Job 13:22

Authorized King James Version

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Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.

Original Language Analysis

וּ֭קְרָא Then call H7121
וּ֭קְרָא Then call
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 1 of 6
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וְאָנֹכִ֣י H595
וְאָנֹכִ֣י
Strong's: H595
Word #: 2 of 6
i
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ה thou and I will answer H6030
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ה thou and I will answer
Strong's: H6030
Word #: 3 of 6
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֽוֹ H176
אֽוֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 4 of 6
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
אֲ֝דַבֵּ֗ר or let me speak H1696
אֲ֝דַבֵּ֗ר or let me speak
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 5 of 6
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וַהֲשִׁיבֵֽנִי׃ and answer H7725
וַהֲשִׁיבֵֽנִי׃ and answer
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 6 of 6
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Analysis & Commentary

Job's direct address to God: 'Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.' This courtroom language treats God as either prosecutor or defendant, with Job taking the opposite role. The boldness reveals covenant confidence that God will honor justice.

Historical Context

Ancient legal proceedings featured structured dialogue between accuser and defendant. Job's willingness to take either role shows confidence in his case and God's fairness.

Questions for Reflection

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