The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Job 23

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Job chapter 23 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “Then Job answered and said:” — the complete text of all 17 verses is below, free to read online.

1Then Job answered and said:

2Even to-day is my complaint bitter; my hand is become heavy because of my groaning.

3Oh that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come even to His seat!

4I would order my cause before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

5I would know the words which He would answer me, and understand what He would say unto me.

6Would He contend with me in His great power? Nay; but He would give heed unto me.

7There the upright might reason with Him; so should I be delivered for ever from my Judge.

8Behold, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him;

9On the left hand, when He doth work, but I cannot behold Him, He turneth Himself to the right hand, but I cannot see Him.

10For He knoweth the way that I take; when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

11My foot hath held fast to His steps, His way have I kept, and turned not aside.

12I have not gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured up the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

13But He is at one with Himself, and who can turn Him? And what His soul desireth, even that He doeth.

14For He will perform that which is appointed for me; and many such things are with Him.

15Therefore am I affrighted at His presence; when I consider, I am afraid of Him.

16Yea, G-d hath made my heart faint, and the Almighty hath affrighted me;

17Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did He cover the thick darkness from my face.

17 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

‹ Job 22 Job 24 ›

Read, search & bookmark — free

This text opens instantly in the FourFaiths reader, with full-text search across every book, bookmarks saved in your browser, reading plans and a verse of the day. No account, no tracking — everything runs locally in your browser.

Open in the Tanakh reader →