Job – Chapter 19

Old Testament29 Verses

Chapter Summary

Job 19 opens with the words: "Then Job answered, and said:" Job stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 29 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and suffering and trial. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Then Job answered, and said:

2How long do you afflict my soul, and break me in pieces with words?

3Behold, these ten times you confound me, and are not ashamed to oppress me.

4For if I have been ignorant, my ignorance shall be with me.

5But you set yourselves up against me, and reprove me with my reproaches.

6At least now understand, that God hath not afflicted me with an equal judgment, and compassed me with his scourges.

7Behold I shall cry suffering violence, and no one will hear: I shall cry aloud, and there is none to judge.

8He hath hedged in my path round about, and I cannot pass, and in my way he hath set darkness.

9He hath stripped me of my glory, and hath taken the crown from my head.

10He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am lost, and he hath taken away my hope, as from a tree that is plucked up.

11His wrath is kindled against me, and he hath counted me as his enemy.

12His troops have come together, and have made themselves a way by me, and have besieged my tabernacle round about.

13He hath put my brethren far from me, and my acquaintance like strangers have departed from me.

14My kinsmen have forsaken me, and they that knew me, have forgotten me.

15They that dwell in my house, and my maidservants have counted me as a stranger, and I have been like an alien in their eyes.

16I called my servant, and he gave me no answer, I entreated him with my own mouth.

17My wife hath abhorred my breath, and I entreated the children of my womb.

18Even fools despised me, and when I was gone from them, they spoke against me.

19They that were sometime my counsellors, have abhorred me: and he whom I loved most is turned against me.

20The flesh being consumed, my bone hath cleaved to my skin, and nothing but lips are left about my teeth.

21Have pity on me, have pity on me, at least you my friends, because the hand of the Lord hath touched me.

22Why do you persecute me as God, and glut yourselves with my flesh?

23Who will grant me that my words may be written? who will grant me that they may be marked down in a book?

24With an iron pen and in a plate of lead, or else be graven with an instrument in flint stone?

25For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and in the last day I shall rise out of the earth.

26And I shall be clothed again with my skin, and in my flesh I shall see my God.

27Whom I myself shall see, and my eyes shall behold, and not another: this my hope is laid up in my bosom.

28Why then do you say now: Let us persecute him, and let us find occasion of word against him?

29Flee then from the face of the sword, for the sword is the revenger of iniquities: and know ye that there is a judgment.

Important Verses in Job 19

At least now understand, that God hath not afflicted me with an equal judgment, and compassed me with his scourges.

Job 19:6

He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am lost, and he hath taken away my hope, as from a tree that is plucked up.

Job 19:10

They that were sometime my counsellors, have abhorred me: and he whom I loved most is turned against me.

Job 19:19

Why do you persecute me as God, and glut yourselves with my flesh?

Job 19:22

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Job was written with all who wrestle with the mystery of suffering and God's justice in view. Chapter 19 of 42 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 29 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Job appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "Then Job answered, and said:" It concludes: "Flee then from the face of the sword, for the sword is the revenger of iniquities: and know ye that there is a…" In terms of historical background, Job confronts the deepest human question: why do the innocent suffer? Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Job around Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Unknown inspired poet of Israel

When It Was Written

Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense presents maxims, observations, or arguments meant to form character and discernment. A pivotal line is verse 6: "At least now understand, that God hath not afflicted me with an equal judgment, and compassed me with his scourges." The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1265). Here, the Church sees Job as prefiguring Christ in innocent suffering (CIC 1502). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize sin and divine judgment as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.
  • Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.

People in This Chapter

Job1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Job Chapter 19, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of suffering, faith, and divine mystery.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Job Chapter 19 supports that call by drawing attention to redemptive suffering united to the Cross within the wider message that God's ways transcend human understanding.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1032).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Job Chapter 19 about?

Job 19 contains 29 verses. It opens with "Then Job answered, and said:" and closes with "Flee then from the face of the sword, for the sword is the revenger of iniquities: and know ye that there is a…". The book as a whole is wisdom literature in poetic dialogue.

What is a key verse in Job 19?

One of the most significant verses is verse 6: "At least now understand, that God hath not afflicted me with an equal judgment, and compassed me with his scourges." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Job Chapter 19?

This chapter mentions Job.

Who wrote Job and when?

Unknown inspired poet of Israel. Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC.

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