Job 23:5 (ASV)

Passage

I would know the words which he would answer me, And understand what he would say unto me.

Nearby Context

Job 23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!

Job 23:4 I would set my cause in order before him, And fill my mouth with arguments.

Job 23:5 I would know the words which he would answer me, And understand what he would say unto me.

Job 23:6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me.

Job 23:7 There the upright might reason with him; So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "words", "answer", and "understand". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "words" and "answer", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 4's "I would set my cause in order..." into verse 6's "Would he contend with me in the...", so "words" and "answer" belong inside that flow. In Job context, the local focus is covenant, worship, and faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "words" and "answer" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.