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Job Replies: My Complaint Is Bitter

23 Then Job answered:
‘Today also my complaint is bitter;[a]
    his[b] hand is heavy despite my groaning.
O that I knew where I might find him,
    that I might come even to his dwelling!
I would lay my case before him,
    and fill my mouth with arguments.
I would learn what he would answer me,
    and understand what he would say to me.
Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
    No; but he would give heed to me.
There an upright person could reason with him,
    and I should be acquitted for ever by my judge.

‘If I go forward, he is not there;
    or backward, I cannot perceive him;
on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him;
    I turn[c] to the right, but I cannot see him.

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Footnotes

  1. Job 23:2 Syr Vg Tg: Heb rebellious
  2. Job 23:2 Gk Syr: Heb my
  3. Job 23:9 Syr Vg: Heb he turns

16 God has made my heart faint;
    the Almighty[a] has terrified me;

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Footnotes

  1. Job 23:16 Traditional rendering of Heb Shaddai

17 If only I could vanish in darkness,
    and thick darkness would cover my face![a]

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Footnotes

  1. Job 23:17 Or But I am not destroyed by the darkness; he has concealed the thick darkness from me

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