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18 will you, with him, spread out[a] the clouds,
solid as a mirror of molten metal?
19 Tell us what we should[b] say to him.
We cannot prepare a case[c]
because of the darkness.
20 Should he be informed that I want[d] to speak?
If a man speaks, surely he will be swallowed up!

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Footnotes

  1. Job 37:18 tn The verb means “to beat out; to flatten,” and the analogy in the next line will use molten metal. From this verb is derived the word for the “firmament” in Gen 1:6-8, that canopy-like pressure area separating water above and water below.
  2. Job 37:19 tn The imperfect verb here carries the obligatory nuance, “what we should say?”
  3. Job 37:19 tn The verb means “to arrange; to set in order.” From the context the idea of a legal case is included.
  4. Job 37:20 tn This imperfect works well as a desiderative imperfect.