King James Version

What Does Job 31:35 Mean?

Job 31:35 in the King James Version says “Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written ...” — study this verse from Job chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book. my: or, my sign is that the Almighty will”

Job 31:35 · KJV

Context

33

If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom: as Adam: or, after the manner of men

34

Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?

35

Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book. my: or, my sign is that the Almighty will

36

Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.

37

I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.

Read Job 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job cries: 'Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.' The exclamation mi yitten-li shomea li (מִי יִתֶּן־לִי שֹׁמֵעַ לִי, Oh that one would hear me) expresses deep longing. Job desires direct encounter with God rather than mediation through friends' faulty theology. The phrase 'my desire' (tavi, תָּוִי) may mean 'my signature' or 'my mark'—Job signs his defense. The request that his 'adversary' (ish rivi, אִישׁ רִיבִי, literally 'man of my lawsuit') write a book (sefer, סֵפֶר) demands formal legal documentation. Job wants specifics, not general accusations. This longing is fulfilled when God answers (chapters 38-41).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern legal proceedings required written documentation of charges. Job's request that his adversary write a book demands formal, specific indictment. His friends offered general accusations but no documented evidence. Job's demand anticipates the gospel where Satan (the accuser) has no legitimate charge against those in Christ. The verse expresses the universal human longing to hear from God directly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's longing to hear from God express the universal human desire for direct divine encounter?
  2. What does Job's demand for documented charges teach about the necessity of specificity in accusations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
מִ֤י1 of 13
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יִתֶּן2 of 13

“Oh that”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִ֨י׀3 of 13
H0
שֹׁ֘מֵ֤עַֽ4 of 13

“one would hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לִ֗י5 of 13
H0
הֶן6 of 13
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

תָּ֭וִי7 of 13

“me! behold my desire”

H8420

a mark; by implication, a signature

שַׁדַּ֣י8 of 13

“is that the Almighty”

H7706

the almighty

יַעֲנֵ֑נִי9 of 13

“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,

וְסֵ֥פֶר10 of 13

“a book”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

כָּ֝תַ֗ב11 of 13

“had written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

אִ֣ישׁ12 of 13

“me and that mine adversary”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

רִיבִֽי׃13 of 13
H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

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 31:35 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 31:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 40:4-5Job 13:21-22Job 38:1-3Job 23:3-7Job 35:14Job 19:7

Test Your Knowledge

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