23:1 Then Job answered:
23:1 Then Job answered:

23:2 "Today also my complaint is bitter, his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
23:2 "Today also my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning.

23:3 Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat!
23:3 Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his dwelling!

23:4 I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.
23:4 I would lay my case before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

23:5 I would learn what he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.
23:5 I would learn what he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

23:6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; he would give heed to me.
23:6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; but he would give heed to me.

23:7 There an upright man could reason with him, and I should be acquitted for ever by my judge.
23:7 There an upright person could reason with him, and I should be acquitted forever by my judge.

23:8 "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him;
23:8 "If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him;

23:9 on the left hand I seek him, but I cannot behold him; I turn to the right hand, but I cannot see him.
23:9 on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him; I turn to the right, but I cannot see him.

23:10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
23:10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold.

23:11 My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
23:11 My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside.

23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured in my bosom the words of his mouth.
23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured in my bosom the words of his mouth.

23:13 But he is unchangeable and who can turn him? What he desires, that he does.
23:13 But he stands alone and who can dissuade him? What he desires, that he does.

23:14 For he will complete what he appoints for me; and many such things are in his mind.
23:14 For he will complete what he appoints for me; and many such things are in his mind.

23:15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence; when I consider, I am in dread of him.
23:15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence; when I consider, I am in dread of him.

23:16 God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me;
23:16 God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me;

23:17 for I am hemmed in by darkness, and thick darkness covers my face.
23:17 If only I could vanish in darkness, and thick darkness would cover my face!