Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you reply to me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job isn't just asking for a chance to speak; he's proposing a formal trial with God choosing the roles. He's offering two scenarios: either God brings the charges and Job defends himself, or Job will act as the accuser, asking God to explain the severe affliction. This bold proposal highlights Job's desperate desire for clarity and vindication, even if it appears to push the boundaries of reverence.
Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you reply to me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job, desperate to understand why he's suffering so intensely, challenges God directly. He proposes a cosmic trial, giving God the choice: either God accuses him and Job defends himself, or Job accuses God (or at least questions his actions) and God must respond. This bold proposal, though rooted in his conviction of innocence, borders on irreverence, leading into his direct appeals to God in the following verses.
Job feels trapped, misunderstood, and desperate for clarity. He throws down a gauntlet, proposing a unique way to settle his case with God.
Job is framing his situation as a legal trial. He says, 'Either you call me to account, and I’ll defend myself, or I’ll speak first, and you answer me.'
This isn't just random talk; it's a carefully worded challenge. He's suggesting two scenarios for a legal process:
Job’s bold proposal sounds confident, but was it righteous conviction, overconfidence, or the cry of a soul pushed to its limit?
The commentaries point out that Job’s words walk a fine line. While they stem from a deep sense of his own righteousness and a desperate need for God’s response, they also brush against irreverence.
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Job's plea reflects a deep-seated belief in a just God, even amidst profound suffering. His challenge to God, though bold, stems from a worldview shaped by covenants and divine judgment, where righteousness was expected to align with prosperity.
c. 2100 BC
Abrahamic Covenant Established
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising descendants and land, setting a precedent for divine promises and human response.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus and Mosaic Covenant
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt and establishes the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai, outlining laws and expectations for His people.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy Flourishes
Under kings like David and Solomon, Israel experiences a period of national unity and prosperity, though later divisions occur.
c. 722 BC
Northern Kingdom Exiled
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting its population and scattering them, a severe consequence for disobedience.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Southern Kingdom
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling much of the Judean population, marking a profound crisis of faith and national identity.
c. 400 BC
Persian Period and Return from Exile
Judeans begin to return from Babylonian exile under Persian rule, with efforts to rebuild the Temple and re-establish community life.
An unknown date within the patriarchal period— this verse
Job's Trial Begins
Job, a righteous man, experiences devastating losses and suffering, leading to intense questioning and confrontation with his friends and God.
This passage directly follows Job's plea and serves as God's initial response, questioning Job's authority and understanding, which highlights the boldness of Job's challenge in Job 13:22.
Job 40:2Similar to Job 38:2, this is another instance where God challenges Job's perspective after Job has continued to plead his case, underscoring the potential irreverence in Job's demand for a direct dialogue.
Ecclesiastes 5:2This verse cautions against being hasty in speech, especially before God, offering a contrasting perspective to Job's bold challenge and emphasizing the need for reverence in approaching the Almighty.
Romans 3:23While Job feels innocent, this verse reminds us of the universal sinfulness of humanity, providing a theological backdrop that complicates Job's absolute confidence in his ability to 'win' a debate with God.
1 Peter 5:6This verse encourages humility and submission to God, which stands in contrast to Job's self-assured challenge in Job 13:22, reminding us of the proper posture before a sovereign God.
clarkeJob 13:22: "Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me."
Then call thou - Begin thou first to plead, and I will answer for myself; or, I will first state and defend my own case, and then answer thou me.
pooleJob 13:22: "Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me."
Then choose thy own method. Either do thou charge me with hypocrisy, or more than common guilt, and I will defend myself; or I will argue with thee concerning thy extraordinary severity towards me; and do thou show me the reasons of it. This proposal savoured of too great self-confidence, and of irreverence towards God; for which and suchlike speeches he is reproved by God, Job 38:2,3 40:2 .
Job isn't just asking for a chance to speak; he's proposing a formal trial with God choosing the roles. He's offering two scenarios: either God brings the charges and Job defends himself, or Job will act as the accuser, asking God to explain the severe affliction. This bold proposal highlights Job's desperate desire for clarity and vindication, even if it appears to push the boundaries of reverence.
Job, desperate to understand why he's suffering so intensely, challenges God directly. He proposes a cosmic trial, giving God the choice: either God accuses him and Job defends himself, or Job accuses God (or at least questions his actions) and God must respond. This bold proposal, though rooted in his conviction of innocence, borders on irreverence, leading into his direct appeals to God in the following verses.
Job, desperate to understand why he's suffering so intensely, challenges God directly. He proposes a cosmic trial, giving God the choice: either God accuses him and Job defends himself, or Job accuses God (or at least questions his actions) and God must respond. This bold proposal, though rooted in his conviction of innocence, borders on irreverence, leading into his direct appeals to God in the following verses.
"Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you reply to me." — Job isn't just asking for a chance to speak; he's proposing a formal trial with God choosing the roles. He's offering two scenarios: either God brings the charges and Job defends himself, or Job will…
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Last reviewed October 2026