Job 7:19
Job 7:19 in Multiple Translations
Will You never look away from me, or leave me alone to swallow my spittle?
How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?
How long wilt thou not look away from me, Nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?
How long will it be before your eyes are turned away from me, so that I may have a minute's breathing-space?
Won't you ever leave me alone long enough to catch my breath?
Howe long will it be yer thou depart from me? thou wilt not let me alone whiles I may swallowe my spettle.
How long dost Thou not look from me? Thou dost not desist till I swallow my spittle.
How long will you not look away from me, nor leave me alone until I swallow down my spittle?
How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow my spittle?
How long wilt thou not spare me, nor suffer me to swallow down my spittle?
◄When will you stop looking at me and leave me alone for a little time, long enough to swallow my spit?/Please stop looking at me and leave me alone for a little time, long enough to swallow my spit.► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 7:19
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 7:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כַּ֭/מָּה
לֹא
תִשְׁעֶ֣ה
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
לֹֽא
תַ֝רְפֵּ֗/נִי
עַד
בִּלְעִ֥/י
רֻקִּֽ/י
כַּ֭/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִשְׁעֶ֣ה
shâʻâh
H8159
to gaze
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַ֝רְפֵּ֗/נִי
râphâh
H7503
to slacken
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
בִּלְעִ֥/י
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
רֻקִּֽ/י
rôq
H7536
spittle
N-ms | 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 7:19
כַּ֭/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | 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.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִשְׁעֶ֣ה
shâʻâh
H8159
"to gaze"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To gaze means to look carefully or intensely at something, often seeking help or guidance, like the Psalmist in Psalm 121:1-2.
Definition: 1) to look at or to, regard, gaze at or about 1a) (Qal) to gaze at, regard, behold, look about 1b) (Hiphil) to look away, cause gaze to turn away 1c) (Hithpael) to look in dismay, gaze about (in anxiety)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: depart, be dim, be dismayed, look (away), regard, have respect, spare, turn. See also: Genesis 4:4; Psalms 119:117; Psalms 39:14.
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַ֝רְפֵּ֗/נִי
râphâh
H7503
"to slacken"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
בִּלְעִ֥/י
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.
Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.
רֻקִּֽ/י
rôq
H7536
"spittle"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to spittle, like in Matthew 27:30 where the soldiers spat on Jesus. It's a literal, physical thing.
Definition: spittle
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: spit(-ting, -tle). See also: Job 7:19; Job 30:10; Isaiah 50:6.
Study Notes — Job 7:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 7:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 7:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 7:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 7:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 7:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 7:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 7:19
- Cambridge Bible on Job 7:19
- Barnes' Notes on Job 7:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 7:19
- Sermons on Job 7:19
Context — Job Continues: Life Seems Futile
17What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him,
18that You attend to him every morning, and test him every moment?
19Will You never look away from me, or leave me alone to swallow my spittle?
20If I have sinned, what have I done to You, O watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, so that I am a burden to You ? 21Why do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For soon I will lie down in the dust; You will seek me, but I will be no more.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 9:18 | He does not let me catch my breath, but overwhelms me with bitterness. |
| 2 | Job 14:6 | look away from him and let him rest, so he can enjoy his day as a hired hand. |
| 3 | Psalms 13:1–3 | How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me? Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death, |
| 4 | Psalms 6:3 | My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long? |
| 5 | Psalms 94:3 | How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult? |
| 6 | Revelation 6:10 | And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?” |
Job 7:19 Summary
In this verse, Job is feeling overwhelmed by God's constant attention and scrutiny, and he is asking God to give him some space to suffer in peace. He feels like he is being watched and judged all the time, and it's exhausting for him, much like how the Psalmist feels in Psalm 38:9. Job is not trying to be rebellious or ungrateful, but he is simply expressing his honest emotions to God, as we are encouraged to do in Psalm 62:8. We can learn from Job's example to be honest with God about our feelings, even when they are difficult or overwhelming, and trust that He is working everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Job ask God to look away from him in this verse?
Job asks God to look away from him because he feels overwhelmed by God's constant attention and scrutiny, as seen in Job 7:18, where it says God attends to him every morning and tests him every moment, similar to how God watches over all mankind according to Job 14:3 and Psalm 8:4.
What does Job mean by 'swallow my spittle'?
When Job says 'swallow my spittle', he is using a figure of speech to express his desire to be left alone to suffer in peace, without God's constant attention and judgment, much like how the Psalmist cries out to God in Psalm 39:13 to leave him alone to enjoy the little time he has left.
Is Job being rebellious or ungrateful to God in this verse?
While Job's words may seem bold or even rebellious, they are actually a cry of desperation and frustration from a man who feels he is being unfairly treated by God, similar to how the Psalmist expresses his feelings of desperation in Psalm 13:1-2, and Job is simply expressing his honest emotions to God, as encouraged in Psalm 62:8.
How can we relate to Job's feelings in this verse?
Many people can relate to feeling overwhelmed by God's presence or feeling like they are under constant scrutiny, and Job's words can be a comfort to those who feel like they are struggling to cope with their circumstances, much like how the apostle Paul encourages believers to cast their anxieties on God in 1 Peter 5:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I feel like I am under God's microscope, and how can I respond to those feelings in a way that is pleasing to Him?
- How can I balance the desire for God's presence and guidance with the feeling of being overwhelmed by His scrutiny, as seen in Psalm 139:23-24?
- What are some emotions or feelings that I have been trying to hide from God, and how can I be more honest with Him like Job is in this verse, as encouraged in Psalm 51:17?
- In what ways can I trust that God's attention and scrutiny are ultimately for my good, even when it feels overwhelming, as promised in Romans 8:28 and Hebrews 12:10-11?
Gill's Exposition on Job 7:19
How long wilt thou not depart from me,.... From wrestling and contending with him, and afflicting of him; the Lord was too hard a combatant for job, and therefore he chose to be rid of him, and was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 7:19
How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle? How long (like a jealous keeper) Wilt thou never look away [shaa`aach, for depart] from me, nor let me alone for the briefest respite?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 7:19
How long will it be ere thou withdraw thy afflicting hand from me? Till I swallow down my spittle, i.e. for a little time; or that I may have a breathing time: a proverbial expression, like that Spanish proverb, I have not time or liberty to spit out my spittle. Or this expression may have respect to Job’ s distempered and calamitous condition, wherewith he was so overwhelmed, that he either had not strength, or could not take heed, to spit out his spittle, as he should have done, but swallowed it down, as sick and melancholy persons often do.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 7:19
Job 7:19 How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?Ver. 19. How long wilt thou not depart from me] Here he seems desirous to be rid of God’ s company, of his afflicting presence, Psalms 139:10; so true is that of the apostle, Hebrews 12:11, "No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous," till patience come to have her perfect work, and men be brought to cry out, as one did under a great fit of the stone, The use, Lord, the use; not so much ease of my pain, as a good use of my suffering. This Job came to at length, no doubt; meanwhile, we have in him, as Mercer observeth, mirum ubique specimen, a wonderful instance of that conflict between flesh and spirit that is in the saints. Yet let me alone, till I may swallow down my spittle?] That is, nor afford me the least intermission, no, not a spitting while. He will not suffer me to take my breath, Job 9:18. Jerome thinks that Job was troubled with a quinsey, or sore throat, which hindered the swallowing of his spittle; neither had he power to spit out the corrupt matter that ran down his throat. Oh what a sweet mercy is health! and how ill able are the best without special support from heaven to bear sickness! The Stoics, who said, that he who lived honestly might live cheerfully though under many bodily weaknesses, senserunt ipsi in morbis se magnificentius locutos esse quam verius, saith Wolfius; that is, when it came to their own turn to be sick, they well perceived that they had spoken rather bravely than truly.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 7:19
(19) Till I swallow down my spittle.—This is doubtless a proverbial expression, like “the twinkling of an eye,” or “while I fetch a breath.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 7:19
Verse 19. Till I swallow down my spittle?] This is a proverbial expression, and exists among the Arabs to the present day; the very language being nearly the same. It signifies the same as, Let me draw my breath; give me a moment's space; let me have even the twinkling of an eye. I am urged by my sufferings to continue my complaint; but my strength is exhausted, my mouth dry with speaking. Suspend my sufferings even for so short a space as is necessary to swallow my spittle, that my parched tongue may be moistened, so that I may renew my complaint.
Cambridge Bible on Job 7:19
19. depart from me] lit. look away from me; an impatient demand that God would turn away His plaguing glance; cf. “watcher of men,” Job 7:20. swallow down my spittle] A proverbial phrase like “twinkling of an eye,” signifying a moment, as we might say “till I let over”; cf. “draw my breath,” ch. Job 9:18. To let one swallow his spittle is to give him a moment’s respite or time. The phrase is not unusual among the Arabs. In De Sacy’s Notes to Hariri, p. 164, a person tells the following: “I said to one of my Sheichs (teachers), Let me swallow my spittle; to which he replied, I will let you swallow the two Confluents (the Tigris and Euphrates).”
Barnes' Notes on Job 7:19
How long wilt thou not depart? - How long is this to continue? The same word occurs in Job 14:6. The word rendered “depart” שׁעה shâ‛âh means to look, to look around, and then to look away from anyone or anything.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 7:19
19. Swallow down my spittle — A proverbial expression for the briefest interval.
Sermons on Job 7:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Introducing Lament in Psalm 13 by Michael Flowers | Michael Flowers introduces the concept of lament as expressed in Psalm 13, emphasizing its significance in the Psalter as a heartfelt response to grief and sorrow. He explains that |
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The Final Victory - Matter Matters by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, Paul emphasizes that victory is a gift from God and not something that can be achieved through our own efforts. He highlights the importance of recognizing the grac |
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How Long Can You Wait? by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the danger of impatience with God, using examples of everyday frustrations to illustrate the impatience we often feel. He delves into Psalm 13:1-6, where |
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Psalm 13 by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar reflects on Psalm 13, expressing David's deep anguish and longing for God's presence during times of despair. He emphasizes the feelings of abandonment and sorrow that |
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Rev. 6:10. How Long? by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar explores the profound question 'How long?' as expressed in Revelation 6:10, emphasizing its significance in human experience and divine communication. He categorizes |
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The Love of God for His People Never Fails by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the unwavering love of God for His people, drawing from Psalm 13 where David expresses feelings of abandonment and despair. Despite his struggles and the |
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The Hidings of God by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the theme of God's hiddenness in his sermon 'The Hidings of God,' reflecting on Isaiah 45:15. He discusses how God's presence is often felt yet unseen in nature |