Job 23:10-11

23:10 But he knows the pathway that I take; ¹ 

if he tested me, I would come forth like gold. ² 

23:11 My feet ³  have followed ⁴  his steps closely;

I have kept to his way and have not turned aside. ⁵ 

[23:10]  ¹ tn The expression דֶּרֶךְ עִמָּדִי (derekh ’immadi) means “the way with me,” i.e., “the way that I take.” The Syriac has “my way and my standing.” Several commentators prefer “the way of my standing,” meaning where to look for me. J. Reider offers “the way of my life” (“Some notes to the text of the scriptures,” HUCA 3 [1926]: 115). Whatever the precise wording, Job knows that God can always find him.

[23:10]  ² tn There is a perfect verb followed by an imperfect in this clause with the protasis and apodosis relationship (see GKC 493 §159.b).

[23:11]  ³ tn Heb “my foot.”

[23:11]  ⁴ tn Heb “held fast.”

[23:11]  ⁵ tn The last clause, “and I have not turned aside,” functions adverbially in the sentence. The form אָט (’at) is a pausal form of אַתֶּה (’atteh), the Hiphil of נָטָה (natah, “stretch out”).