'Answer' in the Bible

“Call now —is there anyone who will answer you?And to which of the holy ones (angels) will you turn?

“If one should want to contend or dispute with Him,He could not answer Him once in a thousand times.

“How can I answer Him [and plead my case],Choosing my words [to reason] with Him?

For though I were righteous, I could not answer.I must appeal for mercy to my Opponent and Judge.

“For God is not a [mere] man, as I am, that I may answer Him,That we may go to court and judgment together.

“Then [Lord,] call, and I will answer;Or let me speak, and then reply to me.

“[Then] You will call, and I will answer You;You will long for [me] the work of Your hands.

“Is there no end to [your futile] words of wind?Or what plagues you [so much] that you [so boldly] answer [me like this]?

“If I speak [to you miserable comforters], my pain is not relieved;And if I refrain [from speaking], what [pain or anguish] leaves me?

“I call to my servant, but he does not answer;I have to implore him with words.

“Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me answer,Because of the uneasiness that is within me.

“I would learn the words which He would answer,And understand what He would say to me.

“I cry to You for help, [Lord,] but You do not answer me;I stand up, but You [only] gaze [indifferently] at me.

What then could I do when God arises [to judge me]?When He calls me to account, what will I answer Him?

“Oh, that I had one to listen to me!Look, here is my signature (mark);Let the Almighty answer me!Let my adversary write out His indictment [and put His vague accusations in tangible form].

So these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes [and could not be persuaded otherwise by them].

Elihu’s anger burned against Job’s three friends because they had found no answer [and were unable to determine Job’s error], and yet they had condemned Job and declared him to be in the wrong [and responsible for his own afflictions].

And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men, he burned with anger.

“Now Job has not directed his words against me [therefore I have no reason to be offended],Nor will I answer him with arguments like yours. [I speak for truth, not for revenge.]

“They (Job’s friends) are dismayed and embarrassed, they no longer answer;The words have moved away and failed them,” [says Elihu].

“And shall I wait, because they say nothing,But stand still and say no more?

“I too will give my share of answers;I too will express my opinion and share my knowledge.

“I must speak so that I may get relief;I will open my lips and answer.

“Answer me, if you can;Set yourselves before me, take your stand.

“If you have anything to say, answer me;Speak, for I desire to justify you.

“I will answer you,And your companions with you.

“The people cry out, but He does not answerBecause of the pride of evil men.

“Surely God will not listen to an empty cry [which lacks trust],Nor will the Almighty regard it.

“Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty?Let him who disputes with God answer it.”

“Behold, I am of little importance and contemptible; what can I reply to You?I lay my hand on my mouth.

“Now gird up your loins (prepare yourself) like a man,And I will ask you, and you instruct Me.