FocusAccusation and protest intensify
Connection to the wholeThe argument sharpens as the friends connect suffering with wickedness and Job challenges their account of the wicked's fortunes.
interpretation Job 19:23
KJVOh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
Read it in context
Job's Third Speech: Lament and Declaration of Faith
Start reading at Job 19:1 (Job 19:1 to Job 19:29).
The verse is part of Job's third response to his friends, beginning at the start of the chapter and concluding at the end.
- 19:1 Then Job answered and said,
- 19:2 How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?
- 19:3 These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.
- 19:4 And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.
- 19:5 If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach:
- 19:6 Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net.
- 19:7 Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment.
- 19:8 He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.
- 19:9 He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head.
- 19:10 He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.
- 19:11 He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies.
- 19:12 His troops come together, and raise up their way against me, and encamp round about my tabernacle.
- 19:13 He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me.
- 19:14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.
- 19:15 They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight.
- 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
- 19:17 My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's sake of mine own body.
- 19:18 Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me.
- 19:19 All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me.
- 19:20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.
- 19:21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.
- 19:22 Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?
- 19:23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
- 19:24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!
- 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
- 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
- 19:27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
- 19:28 But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?
- 19:29 Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment.
Who
- Who wrote the book? The author is unknown. Moses is one ancient traditional proposal, but neither that proposal nor another named author can be established with confidence. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). book background
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Job 19:1–19:29): Job answers his friends and speaks of his hope for vindication. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers within Israel's wisdom tradition, wrestling with innocent suffering, justice, and the limits of human judgment. No named individual or first community is identified. Biblical references: Job 28:28; Job 42:7. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? Job expresses a profound desire for his words, particularly his declaration of faith in a living Redeemer and future resurrection, to be permanently recorded and preserved. The broader theme is Job's steadfast faith and hope in God despite immense personal suffering and the misunderstanding of his friends.
- What is God revealing? Through Job's words, God reveals the depth of faith possible even in extreme adversity, and the ancient hope in a future Redeemer and the resurrection of the body. It shows Job's unwavering conviction in God's ultimate justice and his personal relationship with God, whom he expects to see.
- What is the literary style? The passage is part of a poetic dialogue, characteristic of Hebrew wisdom literature. It functions as a lament, expressing Job's distress, followed by a powerful declaration of faith and hope.
When
- When was it written? The exact time the book of Job was written is uncertain. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described in the book of Job occur during the patriarchal period. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The events of the book of Job are traditionally understood to have taken place in the land of Uz. traditionally held
- Where was the author located? The location where the author of Job was situated is uncertain. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Job's Third Speech: Lament and Declaration of Faith (Job 19:1 to Job 19:29). Start reading at Job 19:1. The verse is part of Job's third response to his friends, beginning at the start of the chapter and concluding at the end.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse marks a pivotal moment in Job's third speech, transitioning from his deep lament and accusations against God and his friends (Job 19:1-22) to a profound declaration of faith in his living Redeemer and the hope of resurrection (Job 19:25-27). It underscores his unwavering trust despite his suffering and the lack of understanding from his companions. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Job's fervent desire for his words to be recorded, followed by his declaration, 'For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God' (Job 19:25-26), points to Jesus Christ. He is the living Redeemer who conquered death and will return to earth. Job's hope of seeing God in his flesh foreshadows the resurrection of believers and the eternal life made possible through Christ. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage encourages believers to hold fast to their faith and hope in God's ultimate justice and redemption, even when facing extreme suffering, misunderstanding, or feeling abandoned. It highlights the importance of preserving and proclaiming truth, and reminds us that our hope in a living Redeemer and future resurrection is a steadfast anchor in times of trial. interpretation
Cited: Job 19:1-22, Job 19:23, Job 19:24, Job 19:25, Job 19:26, Job 19:27, Job 19:28-29, Job 31:35, Isaiah 8:1, Isaiah 30:8
Who wrote it, and how we know
Uncertain; among the oldest books of Scripture
Not known
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) suggested Moses, but ancient opinion varied widely.
What is debatedThe author is unknown and the date is uncertain. The setting appears patriarchal, but the book could have been written far later.
Related passages
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Job 19
Job contains narrative, lament, and extended disputation. The speakers must be identified before treating an assertion as the book's teaching: the LORD explicitly rebukes Job's friends near the end. Neither the author nor an exact historical date is stated. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Job
Job contains narrative, lament, and extended disputation. The speakers must be identified before treating an assertion as the book's teaching: the LORD explicitly rebukes Job's friends near the end. Neither the author nor an exact historical date is stated.
Job's losses and the friends' arrival
Job 1:1–2:13FocusSuffering and the opening test
Connection to the wholeThe narrative establishes Job's losses and integrity before the speeches begin, giving readers information the disputing friends do not possess.
interpretation The lament and first exchange
Job 3:1–14:22FocusSuffering questioned and explained
Connection to the wholeJob's lament leads into the first cycle of speeches, in which the friends' explanations are challenged by Job's experience.
interpretation FocusAccusation and protest intensify
Connection to the wholeThe argument sharpens as the friends connect suffering with wickedness and Job challenges their account of the wicked's fortunes.
interpretation The final exchange and Job's defense
Job 22:1–31:40FocusWisdom and the demand for an answer
Connection to the wholeThe later speeches, poem on wisdom, and Job's final defense bring the dispute to the point of his appeal for an answer.
interpretation Elihu speaks
Job 32:1–37:24FocusClaims about God's justice and instruction
Connection to the wholeA new speaker responds to Job and the friends before the LORD's speeches begin; his speech must be distinguished from the divine answer.
interpretation The LORD answers
Job 38:1–41:34FocusCreation and the limits of human knowledge
Connection to the wholeThe LORD questions Job concerning the created order, confronting the limits of his knowledge and his attempt to contend with God.
interpretation Job's response and the conclusion
Job 42:1–17FocusRepentance, rebuke, and restoration
Connection to the wholeJob responds, the friends are rebuked, and the narrative closes with intercession and restoration without turning every speech into endorsed doctrine.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.