< Job 23 >

1 Then Job answered and said,
ויען איוב ויאמר׃
2 Even today my complaint is rebellious. My stroke is heavier than my groaning.
גם היום מרי שחי ידי כבדה על אנחתי׃
3 O that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat!
מי יתן ידעתי ואמצאהו אבוא עד תכונתו׃
4 I would set my case in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
אערכה לפניו משפט ופי אמלא תוכחות׃
5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.
אדעה מלים יענני ואבינה מה יאמר לי׃
6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would give heed to me.
הברב כח יריב עמדי לא אך הוא ישם בי׃
7 There the upright might reason with him. So I should be delivered forever from my judge.
שם ישר נוכח עמו ואפלטה לנצח משפטי׃
8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive him,
הן קדם אהלך ואיננו ואחור ולא אבין לו׃
9 on the left hand, when he works, but I cannot behold him. He hides himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him.
שמאול בעשתו ולא אחז יעטף ימין ולא אראה׃
10 But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
כי ידע דרך עמדי בחנני כזהב אצא׃
11 My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned aside.
באשרו אחזה רגלי דרכו שמרתי ולא אט׃
12 I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips, I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
מצות שפתיו ולא אמיש מחקי צפנתי אמרי פיו׃
13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? And what his soul desires, even that he does.
והוא באחד ומי ישיבנו ונפשו אותה ויעש׃
14 For he performs that which is appointed for me. And many such things are with him.
כי ישלים חקי וכהנה רבות עמו׃
15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.
על כן מפניו אבהל אתבונן ואפחד ממנו׃
16 For God has made my heart faint, and the Almighty has terrified me,
ואל הרך לבי ושדי הבהילני׃
17 because I was not cut off before the darkness, nor did he cover the thick darkness from my face.
כי לא נצמתי מפני חשך ומפני כסה אפל׃

< Job 23 >