Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.

JOB 13:3KJV
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Job 13:3 (KJV)

What does Job 13:3 mean?

Job 13:3 shows Job expressing his wish to speak directly to God and to present his case before Him. Job is not satisfied with talking to his friends; he wants to reason with God Himself about his suffering and innocence.

In this verse, Job is speaking to his friends during a long response to their arguments. Job feels misunderstood and wrongly accused by them, so he turns his attention to God, longing for a fair hearing. The verse highlights Job’s confidence that God, unlike his friends, will listen and judge justly.

The Hebrew behind Job 13:3

  • "Almighty" (שַׁדַּי, shaddai): This word emphasizes God's supreme power. Job is not just addressing any deity but the all-powerful one, showing both respect and boldness in his request.
  • "Reason" (יָכַח, yakhach): This word often means to argue, correct, or present a case. Job wants a real dialogue, almost like a legal argument, where he can explain himself directly to God.
  • "God" (אֵל, el): This is a general word for God, highlighting Job’s focus on the divine judge rather than any human authority.

Why Job 13:3 matters

  • Job 13:3 clears up the idea that Job is simply complaining; instead, he is seeking a fair and honest discussion with God Himself, showing his deep trust in God's justice.
  • The verse highlights Job’s shift from talking to his friends to addressing God directly, which marks a turning point in the conversation and shows Job’s determination to find answers.
  • Understanding Job’s desire to "reason" with God helps explain the legal and personal tone of much of the book, where Job treats his suffering as a case to be heard and judged.

Where else these words appear

“Surely” Hebrew H199 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 28:19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.
  • 1 Samuel 25:34 For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.
  • Job 12:7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:

“Almighty” Hebrew H7706 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
  • Job 8:5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
  • Job 29:5 When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me;

“reason” Hebrew H3198 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.
  • Job 16:21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!
  • Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

“desire” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 21:14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
  • Song of Solomon 2:7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.