Job 13:18
Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified.
Original Language Analysis
נָ֭א
H4994
נָ֭א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
2 of 8
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
עָרַ֣כְתִּי
Behold now I have ordered
H6186
עָרַ֣כְתִּי
Behold now I have ordered
Strong's:
H6186
Word #:
3 of 8
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
my cause
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
my cause
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
יָ֝דַ֗עְתִּי
I know
H3045
יָ֝דַ֗עְתִּי
I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Job 23:4I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.Isaiah 43:26Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.Job 16:21O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!Job 9:20If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Historical Context
Ancient legal proceedings required careful preparation and arrangement of evidence. Job's confidence ('I know') reflects covenant faith that God's justice will ultimately prevail.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'order your cause' before God?
- How do you maintain confidence in eventual vindication during present condemnation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Job's legal confidence: 'Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified.' The word 'ordered' (arak) is military language for arranging battle lines. Job approaches God's court with confidence in eventual vindication, modeling faith that transcends circumstances.