King James Version

What Does Job 23:5 Mean?

Job 23:5 in the King James Version says “I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.” — study this verse from Job chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.”

Job 23:5 · KJV

Context

3

Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!

4

I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

5

I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.

6

Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.

7

There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I would know the words which he would answer me—Job craves divine explanation, not just relief from suffering. The verb yada (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. What he would say unto me emphasizes personal communication—Job seeks 'I-Thou' encounter, not abstract theological propositions.

This longing for divine self-disclosure anticipates Scripture's progressive revelation. Job lived before Sinai, before prophets, before incarnation—yet he intuitively understood that knowing God's words brings clarity to human confusion. The New Testament fulfills this: the Word (Λόγος, Logos) became flesh (John 1:14), and through Christ we hear God's ultimate answer to suffering. Job's desire for God's words finds completion in Jesus, who reveals the Father's character and purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Job's quest for divine communication occurs in a pre-Mosaic context without written Scripture or prophetic tradition as Israel would later know. Ancient wisdom literature across the Near East explored how deities communicate with humans—through dreams, omens, or intermediaries. Job's direct approach—wanting unmediated words from God—reflects extraordinary faith in divine accessibility and willingness to engage human questions.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Job's longing to hear God's words teach about the priority of divine revelation over human speculation?
  2. How should we balance accepting mystery in suffering with Job's legitimate desire for understanding?
  3. In what ways has Christ's incarnation—the Word made flesh—answered Job's longing for divine communication?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֵ֭דְעָה1 of 7

“I would know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מִלִּ֣ים2 of 7

“the words”

H4405

a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic

יַעֲנֵ֑נִי3 of 7

“which he would answer”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

וְ֝אָבִ֗ינָה4 of 7

“me and understand”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

מַה5 of 7
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יֹּ֥אמַר6 of 7

“what he would say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִֽי׃7 of 7
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 23:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 23:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 13:22-23Job 10:21 Corinthians 4:3-4Job 42:2-6

Test Your Knowledge

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