Job 19:28
Job 19:28 in Multiple Translations
If you say, ‘Let us persecute him, since the root of the matter lies with him, ’
But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?
If ye say, How we will persecute him! And that the root of the matter is found in me;
If you say, How cruel we will be to him! because the root of sin is clearly in him:
You say to yourselves, ‘How can we make him suffer so he can see he is the source of his problems?’
But yee sayde, Why is hee persecuted? And there was a deepe matter in me.
But ye say, 'Why do we pursue after him?' And the root of the matter hath been found in me.
If you say, ‘How we will persecute him!’ because the root of the matter is found in me,
But ye would say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?
Why then do you say now: Let us persecute him, and let us find occasion of word against him?
“If you three men say, ‘What more can we do to cause Job to suffer?’ and if you say, ‘He has caused his own troubles,’
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 19:28
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 19:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
תֹ֭אמְרוּ
מַה
נִּרְדָּף
ל֑/וֹ
וְ/שֹׁ֥רֶשׁ
דָּ֝בָ֗ר
נִמְצָא
בִֽ/י
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תֹ֭אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
נִּרְדָּף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/שֹׁ֥רֶשׁ
sheresh
H8328
root
Conj | N-ms
דָּ֝בָ֗ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
נִמְצָא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
בִֽ/י
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 19:28
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תֹ֭אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נִּרְדָּף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/שֹׁ֥רֶשׁ
sheresh
H8328
"root"
Conj | N-ms
A root is the underground part of a plant. In the Bible, it can also mean a source or foundation, like in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) root 1a) root (literal) 1b) root (of people involving firmness or permanence) (fig) 1c) root, bottom (as lowest stratum) (fig) Aramaic equivalent: sho.resh (שֹׁ֫רֶשׁ "root" H8330)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bottom, deep, heel, root. See also: Deuteronomy 29:17; Isaiah 11:1; Psalms 80:10.
דָּ֝בָ֗ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
נִמְצָא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
בִֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Job 19:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 19:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 19:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 19:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 19:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 19:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 19:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 19:28
- Cambridge Bible on Job 19:28
- Barnes' Notes on Job 19:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 19:28
- Sermons on Job 19:28
Context — Job: My Redeemer Lives
26Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.
27I will see Him for myself; my eyes will behold Him, and not as a stranger. How my heart yearns within me!
28If you say, ‘Let us persecute him, since the root of the matter lies with him, ’
29then you should fear the sword yourselves, because wrath brings punishment by the sword, so that you may know there is a judgment.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 19:22 | Why do you persecute me as God does? Will you never get enough of my flesh? |
| 2 | Psalms 69:26 | For they persecute the one You struck and recount the pain of those You wounded. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 14:13 | All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. For this is the only one belonging to Jeroboam who will receive a proper burial, because only in him has the LORD, the God of Israel, found any good in the house of Jeroboam. |
Job 19:28 Summary
In Job 19:28, Job is telling his friends that if they think the reason for his suffering is his own sin, they should be careful not to accuse him wrongly. Job is warning them that God will judge those who persecute others without a good reason, as seen in Job 19:29. This reminds us to trust in God's justice and not jump to conclusions about others, just like it says in Proverbs 24:23-25 to not show partiality in judgment. We should be careful not to judge others based on how things appear, but rather trust in God's sovereignty and justice, as stated in Romans 12:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Job mean by 'the root of the matter lies with him' in Job 19:28?
Job is saying that his friends believe the root cause of his suffering is his own sin, but Job is arguing that this is not the case, as seen in Job 10:7 where he asks God to show him his sin if he has done wrong.
Is Job's statement in Job 19:28 a warning or a threat?
Job's statement is a warning, as he is telling his friends that if they continue to persecute him, they will face God's judgment, as stated in Job 19:29, which references the concept of judgment also found in Ecclesiastes 12:14.
How does Job 19:28 relate to the concept of God's justice?
Job 19:28 shows that Job believes God is just and will punish those who wrongly accuse and persecute others, which is also seen in Psalm 37:28 where it says that God will not forsake those who are righteous but will destroy the wicked.
What can we learn from Job's response to his friends in Job 19:28?
We can learn that we should be careful not to judge others based on appearances or circumstances, but rather trust in God's sovereignty and justice, as stated in Romans 12:19 where it says that vengeance belongs to God.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when others accuse or persecute me, and what can I learn from Job's example in this verse?
- In what ways can I trust in God's justice and sovereignty when faced with difficult circumstances, as seen in Job 19:28?
- How can I balance the need to address sin in others with the danger of wrongly accusing or judging them, as warned against in Job 19:28 and Matthew 7:1-5?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and recognizing my own limitations in understanding God's ways, as seen in Job 42:3 where Job says 'I have heard of You, but now my eye has seen You'?
- How can I apply the warning in Job 19:28 to my own life, especially in how I treat others who may be suffering or facing difficult circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Job 19:28
But ye should say,.... Here Job directs his friends what use they should make of this confession of his faith; they should upon this say within themselves, and to one another, why persecute we him,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 19:28
But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me? Rather, ye will then (when the Vindicator cometh) say, Why did we persecute him?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 19:28
But; or, therefore; because this is my case, and my faith and hope in God. Ye should say: so the future is used potentially, as it is ; and the sense is, it would become you; or, it is your duty upon this account to say. Or, you will say, i.e. either, 1. I hope you will say so, and that you will be more moderate in your censures and expressions concerning me, as being convinced and sweetened by this sincere and solemn profession of my faith and hope. Or, 2. Peradventure you will say, to wit, by way of excuse for yourselves. Why persecute we him? so it is a correction of themselves. Seeing things are thus with him, we are blameworthy, that we have persecuted him with such bitter invectives, and we will do so no more. Or, wherein or how (for so that particle is sometimes used, as the learned observe) do we persecute him, as he chargeth us, . He accuseth us falsely, and without cause given on our parts.
So it is an apology for their hard speeches against him, which Job puts into their mouths as their exception to his charge, which he mentioned and upon that occasion falls into a most serious and pathetical exclamation, ,24, and into a most solemn declaration of his faith in God his Redeemer, ; and after that digression he resumes the former matter, and here propounds an objection, to which he gives a severe answer, which may seem to suit much better with this than with the former exposition. Seeing the root of the matter is found in me. These words contain either, 1. A motive or reason why they should correct themselves for persecuting him, and desist from it; because, saith Job, the root of the matter, or word, is in me. The root notes the occasion, or the foundation, or the truth and substance of a thing. And by this matter or word may be meant either, 1. That famous profession of his faith and confidence in God, , which, saith he, I have not uttered vain-gloriously or hypocritically, but from my very heart, wherewith I believe what I have spoken with my mouth, as is said upon another occasion, ,10. This word or faith is rooted in mine heart, as it should be, . I am no hypocrite, as you asperse me, but an upright person, having a root of true religion in me; which therefore should allay your censures, and make you willing to bear with some circumstantial defects or mistakes in my discourses, or miscarriages, into which my passion and pain might transport me, and make you repent of your cruel usage of a truly good man. But although Job had this root in his heart, yet this was doubted of, and not discernible by, Job’ s friends, and therefore could be no argument to them.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 19:28
Job 19:28 But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?Ver. 28. But ye should say, Why persecute we him?] Nam olim dicitis cur eum persequebamur? (Tigur.) This ye shall one day surely say, "Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked," &c., Malachi 3:18. Then shall it repent you (it should do so now) that ye have rated and reviled me for a hypocrite; viz. when God hath cleared mine integrity (as he did, Job 42:10), or at the last day howsoever, what time there shall be a resurrection of names as well as of bodies. Would ye but say so now it would be some satisfaction. Quem poenitet peccasse poene est innocens. You have heard, by the confession I have made, I am no miscreant, no misbeliever; but that I do hold fast the faithful word. The root of the matter is in me] Or, tbe root of the word, the engrafted word of God, that is able to save my soul, hath taken deep root in me, James 1:21. I hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience, 1 Timothy 3:9, this is the cabinet, that the jewel kept therein. And with what face can ye censure such a one for a castaway, who am sorely afflicted indeed, so that my very reins are consumed within me; nay graces also haply are somewhat deflourished, and it is little better with me than with a tree in winter; and as a tall tree, whose sap is in the root, Isaiah 6:13.
But so long as "the root of the matter is in me," that radical grace of faith; and since I do utter, as ye have heard, the words of truth and soberness (as some fruits of a sound faith), sure you should handle me with more tenderness, as one that hath some sap and substance in him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 19:28
(28) Seeing the root of the matter.—This verse is variously understood, according as “the root of the matter” is interpreted of the cause of suffering or the essence of piety. “For ye say, How we will persecute him, and that the root of the matter is found in me.” The Authorised Version takes the other view. It seems preferable to render, “For ye say, What is a persecuted man to Him (why should He persecute any man without cause?), and therefore the root of the matter (i.e., the cause of the afflictions) is, i.e., must be found in me.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 19:28
Verse 28. But ye should say] Or, Then ye shall say. Why persecute we him] Or, as Mr. Good, How did we persecute him! Alas! we are now convinced that we did wrong. Seeing the root of the matter] A pure practice, and a sound hope, resting on the solid ground of sound faith, received from God himself. Instead of בי bi, in ME, בי bo, in HIM, is the reading of more than one hundred of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., and in several of the versions. Seeing the root of the matter is found in HIM.
Cambridge Bible on Job 19:28
28, 29. Brief threat to his three friends. God’s appearance, which will bring joy to Job, will carry terror to those who persecute him and fasten false charges of guilt upon him. The language in these verses is in some parts obscure, and there may be faults in the text. Job 19:28 reads in connexion with Job 19:29, If ye say, How we will pursue him! And the root of the matter is found in me: Be ye afraid of the sword, &c. Job 19:28 forms the supposition and Job 19:29 states the consequence, the penalty of the conduct referred to on the part of Job’s friends. If they shall continue their unjust persecution of him, asserting that the “root of the matter,” i. e. the real cause of his afflictions, is found in himself, in his transgressions, then Job warns them that they will bring on themselves the “sword” of Divine vengeance.
Barnes' Notes on Job 19:28
But ye should say - Noyes renders this, “Since ye say, ‘How may we persecute him, and find grounds of accusation against him?’” Dr.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 19:28
28. But ye should say — If ye say. “How shall we persecute him, and the root of the matter is found in me?” The root of the matter — The cause of the whole trouble; that is, his guilt and sin.
Sermons on Job 19:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Principle of Grace in the Heart, a Good Thing, Always Tending Toward the Lord God of Israel. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that every regenerate person possesses a principle of grace in their heart, which is a good thing that always inclines towards the Lord God of Israel. He illus |