troubled at his presence.**—*i.e., *invisible though it be, and undiscoverable as He is on every hand (Job 23:8-9), Job is in a strait betwixt two (Philippians 1:23). The victim of an ever present paradox and dilemma; afraid of God, yet longing to see Him; conscious of His presence, yet unable to find Him; assured of His absolute justice, and yet convinced of his own sufferin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. famine thou shalt laugh--**Not, in spite of destruction and famine, which is true (Ha 3:17, 18), though not the truth meant by Eliphaz, but because those calamities shall not come upon thee. A different Hebrew word from that in Job 5:20; there, famine in general; here, the languid state of those wanting proper nutriment [Barnes].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-17**
As Job does not once question but that his trials are from the hand of God, and that there is no such thing as chance, how does he account for them? The principle on which he views them is, that the hope and reward of the faithful servants of God are only laid up in another life; and he maintains that it is plain to all, that the wicked are not treated according to their deser...
Read full commentary →For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For God maketh my heart soft</strong> (וְאֵל הֵרַךְ לִבִּי, <em>ve-El herak libbi</em>)—The verb <em>rakak</em> (רָכַךְ) means "to make soft, weak, faint." Paradoxically, this softening isn't tenderness but weakness. The word is used of hearts melting in fear (Deuteronomy 20:3, Joshua 2:11). Job's heart isn't softened by grace but enervated by terror. The phrase <strong>the Almighty troubl...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **For God maketh my heart soft.**—That is, “He has made it full of apprehension and fear, and the Almighty hath troubled me in these two respects: that He did not cut me off before the darkness, so that I had never been born, or that He did not hide darkness from mine eyes after giving me life.” (Comp. Job 3:11; Job 3:20, &c.) We may understand this of the physical suffering to which he was s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. in league with the stones of the field--**They shall not hurt the fertility of thy soil; nor the wild beasts thy fruits; spoken in Arabia-Deserta, where stones abounded. Arabia, derived from Arabah--a desert plain. The first clause of this verse answers to the first clause of Job 5:22; and the last of this verse to the last of that verse. The full realization of this is yet future (Is 65:23,...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-17**
As Job does not once question but that his trials are from the hand of God, and that there is no such thing as chance, how does he account for them? The principle on which he views them is, that the hope and reward of the faithful servants of God are only laid up in another life; and he maintains that it is plain to all, that the wicked are not treated according to their deser...
Read full commentary →Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Because I was not cut off before the darkness</strong> (כִּי־לֹא נִצְמַתִּי מִפְּנֵי־חֹשֶׁךְ, <em>ki-lo nitsmatiy mippene-choshek</em>)—The verb <em>tsamat</em> (צָמַת) means "to be cut off, destroyed, silenced." Job wishes he had died before suffering began. The noun <em>choshek</em> (חֹשֶׁךְ, darkness) represents calamity, not physical night. The phrase <strong>neither hath he covered th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. know--**"Thou shalt rest in the assurance, that thine habitation is the abode of peace; and (if) thou numberest thine herd, thine expectations prove not fallacious" [Umbreit]. "Sin" does not agree with the context. The Hebrew word--"to miss" a mark, said of archers (Jud 20:16). The Hebrew for "habitation" primarily means "the fold for cattle"; and for "visit," often to "take an account of, t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-17**
As Job does not once question but that his trials are from the hand of God, and that there is no such thing as chance, how does he account for them? The principle on which he views them is, that the hope and reward of the faithful servants of God are only laid up in another life; and he maintains that it is plain to all, that the wicked are not treated according to their deser...
Read full commentary →