Job 8:5
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
If you would seek to God betimes, and make your supplication to the Almighty;
American King James Version (AKJV)
If you would seek to God betimes, and make your supplication to the Almighty;
American Standard Version (ASV)
If thou wouldest seek diligently unto God, And make thy supplication to the Almighty;
Basic English Translation (BBE)
If you will make search for God with care, and put your request before the Ruler of all;
Webster's Revision
If thou wouldst seek to God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
World English Bible
If you want to seek God diligently, make your supplication to the Almighty.
English Revised Version (ERV)
If thou wouldest seek diligently unto God, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
Definitions for Job 8:5
Clarke's Job 8:5 Bible Commentary
If thou wouldest seek unto God - Though God has so severely afflicted thee, and removed thy children by a terrible judgment; yet if thou wilt now humble thyself before him, and implore his mercy, thou shalt be saved. He cut them off in their sins, but he spares thee; and this is a proof that he waits to be gracious to thee.
Barnes's Job 8:5 Bible Commentary
If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes - If thou wouldest do it now. If even on the supposition that your sons have thus perished, and that God has come out in judgment against your family, you would look to God, you might be restored to favor. The word rendered "seek betimes" (שׁחר shâchar) means literally to seek in the morning, to seek early; and then, to make it the first business. It is derived from the word meaning aurora (שׁחר shachar) and has reference to the early light of the morning, and hence, to an early seeking. It may be applied to seeking him in early life, or as the first thing - looking to him immediately when help is needed, or before we apply to anyone else; compare Proverbs 7:15; Proverbs 8:17; Proverbs 13:24; Job 24:5; Psalm 63:1; Psalm 78:34; Isaiah 26:9; Hosea 5:15; compare the advice of Eliphaz, Job 5:8.
Wesley's Job 8:5 Bible Commentary
8:5 Betimes - Heb. rise early to seek him, if thou wouldest seek him speedily, early and diligently.