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

JOB 31:35KJV
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Job 31:35 (KJV)

What does Job 31:35 mean?

Job 31:35 shows Job crying out for someone to truly listen to his case and for God, the Almighty, to answer him. Job wishes that his adversary would put his accusations in writing, so Job could respond openly and defend himself.

In this verse, Job is speaking directly, expressing his deep frustration and longing for justice. He feels misunderstood and wrongly accused, so he wants a clear, written record of the charges against him. This is part of Job’s final speech, where he insists on his innocence and desires a fair hearing before God.

The Hebrew behind Job 31:35

  • "desire" (תָּוֶה, taweh): This word is often used for a written mark or sign, but here it carries the sense of a formal statement or declaration. Job is not just wishing; he is making a strong, official appeal.
  • "Almighty" (שַׁדַּי, shaddai): This is a special name for God in the book of Job, highlighting God’s overwhelming power. Job is appealing to the highest authority possible.
  • "adversary" (אִישׁ, ish; רִיב, riv): The Hebrew uses two words here, one meaning "man" and the other meaning "legal opponent" or "accuser." Job is picturing a courtroom scene, wanting his accuser to make the case against him clear and public.
  • "book" (סֵפֶר, sefer): This word means a written document or scroll. Job wants the accusations in a permanent, official form, not just rumors or spoken words.

Why Job 31:35 matters

  • Job 31:35 clears up that Job is not just complaining; he is formally demanding a fair trial and a clear statement of the accusations against him.
  • The verse emphasizes Job’s confidence in his innocence and his willingness to face any charge openly, even before God.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of the book, where Job longs for a mediator or a fair hearing, showing his struggle to understand his suffering and maintain his integrity.

Where else these words appear

“desire” Hebrew H8420 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezekiel 9:4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
  • Ezekiel 9:6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.

“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 27:13 This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.

“adversary” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Job 31:13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.