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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 23:4 I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/23-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/18_Job_23_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 23:4 - Job Longs for God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/23-3.htm" title="Job 23:3">◄</a> Job 23:4 <a href="/job/23-5.htm" title="Job 23:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I would lay out my case and present my arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I would order <i>my</i> cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I would present <i>my</i> case before Him, And fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I would present <i>my</i> case before Him And fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220I would present my case before Him And fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“I would present <i>my</i> case before Him And fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I would arrange <i>my case for</i> justice before Him And fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“I would present my cause before Him And fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I would plead my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I would set my cause in order before him, And fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and argue my case. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I would present [my] case to him. I would have a mouthful of arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I would state my case before him and present all the arguments in my favor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I would lay out my case before him; and fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I would lay out my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I would set my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I would set my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I arrange the cause before Him, "" And fill my mouth [with] arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I arrange before Him the cause, And my mouth fill with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I will arrange judgment before him, and I will fill the mouth with proofs.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I would place judgment before his eye, and my mouth would fill with criticism,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I would set out my case before him, fill my mouth with arguments; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I would lay my case before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I would lay my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I shall set judgment in order before him and I shall fill my mouth with rebuke<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I would order my cause before Him, And fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I would plead my own cause, and he would fill my mouth with arguments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/23-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=3557" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/23.htm">Job Longs for God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6186.htm" title="6186: ’e·‘er·ḵāh (V-Qal-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To set in a, row, arrange, put in order. A primitive root; to set in a row, i.e. Arrange, put in order.">I would plead</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: miš·pāṭ (N-ms) -- Judgment. ">my case</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before Him</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: ū·p̄î (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">and fill my mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/4390.htm" title="4390: ’ă·mal·lê (V-Piel-Imperf.h-1cs) -- To be full, to fill. Or malae; a primitive root, to fill or be full of, in a wide application.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/8433.htm" title="8433: ṯō·w·ḵā·ḥō·wṯ (N-fp) -- And towkachath; from yakach; chastisement; figuratively correction, refutation, proof.">arguments.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>I would learn how He would answer, and consider what He would say.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/17-1.htm">Psalm 17:1-2</a></span><br />A prayer of David. Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer—it comes from lips free of deceit. / May my vindication come from Your presence; may Your eyes see what is right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-21.htm">Isaiah 41:21</a></span><br />“Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-169.htm">Psalm 119:169</a></span><br />May my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-170.htm">Psalm 119:170</a></span><br />May my plea come before You; rescue me according to Your promise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/142-2.htm">Psalm 142:2</a></span><br />I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a></span><br />“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-2.htm">Micah 6:2</a></span><br />Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1</a></span><br />Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/5-3.htm">Psalm 5:3</a></span><br />In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-17.htm">Psalm 55:17</a></span><br />Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/62-8.htm">Psalm 62:8</a></span><br />Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-41.htm">Lamentations 3:41</a></span><br />Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a></span><br />Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a></span><br />Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Hebrews 4:16</a></span><br />Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.</p><p class="hdg">order</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-18.htm">Job 13:18</a></b></br> Behold now, I have ordered <i>my</i> cause; I know that I shall be justified.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/37-19.htm">Job 37:19</a></b></br> Teach us what we shall say unto him; <i>for</i> we cannot order <i>our speech</i> by reason of darkness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/43-1.htm">Psalm 43:1</a></b></br> Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.</p><p class="hdg">fill my mouth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Genesis 18:25-32</a></b></br> That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-12.htm">Genesis 32:12</a></b></br> And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/32-12.htm">Exodus 32:12,13</a></b></br> Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/20-3.htm">Arguments</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-36.htm">Arrange</a> <a href="/job/19-28.htm">Case</a> <a href="/job/22-10.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/job/20-23.htm">Fill</a> <a href="/job/22-18.htm">Full</a> <a href="/job/22-24.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/job/22-22.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/job/13-18.htm">Order</a> <a href="/job/15-8.htm">Present</a> <a href="/esther/1-7.htm">State</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/32-12.htm">Arguments</a> <a href="/job/37-19.htm">Arrange</a> <a href="/job/23-7.htm">Case</a> <a href="/job/23-7.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/job/31-31.htm">Fill</a> <a href="/job/23-14.htm">Full</a> <a href="/job/24-9.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/job/23-12.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/job/25-2.htm">Order</a> <a href="/job/23-7.htm">Present</a> <a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">State</a><div class="vheading2">Job 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/23-1.htm">Job longs to appear before God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/23-6.htm">in confidence of his mercy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/23-8.htm">God, who is invisible, observes our ways</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/23-11.htm">Job's innocence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/23-13.htm">God's decree is immutable</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I would plead my case before Him</b><br>In this phrase, Job expresses his desire to present his situation directly to God, akin to a legal proceeding. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice where individuals could present their grievances before a king or judge. Job's longing to plead his case highlights his belief in God's ultimate justice and fairness. This mirrors the biblical theme of God as the righteous judge, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/9-4.htm">Psalm 9:4</a>, where God is depicted as sitting on His throne judging righteously. Job's confidence in approaching God also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of believers having direct access to God through Jesus Christ, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Hebrews 4:16</a>.<p><b>and fill my mouth with arguments.</b><br>Here, Job intends to present a well-reasoned and articulate defense of his innocence. The term "arguments" suggests a structured and logical presentation, indicating Job's deep conviction of his righteousness and his understanding of the legal customs of his time. This reflects the cultural context of ancient legal systems where oral arguments were crucial. Job's desire to argue his case can be seen as a precursor to the advocacy role of Christ, who intercedes on behalf of believers, as mentioned in 1 <a href="/john/2.htm">John 2:1</a>. Additionally, this phrase underscores the biblical theme of seeking understanding and wisdom, as Job seeks to comprehend his suffering and God's purposes, paralleling the pursuit of wisdom found in Proverbs.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, enduring immense suffering and seeking to understand his plight.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Almighty Creator, whom Job desires to approach to present his case and seek understanding and justice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are significant in the surrounding context as they attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom, often misrepresenting God's justice.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_heavenly_court.htm">The Heavenly Court</a></b><br>An implied setting where Job envisions presenting his case before God, akin to a legal proceeding.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/suffering_and_trials.htm">Suffering and Trials</a></b><br>The broader context of Job's life, marked by loss, pain, and a quest for divine justice and understanding.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_desire_for_justice.htm">The Desire for Justice</a></b><br>Job's longing to present his case reflects a deep human desire for justice and understanding in the face of suffering. Believers are encouraged to seek God's justice, trusting in His ultimate wisdom and fairness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_honest_prayer.htm">The Importance of Honest Prayer</a></b><br>Job's willingness to "fill his mouth with arguments" demonstrates the importance of honest and open communication with God. Believers should feel free to express their true feelings and questions to God in prayer.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_accessibility.htm">God's Accessibility</a></b><br>While Job feels distant from God, the New Testament assures believers of direct access to God through Jesus Christ. This access should encourage believers to approach God with their concerns and questions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_amidst_uncertainty.htm">Faith Amidst Uncertainty</a></b><br>Job's situation teaches that faith does not always mean having all the answers. Trusting God amidst uncertainty is a vital aspect of a believer's journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_suffering_in_spiritual_growth.htm">The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth</a></b><br>Job's trials, while painful, are part of a larger account that can lead to deeper understanding and spiritual maturity. Believers are encouraged to view their own trials as opportunities for growth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_23_8-9_conflict_with_god's_omnipresence.htm">If Job 23:8-9 insists God is nowhere to be found, does this conflict with the broader biblical teaching that God is always present? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_job_argue_with_a_silent_god.htm">How can Job’s claim in Job 23:3-5 that he would argue his case directly before God be reconciled with a supposedly omnipresent deity who remains silent? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_job_reason_with_god_if_exodus_33_20.htm">In Job 13:3, how can Job claim he wants to reason directly with God if Exodus 33:20 states no one can see God and live?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_job_23_historically_or_literarily_based.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological basis to confirm the existence of Job or the context described in Job 23, or is it purely a literary construct?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I would order my cause before him</span>. Job has put away the feelings of shame and diffidence, which were predominant with him when he said, "How should man be just with God? If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand" (<a href="/job/9-2.htm">Job 9:2, 3</a>); and again, "How much less shall I answer him, and cheese out my words to reason with him? Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer; but I would make my supplication to my Judge" (<a href="/job/9-14.htm">Job 9:14, 15</a>). He now wishes to contend and argue and reason. This is quite in accordance with our experience. Many am the moods of man - various and conflicting his desires! His mind never continues long in one stay. <span class="cmt_word">And fill my mouth with arguments</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/38-14.htm">Psalm 38:14</a>, where our translators render the same word by "reproofs," but where "arguments" or "pleadings" would be more appropriate). The LXX. has there <span class="greek">ἐλεγμοὶ</span>, and in the present passage <span class="greek">ἔλεγχοι</span>. The word is forensic. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/23-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">I would plead</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶעֶרְכָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(’e·‘er·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6186.htm">Strong's 6186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To set in a, row, arrange, put in order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my case</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁפָּ֑ט</span> <span class="translit">(miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before Him</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנָ֣יו</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and fill my mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝פִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲמַלֵּ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·mal·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4390.htm">Strong's 4390: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fill, be full of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">arguments.</span><br /><span class="heb">תוֹכָחֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯō·w·ḵā·ḥō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8433.htm">Strong's 8433: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chastisement, correction, refutation, proof</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/23-4.htm">Job 23:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/23-4.htm">Job 23:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/23-4.htm">Job 23:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/23-4.htm">Job 23:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/23-4.htm">Job 23:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/23-4.htm">Job 23:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/23-4.htm">Job 23:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/23-4.htm">Job 23:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/23-4.htm">Job 23:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/23-4.htm">Job 23:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/23-4.htm">OT Poetry: Job 23:4 I would set my cause in order (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/23-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 23:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 23:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/23-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 23:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 23:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>