Job – Chapter 23

Old Testament17 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 23 of Job begins: "Then Job answered, and said:" Job stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 17 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and God's kingdom and kingship. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Then Job answered, and said:

2Now also my words are in bitterness, and the hand of my scourge is more grievous than my mourning.

3Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to his throne?

4I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints.

5That I might know the words that he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

6I would not that he should contend with me with much strength, nor overwhelm me with the weight of his greatness.

7Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to victory.

8But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand him.

9If to the left hand, what shall I do? I shall not take hold on him: if I turn myself to the right hand, I shall not see him.

10But he knoweth my way, and has tried me as gold that passeth through the fire:

11My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have not declined from it.

12I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom.

13For he is alone, and no man can turn away his thought: and whatsoever his soul hath desired, that hath he done.

14And when he shall have fulfilled his will in me, many other like things are also at hand with him.

15And therefore I am troubled at his presence, and when I consider him, I am made pensive with fear.

16God hath softened my heart, and the Almighty hath troubled me.

17For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face.

Important Verses in Job 23

Then Job answered, and said:

Job 23:1

I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints.

Job 23:4

For he is alone, and no man can turn away his thought: and whatsoever his soul hath desired, that hath he done.

Job 23:13

God hath softened my heart, and the Almighty hath troubled me.

Job 23:16

Historical Context

Job addresses all who wrestle with the mystery of suffering and God's justice within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 23 of 42 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 17 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Job, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "Then Job answered, and said:" The chapter ends with: "For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face. " In terms of historical background, Job confronts the deepest human question: why do the innocent suffer? Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Unknown inspired poet of Israel

When It Was Written

Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

The sage addresses concrete situations—speech, work, relationships, and fear of the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Then Job answered, and said:" The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of suffering, faith, and divine mystery. the Church sees Job as prefiguring Christ in innocent suffering (CIC 1502). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 355).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

People in This Chapter

Job1 mention

Reflection for Today

Job Chapter 23 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. the Church sees Job as prefiguring Christ in innocent suffering (CIC 1502). Here the believer is invited to ponder gratitude as the foundation of prayer.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 133) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Job Chapter 23 about?

Job 23 contains 17 verses. It opens with "Then Job answered, and said:" and closes with "For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face. ". The book as a whole is wisdom literature in poetic dialogue.

What is a key verse in Job 23?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Then Job answered, and said:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Job Chapter 23?

This chapter mentions Job.

Who wrote Job and when?

Unknown inspired poet of Israel. Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles