Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version (“Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense—let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing. New Living Translation “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. English Standard Version 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! Berean Standard Bible (Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. Berean Literal Bible (Who will give to me one listening to me? Behold, my mark and let Shaddai answer me! And the bill the man of my dispute that has written! King James Bible Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book. New King James Version Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my mark. Oh, that the Almighty would answer me, That my Prosecutor had written a book! New American Standard Bible “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, NASB 1995 “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, NASB 1977 “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, Legacy Standard Bible 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, Amplified Bible “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]. Berean Annotated Bible (Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. Christian Standard Bible If only I had someone to hear my case! Here is my signature; let the Almighty answer me. Let my Opponent compose his indictment. Holman Christian Standard Bible If only I had someone to hear my case! Here is my signature; let the Almighty answer me. Let my Opponent compose His indictment. American Standard Version 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! Contemporary English Version Why doesn't God All-Powerful listen and answer? If God has something against me, let him speak up or put it in writing! English Revised Version 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! GOD'S WORD® Translation "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. Good News Translation 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, International Standard Version "Who will grant me a hearing? Here's my signature —let the Almighty answer! Since my adversary indicted me, NET Bible "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. New Heart English Bible oh that I had one to hear me. (look, here is my signature, let Shaddai answer me); let the accuser write my indictment. Webster's Bible Translation Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that my adversary had written a book. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible(Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. World English Bible oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me! Let the accuser write my indictment! Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWho gives to me a hearing? Behold, my mark. The Mighty One answers me, "" And my adversary has written a bill. Berean Literal Bible (Who will give to me one listening to me? Behold, my mark and let Shaddai answer me! And the bill the man of my dispute that has written! Young's Literal Translation Who giveth to me a hearing? lo, my mark. The Mighty One doth answer me, And a bill hath mine adversary written. Smith's Literal Translation 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. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWho would grant me a hearer, that the Almighty may hear my desire; and that he himself that judgeth would write a book, Catholic Public Domain Version 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, New American Bible 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! New Revised Standard Version 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! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleO that one would hear me! If God is present, let him answer me, and let him write the sentence in a book. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated 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 OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Oh 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! Brenton Septuagint Translation (Oh that I had a hearer,) and if I had not feared the hand of the Lord; and as to the written charge which I had against any one, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Job's Final Appeal…34because I greatly feared the crowds and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so that I kept silent and would not go outside— 35(Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. 36Surely I would carry it on my shoulder and wear it like a crown.… Cross References Oh, that I had one to hear me! Job 13:6-7 Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips. / Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him? Psalm 4:1 For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer. Psalm 17:1 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. Here is my signature. Jeremiah 32:10-12 I signed and sealed the deed, called in witnesses, and weighed out the silver on the scales. / Then I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy with its terms and conditions, as well as the open copy— / and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of my cousin Hanamel and the witnesses who were signing the purchase agreement and all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard. 2 Thessalonians 3:17 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; it is the way I write. Nehemiah 10:1 Now these were the ones who sealed the document: Nehemiah the governor, son of Hacaliah, and also Zedekiah, Let the Almighty answer me; Job 13:22 Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply. Psalm 27:7 Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call; be merciful and answer me. Job 23:3-7 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. … let my accuser compose an indictment. Romans 8:33-34 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. / Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us. Zechariah 3:1-2 Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?” Isaiah 50:8-9 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! / Surely the Lord GOD helps Me. Who is there to condemn Me? See, they will all wear out like a garment; the moths will devour them. Job 13:3 Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God. Job 19:7 Though I cry out, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice. Job 9:33-35 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. Job 16:21 Oh, that a man might plead with God as he pleads with his neighbor! Treasury of Scripture Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that my adversary had written a book. Oh Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. Job 17:3 Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me? Job 23:3-7 Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! … Job 13:21,22 Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid… Psalm 26:1 A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. mine Job 13:24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy? Job 19:11,23,24 He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies… Job 33:10,11 Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, … Jump to Previous Accusation Accuser Adversary Almighty Book Defense Desire Ear Hear Indictment Mark Mighty Ruler Sign Someone Write WrittenJump to Next Accusation Accuser Adversary Almighty Book Defense Desire Ear Hear Indictment Mark Mighty Ruler Sign Someone Write WrittenJob 31 1. Job makes a solemn protestation of his integrity in several dutiesOh, that I had one to hear me! 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 Psalm 17:1, where David also seeks God's attentive ear. Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA 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. 2. The Almighty (God) The supreme being whom Job desires to answer him. Job seeks a divine response to his plight and questions. 3. Accuser 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. 4. Job's Friends 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. 5. The Indictment The formal accusation or charge that Job wishes to be written against him, so he can respond to it and defend his integrity. Teaching Points Desire for Divine JusticeJob'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. Integrity in Suffering 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. The Role of Faith in Trials 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. God as the Ultimate Judge This verse reminds us that while human judgment is often flawed, God is the ultimate judge who sees and knows all. The Importance of Honest Dialogue with God 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. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Job 31:35?2. How does Job 31:35 demonstrate Job's desire for vindication before God? 3. What can we learn from Job's confidence in his integrity in Job 31:35? 4. How does Job 31:35 connect to themes of justice in the Bible? 5. How can we apply Job's example of seeking God's judgment in our lives? 6. What does Job 31:35 teach about maintaining faith during trials and accusations? 7. What does Job 31:35 reveal about Job's understanding of divine justice? 8. How does Job 31:35 challenge the concept of God's silence in suffering? 9. Why does Job demand a written indictment in Job 31:35? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 31? 11. 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)? 12. 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? 13. 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? 14. Does Job's assertion of moral completeness in Job 31:5-8 conflict with the broader biblical theme of universal human fallibility? What Does Job 31:35 Mean Oh, that I had one to hear me!“ Oh, that I had someone to hear me! ” - Job longs for a fair hearing after his friends’ relentless accusations (Job 13:3; 23:3-7). - Like the psalmist who cries, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it” (Psalm 37:5-6), Job casts himself on God’s justice. - The cry echoes righteous sufferers through Scripture—Hannah before Eli (1 Samuel 1:15-16) and the prophets pleading for God’s vindication (Micah 7:7). - Hebrews 4:16 reminds believers that they too may “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” assured the Lord hears. Here is my signature. “ Here is my signature. ” - Job seals his oath of innocence, as if signing a legal document (Job 31:1-34). - Ancient practice linked signatures or seals with binding testimony, seen in Nehemiah 9:38 and Jeremiah 32:10. - By fixing his name to his words, Job accepts full accountability, confident that “the righteous will live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4) and that God witnesses every declaration (Malachi 3:16). Let the Almighty answer me; “ Let the Almighty answer me; ” - Job wants God, not human friends, to deliver the verdict (Job 13:22). - His confidence springs from earlier revelations of a living Redeemer who will stand upon the earth (Job 19:25-27). - David voiced similar trust: “Let my vindication come from Your presence” (Psalm 17:2). - James 5:11 commends Job’s endurance, assuring believers that “the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” Let my accuser compose an indictment. “ let my accuser compose an indictment. ” - Job invites any charge to be written out, reflecting legal customs where accusations were formally inscribed (Isaiah 50:8-9). - The ultimate “accuser of our brothers” appears in Job 1:9-11 and Revelation 12:10; Job defies both human and satanic allegations. - Christ later fulfills this confidence by nailing “the record of debt that stood against us” to the cross (Colossians 2:14), silencing every indictment against the faithful. summary Job 31:35 captures a climactic moment: Job, certain of his innocence, signs his testimony and calls on God Himself to respond. He throws the courtroom open, daring any adversary to write out charges, because he trusts the Almighty’s perfect justice. Believers today share that assurance—when conscience is clear and lives are surrendered to Christ, they may rest in God’s ultimate vindication. (35) Oh that one would hear me!--The rendering noticed in the margin is probably the right one--Oh that I had one to hear me! Lo, here is my mark! i.e., 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 Job 29:18. Job 31:35-37 ought to come after Job 31:38-40; 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.Verse 35. - Oh that one would hear me! i.e. 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. Behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me; rather, behold here is my signature I let the Almighty answer me. 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, had penned an indictment against me. 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) -Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Oh, thatמִ֤י (mî) Interjection Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix I had יִתֶּן־ (yit·ten-) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set one to hear לִ֨י ׀ (lî) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's Hebrew me! שֹׁ֘מֵ֤עַֽ (šō·mê·a‘) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently Here is הֶן־ (hen-) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 2005: Lo! behold! my signature— תָּ֭וִי (tā·wî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8420: A mark, a signature let the Almighty שַׁדַּ֣י (šad·day) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 7706: The Almighty answer me; יַעֲנֵ֑נִי (ya·‘ă·nê·nî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond let my accuser אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person compose כָּ֝תַ֗ב (kā·ṯaḇ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3789: To grave, to write His indictment. וְסֵ֥פֶר (wə·sê·p̄er) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book Links Job 31:35 NIVJob 31:35 NLT Job 31:35 ESV Job 31:35 NASB Job 31:35 KJV Job 31:35 BibleApps.com Job 31:35 Biblia Paralela Job 31:35 Chinese Bible Job 31:35 French Bible Job 31:35 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Job 31:35 Oh that I had one to hear (Jb) |
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