Job 33:5
If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 6
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תּוּכַ֥ל
If thou canst
H3201
תּוּכַ֥ל
If thou canst
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
2 of 6
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
הֲשִׁיבֵ֑נִי
answer
H7725
הֲשִׁיבֵ֑נִי
answer
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
3 of 6
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
עֶרְכָ֥ה
me set thy words in order
H6186
עֶרְכָ֥ה
me set thy words in order
Strong's:
H6186
Word #:
4 of 6
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern legal procedure involved formal presentations before judges or assemblies. Job had repeatedly demanded his 'day in court' with God (13:18-19, 23:3-7), longing to present his case. Elihu grants a version of this—not the divine encounter Job craved, but human dialogue that prepares him for God's actual appearance. The legal language reflects ancient juridical customs where cases were argued publicly with witnesses and advocates.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Elihu's invitation to dialogue model respectful theological disagreement?
- When have you demanded to 'make your case' to God—what was the result?
- Why does God often use human mediators (teachers, friends, Scripture) rather than always speaking directly?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up—Elihu invites Job to formal debate. The conditional 'if thou canst' challenges Job's previous demands to contend with God (13:3, 22; 23:3-7). עֶרְכֵנִי (orkeni, 'answer me') uses legal terminology—to arrange arguments systematically. עִרְכָה (irkah, 'set in order') appears in contexts of arranging battle lines or legal cases, suggesting forensic precision.
Stand up (הִתְיַצְּבָה, hityatzevah) means to take a position, to present oneself—the stance of someone ready to defend their case. Elihu offers Job what he'd requested: dialogue with someone on equal footing rather than an overwhelming divine opponent. Yet the challenge contains implicit humility—Elihu doesn't claim to replace God but to mediate understanding. He positions himself as fellow creature (33:6) who can address Job without the terror Job feared in approaching God directly (9:34-35). This invitation demonstrates confidence in truth while respecting Job's dignity as rational moral agent capable of responding to argument.