1 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.

2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.

3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.

4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

<>the breath of the Almighty hath given me life

5 If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.

<>set thy words in order

6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.

<>I also am formed out of the clay.

7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.

<>my terror shall not make thee afraid

8 Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,

9 I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.

<>I am clean, <>transgression

10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,

<>he counteth me for his enemy

11 He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.

12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.

13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.

<>Why dost thou strive against him?

14 For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.

<>vv. 14-17, <>God speaketh … twice

15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;

<>vv. 14-17, <>a vision of the night, <>deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings

16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,

<>vv. 14-17, <>instruction

17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.

<>vv. 14-17, <>withdraw man from his purpose

18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.

<>He keepeth back his soul from the pit, <>perishing

19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:

<>He is chastened

20 So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat.

21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out.

22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.

<>the grave

23 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:

24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.

<>I have found a ransom.

25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth:

<>he shall return to the days of his youth, <>youth

26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.

<>God … will be favourable unto him, <>God … will render unto man his righteousness., <>he shall see his face

27 He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;

<>vv. 27-28

28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.

<>vv. 27-28

29 Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,

30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.

31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.

32 If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.

<>I desire to justify thee.

33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.