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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 31:35 (Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/31-35.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/18_Job_31_35.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 31:35 - Job's Final Appeal" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="(Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. 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I sign now my defense—let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“If only someone would listen to me! Look, I will sign my name to my defense. Let the Almighty answer me. Let my accuser write out the charges against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Oh, that I had one to hear me! (Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!) Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />(Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire <i>is, that</i> the Almighty would answer me, and <i>that</i> mine adversary had written a book.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my mark. <i>Oh,</i> <i>that</i> the Almighty would answer me, <i>That</i> my Prosecutor had written a book!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Oh that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature; Let the Almighty answer me! And the indictment which my adversary has written,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature; Let the Almighty answer me! And the indictment which my adversary has written,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature; Let the Almighty answer me! And the indictment which my adversary has written,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature; Let the Almighty answer me! And the indictment which my accuser has written,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Oh, that I had one to listen to me! Look, here is my signature (mark); Let the Almighty answer me! Let my adversary write out His indictment [and put His vague accusations in tangible form].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only I had someone to hear my case! Here is my signature; let the Almighty answer me. Let my Opponent compose his indictment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only I had someone to hear my case! Here is my signature; let the Almighty answer me. Let my Opponent compose His indictment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Oh that I had one to hear me! (Lo, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me) And that I had the indictment which mine adversary hath written!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Why doesn't God All-Powerful listen and answer? If God has something against me, let him speak up or put it in writing! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Oh that I had one to hear me! (lo, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me;) and that I had the indictment which mine adversary hath written!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"If only I had someone who would listen to me! Look, here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me. Let the prosecutor write [his complaint] on a scroll.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Will no one listen to what I am saying? I swear that every word is true. Let Almighty God answer me. If the charges my opponent brings against me were written down so that I could see them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Who will grant me a hearing? Here's my signature —let the Almighty answer! Since my adversary indicted me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />(Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"If only I had someone to hear me! Here is my signature--let the Almighty answer me! If only I had an indictment that my accuser had written. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />oh that I had one to hear me. (look, here is my signature, let Shaddai answer me); let the accuser write my indictment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that my adversary had written a book.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me! Let the accuser write my indictment! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Who gives to me a hearing? Behold, my mark. The Mighty One answers me, "" And my adversary has written a bill.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Who giveth to me a hearing? lo, my mark. The Mighty One doth answer me, And a bill hath mine adversary written.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Who will give to me hearing to me? Behold, my sign, the Almighty will answer me, and the man contending with me wrote a book.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who would grant me a hearer, that the Almighty may hear my desire; and that he himself that judgeth would write a book, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />then, would he grant me a hearing, so that the Almighty would listen to my desire, and he who judges would himself write a book,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Oh, that I had one to hear my case: here is my signature: let the Almighty answer me! Let my accuser write out his indictment! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />O that I had one to hear me! (Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!) O that I had the indictment written by my adversary!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />O that one would hear me! If God is present, let him answer me, and let him write the sentence in a book.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />But The Giver who hears me, if he is God, he will answer me, and he will write in a scroll his judgments of a man<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Oh that I had one to hear me!-- Lo, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me-- And that I had the indictment which mine adversary hath written!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />(Oh that I had a hearer,) and if I had not feared the hand of the Lord; and <i>as to</i> the written charge which I had against any one,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/31-35.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=4791" 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/31.htm">Job's Final Appeal</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">34</span>because I greatly feared the crowds and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so that I kept silent and would not go outside— <span class="reftext">35</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interjection) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">(Oh, that</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yit·ten- (Prep:: 1cs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">I had</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šō·mê·a‘ (Prep:: 1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">one to hear</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Interjection) -- ">me!</a> <a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hen- (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">Here is</a> <a href="/hebrew/8420.htm" title="8420: tā·wî (N-proper-ms) -- A mark, a signature. From tavah; a mark; by implication, a signature.">my signature.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7706.htm" title="7706: šad·day (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- The Almighty. From shadad; the Almighty.">Let the Almighty</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ya·‘ă·nê·nî (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- To answer, respond.">answer me;</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">let my accuser</a> <a href="/hebrew/7379.htm" title="7379: rî·ḇî (N-msc) -- Strife, dispute. Or rib; from riyb; a contest."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3789.htm" title="3789: kā·ṯaḇ (N-msc) -- To write. A primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write.">compose</a> <a href="/hebrew/5612.htm" title="5612: wə·sê·p̄er (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A missive, document, writing, book. Or ciphrah; from caphar; properly, writing; by implication, a book.">an indictment.</a> </span><span class="reftext">36</span>Surely I would carry it on my shoulder and wear it like a crown.…<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="/job/13-3.htm">Job 13:3</a></span><br />Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/19-7.htm">Job 19:7</a></span><br />Though I cry out, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/23-3.htm">Job 23:3-7</a></span><br />If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. / I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. / I would learn how He would answer, and consider what He would say. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/9-33.htm">Job 9:33-35</a></span><br />Nor is there a mediator between us, to lay his hand upon us both. / Let Him remove His rod from me, so that His terror will no longer frighten me. / Then I would speak without fear of Him. But as it is, I am on my own.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/16-21.htm">Job 16:21</a></span><br />Oh, that a man might plead with God as he pleads with his neighbor!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-8.htm">Isaiah 50:8</a></span><br />The One who vindicates Me is near. Who will dare to contend with Me? Let us confront each other! Who has a case against Me? Let him approach Me!<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/7-8.htm">Psalm 7:8</a></span><br />The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/26-1.htm">Psalm 26:1-2</a></span><br />Of David. Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. / Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-24.htm">Psalm 35:24</a></span><br />Vindicate me by Your righteousness, O LORD my God, and do not let them gloat over me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/43-1.htm">Psalm 43:1</a></span><br />Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-84.htm">Psalm 119:84</a></span><br />How many days must Your servant wait? When will You execute judgment on my persecutors?<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="/1_samuel/24-15.htm">1 Samuel 24:15</a></span><br />May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-3.htm">1 Corinthians 4:3-4</a></span><br />I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. / My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that my adversary had written a book.</p><p class="hdg">Oh</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-3.htm">Job 13:3</a></b></br> Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/17-3.htm">Job 17:3</a></b></br> Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who <i>is</i> he <i>that</i> will strike hands with me?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/23-3.htm">Job 23:3-7</a></b></br> Oh that I knew where I might find him! <i>that</i> I might come <i>even</i> to his seat! … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-21.htm">Job 13:21,22</a></b></br> Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/26-1.htm">Psalm 26:1</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; <i>therefore</i> I shall not slide.</p><p class="hdg">mine</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-24.htm">Job 13:24</a></b></br> Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/19-11.htm">Job 19:11,23,24</a></b></br> He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as <i>one of</i> his enemies… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/33-10.htm">Job 33:10,11</a></b></br> Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/4-6.htm">Accusation</a> <a href="/job/9-15.htm">Accuser</a> <a href="/job/19-11.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/job/31-2.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/job/19-23.htm">Book</a> <a href="/job/22-25.htm">Defense</a> <a href="/job/31-16.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/job/29-21.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/job/30-20.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/micah/6-2.htm">Indictment</a> <a href="/job/22-15.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/job/29-5.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/job/31-2.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/job/23-9.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/job/9-34.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/job/13-26.htm">Write</a> <a href="/job/19-23.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/3-8.htm">Accusation</a> <a href="/psalms/109-6.htm">Accuser</a> <a href="/psalms/7-4.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/job/32-8.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/job/31-36.htm">Book</a> <a href="/psalms/7-10.htm">Defense</a> <a href="/job/33-20.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/job/32-10.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/job/33-1.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-31.htm">Indictment</a> <a href="/job/33-31.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/job/32-8.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/job/32-8.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/psalms/37-36.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/psalms/34-12.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/psalms/87-6.htm">Write</a> <a href="/psalms/40-7.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Job 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/31-1.htm">Job makes a solemn protestation of his integrity in several duties</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/31.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/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Oh, that I had one to hear me!</b><br>Job expresses a deep desire for someone to truly listen to his case. In the context of the ancient Near Eastern legal system, having a fair hearing was crucial. Job feels isolated and misunderstood by his friends, who have accused him of wrongdoing. This plea reflects his longing for justice and vindication. It echoes the human condition of seeking understanding and validation, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible, such as in <a href="/psalms/17.htm">Psalm 17:1</a>, where David also seeks God's attentive ear.<p><b>Here is my signature.</b><br>Job is willing to sign his name to his statements, indicating his confidence in his innocence. In ancient times, a signature or seal was a mark of authenticity and commitment. This act of signing is akin to making a solemn oath, which was a serious matter in biblical times, as seen in <a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a>, where vows made to the Lord must not be broken. Job's readiness to sign underscores his integrity and the seriousness with which he approaches his defense.<p><b>Let the Almighty answer me;</b><br>Job directly appeals to God, desiring a response from the Almighty Himself. This reflects Job's belief in God's ultimate authority and justice. Throughout the book, Job maintains that only God can truly understand his situation and provide the answers he seeks. This appeal to God is reminiscent of the psalmists who often cry out for divine intervention, such as in <a href="/psalms/86-6.htm">Psalm 86:6-7</a>. Job's request for an answer also foreshadows God's eventual response in <a href="/job/38.htm">Job 38</a>, where God speaks out of the whirlwind.<p><b>let my accuser compose an indictment.</b><br>Job challenges his accuser to formally present charges against him. In the cultural context, this would involve a legal document outlining specific accusations. Job's confidence in facing such an indictment highlights his belief in his own righteousness. This mirrors the legal imagery found in other parts of Scripture, such as in <a href="/isaiah/50-8.htm">Isaiah 50:8</a>, where the Servant of the Lord invites adversaries to confront him. The concept of an accuser also points to the role of Satan as the accuser of the brethren, as seen in <a href="/revelation/12-10.htm">Revelation 12:10</a>, drawing a parallel to the spiritual battle Job is enduring.<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, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_almighty.htm">The Almighty (God)</a></b><br>The supreme being whom Job desires to answer him. Job seeks a divine response to his plight and questions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/accuser.htm">Accuser</a></b><br>While not explicitly named in this verse, the accuser can be seen as anyone who challenges Job's integrity, including his friends or Satan, who initially questioned Job's righteousness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they play a significant role in the account, often accusing Job of wrongdoing as the cause of his suffering.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_indictment.htm">The Indictment</a></b><br>The formal accusation or charge that Job wishes to be written against him, so he can respond to it and defend his integrity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/desire_for_divine_justice.htm">Desire for Divine Justice</a></b><br>Job's plea highlights the human longing for justice and understanding from God. Believers can take comfort in knowing that God hears and will ultimately bring justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_suffering.htm">Integrity in Suffering</a></b><br>Job's willingness to sign his name to his claims of innocence teaches us the importance of maintaining integrity, even when falsely accused or misunderstood.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_trials.htm">The Role of Faith in Trials</a></b><br>Job's faith in seeking an audience with God demonstrates the importance of turning to God in times of trial, trusting in His wisdom and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_the_ultimate_judge.htm">God as the Ultimate Judge</a></b><br>This verse reminds us that while human judgment is often flawed, God is the ultimate judge who sees and knows all.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_honest_dialogue_with_god.htm">The Importance of Honest Dialogue with God</a></b><br>Job's candidness in expressing his desire to speak with God encourages believers to be honest in their prayers and seek a personal relationship with Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_elihu's_claim_conflict_with_god.htm">Job 32:2 – Does Elihu’s accusation that Job “justified himself rather than God” conflict with God’s earlier testimony that Job was blameless (Job 1:1)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god_silent_if_job's_pleas_lack_merit.htm">In light of Job 35:16, why would a merciful God remain silent if Job’s pleas are without merit, given other scriptures showing God responding to human need?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_elihu_say_actions_don't_affect_god.htm">In Job 35:6-7, how can Elihu claim human obedience or sin does not affect God when other passages suggest God is personally impacted by human actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_31_5-8_oppose_human_fallibility.htm">Does Job's assertion of moral completeness in Job 31:5-8 conflict with the broader biblical theme of universal human fallibility?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(35) O<span class= "bld">h that one would hear me</span>!--The rendering noticed in the margin is probably the right one--<span class= "ital">Oh that I had one to hear me! Lo, here is my mark! i.e., </span>my signature, my declaration, which I am ready to subscribe; and oh that mine adversary had written a book! More correctly, perhaps, "That I had the book or indictment that my adversary hath written; would that I had it in black and white before me, that I might deal with it accordingly, and answer it point to point." Here, then, is the same deviation from strict sequence of order that we observed in <a href="/job/29-18.htm" title="Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.">Job 29:18</a>. <a href="/context/job/31-35.htm" title="Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that my adversary had written a book.">Job 31:35-37</a> ought to come after <a href="/context/job/31-38.htm" title="If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;">Job 31:38-40</a>; but the writer's ideas of symmetry and order were not as ours, and this, in some respects, may be more natural, though, strictly speaking, less correct.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 35.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Oh that one would hear me!</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> Oh that I had an opportunity of plea, ling my cause before a just judge l of having charges openly brought against me, and having "one" to hear my reply to them! Job does not regard his "comforters" as such persons. They are prejudiced; they have even made themselves his accusers. <span class="cmt_word">Behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me</span>; rather, <span class="accented">behold</span> <span class="accented">here is my signature I let the Almighty answer me.</span> This passage is parenthetic. Job would prefer to be judged by God, if it were possible, and therefore throws out the wish. Here is his plea in ch. 29-31; and here is his attestation by word of mouth, which is equivalent to his signature. And that mine adversary had written a book; or, <span class="accented">had penned an indictment against me.</span> Job would have matters brought to an issue. In default of a Divine trial and sentence, which he cannot expect, it would suffice tot him that his arraigner should formally draw out his list of charges, and present him with a copy, and so give him an opportunity of making answer to it. If this were done, then (he says) - <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/31-35.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">Oh, that</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I had</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(yit·ten-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">one to hear</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֨י ׀</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">me!</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁ֘מֵ֤עַֽ</span> <span class="translit">(šō·mê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Here is</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶן־</span> <span class="translit">(hen-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my signature—</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּ֭וִי</span> <span class="translit">(tā·wî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8420.htm">Strong's 8420: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mark, a signature</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let the Almighty</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׁדַּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(šad·day)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7706.htm">Strong's 7706: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Almighty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answer me;</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲנֵ֑נִי</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·nê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let my accuser</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">compose</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּ֝תַ֗ב</span> <span class="translit">(kā·ṯaḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3789.htm">Strong's 3789: </a> </span><span class="str2">To grave, to write</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His indictment.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְסֵ֥פֶר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·sê·p̄er)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5612.htm">Strong's 5612: </a> </span><span class="str2">A missive, document, writing, book</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/31-35.htm">Job 31:35 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/31-35.htm">Job 31:35 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/31-35.htm">Job 31:35 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/31-35.htm">Job 31:35 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/31-35.htm">Job 31:35 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/31-35.htm">Job 31:35 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/31-35.htm">Job 31:35 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/31-35.htm">Job 31:35 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/31-35.htm">Job 31:35 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/31-35.htm">Job 31:35 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/31-35.htm">OT Poetry: Job 31:35 Oh that I had one to hear (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/31-34.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 31:34"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 31:34" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/31-36.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 31:36"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 31:36" /></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>