What is the definition of Job 31:35? 🙋 🔍
Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire [is, that] the Almighty would answer me, and [that] mine adversary had written a book.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this verse from Job 31:35. It's a really interesting and poetic passage about a powerful and frustrated king. Here’s what it means in simpler terms:
The Core Idea:
Job is feeling incredibly upset and bitter. He’s talking about his adversary (who he sees as evil) writing a book – essentially, he’s lamenting the fact that someone has deliberately created a record of his pain and grievances.
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
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“Oh that one would hear me!”
- This is Job's biggest plea. He's begging for someone to listen to him, to understand what he’s going through.
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“Behold, my desire [is, that] the Almighty would answer me…”
– This part highlights his desperation. He’s not just asking for sympathy; he’s asking for a divine response – a direct answer from God.
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“…and that mine adversary had written a book.”
- This is the really striking part. It suggests that this person (the “adversary”) has deliberately and maliciously created a record of Job's suffering, perhaps to mock him or cause him pain. It’s like someone actively trying to hurt him through their words.
Overall Meaning:
Job is expressing immense frustration and anger because someone is deliberately trying to torment him. He feels that this person has not only wronged him but has also created a record of his suffering, making it seem like something he can't escape.
It’s a powerful expression of feeling overwhelmed by hardship.
It speaks to the idea that sometimes, the things that feel impossible or deeply hurtful are actually being orchestrated by others.
Important Note:
This passage is often interpreted as a commentary on the nature of God and His justice. Job's suffering is seen as a test of faith, and it’s suggesting that God isn’t just passively allowing hardship to happen; He actively intervenes and uses it to demonstrate His power and love.
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Do you want me to:
💎 Explain another part of the verse?
💎 Discuss the context of Job 31?
💎 Compare this passage to other biblical stories about suffering?