Job Replies: My Complaint Is Bitter

1Then Job answered:

2‘Today also my complaint is bitter;23.2 Syr Vg Tg: Heb rebellious

his23.2 Gk Syr: Heb my hand is heavy despite my groaning.

3O that I knew where I might find him,

that I might come even to his dwelling!

4I would lay my case before him,

and fill my mouth with arguments.

5I would learn what he would answer me,

and understand what he would say to me.

6Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?

No; but he would give heed to me.

7There an upright person could reason with him,

and I should be acquitted for ever by my judge.

8‘If I go forward, he is not there;

or backward, I cannot perceive him;

9on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him;

I turn23.9 Syr Vg: Heb he turns to the right, but I cannot see him.

10But he knows the way that I take;

when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold.

11My foot has held fast to his steps;

I have kept his way and have not turned aside.

12I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;

I have treasured in23.12 Gk Vg: Heb from my bosom the words of his mouth.

13But he stands alone and who can dissuade him?

What he desires, that he does.

14For he will complete what he appoints for me;

and many such things are in his mind.

15Therefore I am terrified at his presence;

when I consider, I am in dread of him.

16God has made my heart faint;

the Almighty23.16 Traditional rendering of Heb Shaddai has terrified me;

17If only I could vanish in darkness,

and thick darkness would cover my face!23.17 Or But I am not destroyed by the darkness; he has concealed the thick darkness from me