Job 31:35

KJV

Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire [is, that] the Almighty would answer me, and [that] mine adversary had written a book.

KJV (with Strong's)

Oh that {H5414} one would hear {H8085} me! behold, my desire {H8420} is, that the Almighty {H7706} would answer {H6030} me, and that mine adversary {H376}{H7379} had written {H3789} a book {H5612}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I wish I had someone who would listen to me! Here is my signature; let Shaddai answer me! I wish I had the indictment my adversary has written!

Berean Standard Bible

(Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment.

American Standard Version

Oh that I had one to hear me! (Lo, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me) Andthat I hadthe indictment which mine adversary hath written!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:35 serves as the climactic and audacious declaration in Job's final defense, a passionate plea for a direct divine encounter. After enduring relentless suffering and the unhelpful accusations of his friends, Job demands that God, whom he perceives as his ultimate "adversary," present formal charges against him in a written indictment. This verse encapsulates Job's profound anguish, his unwavering conviction of innocence, and his desperate longing for vindication and a definitive resolution from the Almighty, whom he views as both his judge and his accuser.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31:35 marks the powerful conclusion of Job's extensive and deeply personal soliloquy (chapters 29-31). This section functions as Job's final and most comprehensive defense, where he meticulously recounts his past righteousness, laments his present suffering, and vehemently denies any hidden sin that would warrant his calamity. Chapter 31, in particular, is a detailed oath of purgation, where Job systematically lists various sins he has *not* committed, invoking curses upon himself if he were lying. The verse immediately preceding [Job 31:34](/job/31-34 "Job 31:34 - Job's Fear of Public Scorn") speaks of Job's fear of public scorn and his refusal to hide his sin, emphasizing his transparency and confidence. Thus, verse 35 is the apex of his argument, a direct challenge to God, signaling the end of his discourse and setting the stage for God's eventual response, which commences in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Job 31:35 is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern legal and judicial practices. The concept of an "adversary" (Hebrew: `ish rivi`, "man of my dispute") and the demand for a "written book" (Hebrew: `sepher`) evoke a formal courtroom setting. In this period, legal disputes often involved a plaintiff (adversary) presenting a written accusation or indictment, to which the defendant would then respond. Job is essentially demanding a formal trial before the divine court, where he can face his accuser (whom he perceives as God Himself) and present his defense. This reflects a cultural understanding of justice and due process, even when applied to the divine realm, underscoring Job's profound sense of injustice and his desire for a fair hearing and public vindication.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the **human longing for divine audience and vindication**. Job's repeated cry, "Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire [is, that] the Almighty would answer me," underscores his deep need for direct communication and a clear explanation from God, mirroring the cries found in many psalms (e.g., [Psalm 13:1](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - How Long, O Lord?")). Secondly, the theme of **justice and the problem of undeserved suffering** is paramount. Job believes he is suffering unjustly and demands a legal process to prove his innocence, reflecting the broader theological struggle within the book concerning God's justice in the face of human suffering. Finally, the **legal metaphor** itself is a significant theme, portraying Job's relationship with God as a courtroom drama, where Job is the accused, convinced of his blamelessness and ready to defend himself against any charge, even from the [Sovereign Judge of all the earth](/genesis/18-25 "Genesis 18:25 - Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shadday'_):** This is one of the most ancient and frequently used names for God in the book of Job, appearing 31 times. Derived from H7706, _Shadday'_ emphasizes God's power, self-sufficiency, and absolute sovereignty, often in the context of His ability to bless or to judge. Job's use of this name, even as he challenges God, highlights his recognition of God's supreme authority, yet also his profound struggle with how such a powerful God could allow his suffering without apparent cause or explanation.
* **Adversary (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** Derived from H7379, _rîyb'_ signifies a "contest," "contention," or "legal dispute," and by extension, one involved in such a dispute, an "adversary." The KJV phrase "mine adversary" in Job 31:35 combines H376 (`_ʼîysh_`, "man") with H7379 (`_rîyb_`), literally translating to "man of my contention" or "my legal opponent." This strongly reinforces the courtroom imagery. Job perceives God as acting in the role of his accuser or prosecutor, and he yearns for this "adversary" to formalize the charges so he can present his defense and clear his name.
* **Book (Hebrew, _çêpher'_):** Derived from H5612, _çêpher'_ refers to a "writing," "document," "scroll," or "book," often implying a formal, authoritative record. In a legal context, it would denote an indictment, a bill of charges, or a formal accusation. Job's demand for his adversary to have "written a book" is a plea for a clear, tangible list of his alleged transgressions, so he can refute them point by point and receive a public vindication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Oh that one would hear me!":** This is a heartfelt exclamation, a desperate cry for an audience. Job feels unheard and misunderstood by his friends, and implicitly, by God Himself. This expresses a profound human longing for empathetic understanding and acknowledgement in the midst of overwhelming pain and isolation. It is a yearning for someone, anyone, to truly listen to his plight and his defense, a cry that resonates with the deepest human need for validation.
* **"behold, my desire [is, that] the Almighty would answer me":** This clause clarifies Job's primary longing: a direct, personal response from God. He is not merely seeking a general theological explanation but a specific, personal answer to his unique suffering and his persistent claims of innocence. This reflects a deep, if audacious, faith that God is capable of communication and that a divine answer would bring resolution, even if it challenges his current understanding.
* **"and [that] mine adversary had written a book.":** This is the culmination of Job's challenge. By demanding a written indictment from his "adversary" (whom he implicitly identifies as God), Job is calling for a formal legal process. He is so confident in his blamelessness that he desires a clear, documented list of charges, believing that if such charges were presented, he could easily refute them and prove his integrity before the divine court, thus achieving the vindication he so desperately seeks.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:35 is rich in **Legal Metaphor**, which is the dominant literary device throughout Job's final speeches. The entire verse frames Job's relationship with God as a courtroom drama, with Job as the defendant, God as the ultimate judge, and also (in Job's perception) the prosecutor or **Adversary**. This metaphor highlights Job's profound sense of injustice and his desperate need for a fair hearing and vindication. The phrase "written a book" further solidifies this legal imagery, referring to a formal indictment. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in Job's audacious demand, as he, a mere mortal, challenges the Almighty to a legal contest. This hyperbole underscores the intensity of his suffering and his unwavering conviction. Finally, there is a subtle layer of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is aware of the heavenly prologue ([Job 1](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan's Challenge")-[Job 2](/job/2 "Job 2 - Satan's Second Challenge")) where Satan is the true "adversary" and accuser, not God. Job, unaware of this, perceives God as his opponent, making his plea both deeply poignant and tragically misdirected in its immediate target.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:35 profoundly illustrates the human struggle with divine justice and the problem of suffering. Job's demand for a direct answer and a formal indictment from God highlights the universal human desire for understanding and vindication when faced with inexplicable pain. It challenges the simplistic retribution theology often espoused by his friends, asserting that suffering is not always a direct consequence of sin. Theologically, it raises critical questions about God's sovereignty, His justice, and the nature of His relationship with humanity. Job's bold plea, though seemingly confrontational, is ultimately an act of faith—he believes God is just enough to hear his case and righteous enough to provide an answer, even if that answer is not what he expects. This deep yearning for a divine encounter and a clear resolution resonates with the cries of many saints throughout history who have wrestled with God in their trials, demonstrating that authentic faith can encompass honest lament and even audacious questioning.

* [Psalm 42:9](/psalms/42-9 "Psalm 42:9 - Why hast thou forgotten me?")
* [Isaiah 45:19](/isaiah/45-19 "Isaiah 45:19 - I have not spoken in secret")
* [Romans 9:20](/romans/9-20 "Romans 9:20 - Who are you, O man, to answer back to God?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 31:35 offers a powerful model for honest and authentic prayer in the midst of suffering. It teaches us that it is permissible, even necessary, to bring our deepest frustrations, questions, and demands for justice directly to God. Job's willingness to challenge the Almighty, while still acknowledging His power, demonstrates a profound and unvarnished relationship with his Creator. We are invited to lay bare our souls before God, even when we feel unheard or unjustly treated, trusting that He can handle our raw emotions and desperate pleas. This verse reminds us that true faith is not always quiet submission but can also be a wrestling, a demanding, and a persistent seeking of answers from the One who holds all truth. While we may not always receive the answers we expect or in the timing we desire, the act of bringing our case before God is an act of profound trust in His ultimate sovereignty, His unwavering justice, and His capacity for intimate engagement with His creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel unheard or misunderstood, either by others or by God, and how might Job's example guide your response?**
* **How does Job's bold challenge to God encourage or challenge your own prayer life when facing inexplicable suffering or perceived injustice?**
* **When you desire vindication or a clear answer from God, what does Job's example teach you about the nature of that longing and the posture of faith?**
* **How can you cultivate a relationship with God that allows for such raw honesty, even when you are wrestling with His ways and struggling to understand His purposes?**

### FAQ

**Was Job wrong to challenge God so directly and demand an answer?**

Answer: Job's direct challenge to God, culminating in Job 31:35, is a complex and often debated aspect of the book. From a human perspective, it demonstrates an extraordinary level of honesty, integrity, and raw faith. Job is not denying God's existence or power; rather, he is wrestling with God's justice and demanding an explanation for his suffering. The book of Job ultimately affirms Job's integrity, even in his complaints, as God Himself declares that Job has "spoken of me what is right" ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends")). While Job's understanding of God's ways was limited (as God later reveals in His majestic speeches in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches to Job")), his willingness to engage God directly, rather than abandoning his faith, is presented as a form of righteousness. It teaches us that authentic faith can include honest lament and even audacious questioning, as long as it is rooted in a desire for God and His truth, and ultimately leads to deeper submission and understanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's desperate plea for an "Almighty" to "answer me" and for an "adversary" to "write a book" finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. Job longed for a mediator, an advocate who could stand between him and God, to present his case and vindicate his righteousness. This yearning is profoundly met in Christ, who is our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and our [Advocate with the Father](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ the Righteous"). Job sought a written indictment to defend himself, but Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the indictment of our sin on the cross, taking upon Himself the charges against humanity and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Through His atoning work, He disarmed the true adversary, Satan, and triumphed over the accusations against us, canceling the record of debt that stood against us ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Christ Cancels the Record of Debt")). Job's desire for vindication is fulfilled in the believer's justification by faith in Christ, where we are declared righteous not by our own blamelessness, but by the imputed righteousness of Christ ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")). Thus, what Job desperately sought in a courtroom drama, God provided definitively through the saving work of His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the answer to our deepest cries and the ultimate vindicator of all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 13:21

Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.

Job 13:22

Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.

Job 40:4

Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

Job 40:5

Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.

Job 38:1

¶ Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Job 38:3

Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

Job 17:3

Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who [is] he [that] will strike hands with me?