Job 16:19 — Word Study
WLCגַּם־ עַ֭תָּה הִנֵּה־ בַשָּׁמַ֣יִם עֵדִ֑י וְ֝שָׂהֲדִ֗י בַּמְּרוֹמִֽים׃
BSAEvengam nowʻattâh [at this very moment, currently] my witnessʻêd [testifier, one who gives evidence] is in heavenshâmayim [the visible universe, the abode of God] and my advocatesâhêd△ [supporter of my cause, one who vouches for me] is on highmârôwm [in a lofty, elevated place, the heights]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| גַּם־ | also | Adverb |
| עַ֭תָּה | now | Adverb |
| הִנֵּה־ | there! | Particle |
| בַשָּׁמַ֣יִם | [is] in the heavens | Preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| עֵדִ֑י | witness my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וְ֝שָׂהֲדִ֗י | and witness my | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| בַּמְּרוֹמִֽים׃ | [is] in high places | Preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high. |
| KJV | Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high. |
| ASV | Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, And he that voucheth for me is on high. |
| YLT | Also, now, lo, in the heavens [is] my witness, And my testifier in the high places. |
| WEB | Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high. |
| BBE | Even now my witness is in heaven, and the supporter of my cause is on high. |
Where they part company is עֵדִ֑י and וְ֝שָׂהֲדִ֗י — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured around a main assertion with a conjunction linking two key elements of Job's claim.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
1 of 7 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 16:19
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Job's Plea for Justicegenerated
Job 16:19 is part of Job's response to his friends, where he laments his suffering and seeks validation from God. Job emphasizes the presence of a heavenly witness and advocate, suggesting that he is not alone in his plight. This moment highlights his desire for justice and understanding, reflecting the broader themes of suffering and divine oversight found throughout the book of Job.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 12:5 | Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied. |
| 2 | Romans 1:9 | God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you |
| 3 | Romans 9:1 | I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 1:23 | I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 11:31 | The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עֵדִ֑י, 'e.Digenerated
The word עֵד (ed) means 'witness' and refers to someone who testifies or provides evidence. In this context, Job is asserting that there is a divine witness to his suffering, emphasizing that his plight is known in the heavens.
This noun is in the singular construct form, indicating a personal relationship with the witness. Job's use of 'my witness' underscores the intimate connection he feels with this divine presence, reinforcing his hope for vindication.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is governed by the conjunction גַּם־, also, which introduces Job's assertion about his witness. This is followed by two parallel clauses: one stating the location of the witness in heaven and the other identifying the advocate on high.
The structure emphasizes the contrast between Job's earthly suffering and the heavenly support he claims, with the finite verb implied in the clauses describing the state of his witness and advocate.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates עֵדִ֑י as μου (mou), meaning 'my' or 'of me', which retains the personal connection Job expresses. This choice highlights the intimate nature of Job's relationship with his divine witness.
The use of ὑψίστοις (hypsistois) for 'on high' suggests a focus on the exalted status of the advocate, reinforcing the idea of divine authority in Job's plea.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 16:19 expresses Job's belief that he has a witness in heaven and an advocate on high, emphasizing his need for divine support in his suffering. He asserts that his plight is known and that he is not alone, highlighting the themes of justice and divine oversight.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job is indicating that there is a divine witness who sees his suffering and can testify to his innocence and the truth of his situation.
Job refers to an advocate to express his hope that someone is interceding on his behalf, supporting his cause before God.
This verse encapsulates Job's struggle as he seeks validation and justice in the face of his suffering, emphasizing his reliance on divine support.
Job's plea for a witness signifies his desire for acknowledgment of his suffering and a desire for justice, indicating that he believes his situation is known in the heavenly realm.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I seek divine support in my own struggles?
- How can I find comfort in knowing there is a witness to my challenges?
- What does it mean for me to have an advocate in my life?
- How can I better understand the concept of divine justice in my own experiences?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Gregory the Dialogist comments on Job's assertion, using it to illustrate the divine witness present during Job's trials.
Ver. 19. Also, now, behold my witness is in heaven, and my heart's associate is on high. For when the Son was brought to His downfall on earth, there was a witness to Him in heaven.Early Church Fathers on Job 16 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 16:19 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAlso now, behold, my witness [is] in heaven,.... That is, God, who dwells in the heavens, where his throne is, and which is the habitation of his holiness, and from whence he beholds all the sons of
Read John Gill on Job 16 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAlso now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high. Also now - even now, when I am so greatly misunderstood on earth, God in heaven is sensible of my innocence. Record - Hebrew, my witness.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 16 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleBesides the witness of men and of my own conscience, God is witness of my integrity.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 16 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 16:19 Also now, behold, my witness [is] in heaven, and my record [is] on high.Ver. 19. Also now behold my witness is in heaven] Here is his appeal to God. So great is the confidence of a good conscience. We also may do the like, if there be no other way left for clearing our innocence; provided that we do it with a clear conscience, and in a matter of consequence; not in jest, but in judgment. Some of the martyrs appealed thus, and cited their persecutors to answer at God’ s tribunal. Yea, to help the truth in necessity, a private oath between two or more may be lawfully taken, so it be done sparingly and warily; for in serious affairs and matters of great importance, if it be lawful in…
Read John Trapp on Job 16 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(19) My witness is in heaven.—It is very important to note passages such as these, because they help us to understand, and serve to illustrate, the famous confession in Job 19. This is surely a wonderful declaration for a man in the position of Job. What can the believer, in the full light of the Gospel revelation, say more, with the knowledge of One in heaven ever making intercession for him? And yet Job’s faith had risen to such a height as this, and had grasped such a hope as this. In no other book of the Bible is there such a picture of faith clinging to the all-just God for justification as in the Book of Job.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 16 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 19. My witness is in heaven] I appeal to God for my innocence.
Read AdamClarke on Job 16 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges19. If his blood is to cry with an unceasing voice for reparation until it find it, there must be some one to take up the cry and see reparation made. Job is assured that already he has such a Witness and sponsor in heaven. The verse reads, Even now, behold my witness is in heaven, And he that voucheth for me is on high. my record] This is inexact; the word describes a person and means precisely the same as Witness, being the Aramean equivalent to the Heb. in the first clause. The word occurs again in the expression Jegar Sahadutha, heap of witness, Genesis 31:47, as the Hebrew word does in the corresponding phrase, Gal-‘Ed. It is difficult to find a corresponding noun in English; perhaps…
Read Cambridge on Job 16 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleMy witness is in heaven - That is, I can appeal to God for my sincerity. He is my witness; and he will bear record for me.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 16 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high.
Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high.
Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high.
Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high.
Tyndale line
Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.
Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, And he that voucheth for me is on high.
Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and he that coucheth for me is on high.
Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.
For lo, now my witnesse is in the heauen, and my record is on hie.
Strictly literal
Even now, behold, my Witness is in the heavens, and he that voucheth for me is in the heights.
Also, now, lo, in the heavens [is] my witness, And my testifier in the high places.
Also, now, behold, my witness [is] in the heavens, || And my testifier in the high places.
Even now, behold, my witness is in the heavens, and one that testifieth for me is on high.
Even now, see, my witness is in heaven; he who vouches for me is on high.
From the Latin
O earth, cover not thou my blood, neither let my cry find a hiding place in thee.
Simplified
Look, right now my witness is in heaven; the one who speaks for me is on high.
Even now my witness is in heaven, and the supporter of my cause is on high.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of Job 16:19, with all seven words matched. This indicates a strong consistency in the translation and interpretation of this verse across these ancient texts.
גַּם־ עַ֭תָּה הִנֵּה־ בַשָּׁמַ֣יִם עֵדִ֑י וְ֝שָׂהֲדִ֗י בַּמְּרוֹמִֽים׃
7 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 16:19
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
גַּם (gam) is an adverb meaning 'also' or 'moreover,' indicating addition or emphasis. It can express various nuances, such as 'even,' 'indeed,' or 'but.' The term is often used in a correlational manner, as in 'both...and.' It appears in contexts that require clarification or reinforcement of a statement.
גַּם 768 adv. denoting addition, also, moreover, yea
base
H1571 גַּם denoting addition, also, moreover, yea
1571 gam gam
by contraction from an unused root meaning to gather;
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea,
though; often repeated as correl. both...and:--again, alike,
also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and , but, either...or,
even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover,
nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea.
גַּם (gam) — also.
1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea
1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis)
1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative)
1c) even (for stress)
1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax)
1e) also (of correspondence or retribution)
1f) but, yet, though (adversative)
1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case)
2) (TWOT) again, alike
DirObjM — AdverbHD
ol'-so: In the Greek kai, when it is equivalent to "also" or "even," is always placed before the word or phrase which it is intended to emphasize (e.g. Ac 12:3; 1 Joh 4:21). Mt 6:14 should therefore read, "Your heavenly Father will forgive you also"; Lu 6:13, "Whom also he named apostles"; Heb 8:6, "The mediator of a better covenant also"; and 1Th 4:14, `If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also (we believe that) those who are fallen asleep in Jesus, God will bring with Him.'
עַתָּ֫ה (attah) is an adverb of time meaning 'now.' It can also function as a conjunction or expletive, indicating immediacy or a current moment. The word is derived from a related term, עַת (att), and is used in various contexts to denote the present time.
עַתָּ֫ה 435, עָ֑֫תָּה, adv. of time, now
base
H6258 עַתָּ֫ה, עָ֑֫תָּה of time, now
6258 `attah at-taw'
from 6256; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or
expletive:--henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas.
see HEBREW for 06256
עַתָּ֫ה (at.tah) — now.
1) now
1a) now
1b) in phrases
Adv — AdverbHD
הִנֵּה (hinneh) is a Hebrew word meaning 'behold' or 'lo!' It serves as a demonstrative particle used to draw attention, appearing in contexts such as Genesis 19:2. The word is derived from a prolongation of another Hebrew term, but the entries do not provide further details on its usage beyond this.
הִנֵּה, once הִנֶּה־ Gn 19:2, demonstr.part. lo!, behold!
base
H2009 הִנֵּה, הִנֶּה־ lo!, behold!
2009 hinneh hin-nay'
prolongation for 2005; lo!:--behold, lo, see.
see HEBREW for 02005
הִנֵּה (hin.neh) — behold.
behold, lo, see, if
HTj — ParticleHTj
The Hebrew word שָׁמַיִם (*shamayim*) is a dual noun meaning 'heavens' or 'sky.' It refers to the visible heavens where celestial bodies are found, as well as the abode of God. The dual form may suggest both the arch of the sky and the higher ether. It is noted in contexts such as Elijah's ascent in a whirlwind.
[שָׁמַי] n.m. only pl. שָׁמַיִם 421 heavens, sky
visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are
phrases
as abode of God
Elijah taken up הַשּׁ׳ in whirlwind
הַשּׁ׳ personified in various relations
base
H8064 שָׁמַי only pl. שָׁמַיִם heavens, sky . . visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are
. phrases
. . as abode of God
. Elijah taken up הַשּׁ׳ in whirlwind
. הַשּׁ׳ personified in various relations
8064 shamayim shaw-mah'-yim
dual of an unused singular shameh {shaw-meh'}; from an unused
root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps
alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well
as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies
revolve):--air, X astrologer, heaven(-s).
שָׁמַיִם (sha.ma.yim) — heaven.
1) heaven, heavens, sky
1a) visible heavens, sky
1a1) as abode of the stars
1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc
1b) Heaven (as the abode of God)
Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Prep | N-md — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHRd/Ncmpa
hev'-'nz (shamayim; ouranoi): On the physical heavens see ASTRONOMY; WORLD. Above these, in popular conception, were the celestial heavens, the abode of God and of the hosts of angels (Ps 11:4; 103:19-21; Isa 66:1; Re 4:2; 5:11; compare Da 7:10), though it was recognized that Yahweh's presence was not confined to any region (1Ki 8:27). Later Judaism reckoned seven heavens. The apostle Paul speaks of himself as caught up into "the third heaven," which he evidently identifies with Paradise (2Co 12:2).
See HEAVENLY.
עֵד (ed) means 'witness' and encompasses both the act of witnessing and the person who testifies. It is derived from a root suggesting emphatic affirmation. The term can refer to evidence of things or to individuals providing testimony.
עֵד 69 n.m. witness (prob. fr. reiterating, hence emphatically affirming)
witness, testimony, evidence, of things
witness, a person
base
H5707 עֵד witness (prob. fr. reiterating, hence emphatically affirming) . witness, testimony, evidence, of things
. witness, a person
5707 `ed ayd
contracted from 5749 ; concretely, a witness; abstractly,
testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. prince:--witness.
see HEBREW for 05749
עֵד (ed) — witness.
1) witness
1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things)
1b) witness (of people)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
שָׂהֵד (sahed) refers to a witness or advocate, derived from a root meaning to testify. The term is used in contexts related to recording or providing testimony.
[שָׂהֵד] n.[m.] witness
base
H7717 שָׂהֵד
7717 sahed saw-hade'
from an unused root meaning to testify; a witness:--record.
שָׂהֵד (sa.hed) — advocate.
witness
Conj | N-ms | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHC/Ncmsc/Sp1bs
מָרוֹם (marowm) means 'height' and encompasses both concrete and abstract uses, referring to elevated places, elevation, and even pride. It can describe physical heights or be used figuratively for dignity and nobility. The word is poetically used in the Old Testament, with its root linked to the concept of altitude.
מָרוֹם n.m. height (poet.)
height, elevation (concr.), elevated place
alone = height of heaven
adv. fig., = proudly
fig. of nobles
base
H4791 מָרוֹם height (poet.)
4791 marowm maw-rome'
from 7311; altitude, i.e. concretely (an elevated place),
abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially
(aloft):--(far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on)
high (one, place), loftily, upward.
see HEBREW for 07311
מָרוֹם (ma.rom) — height.
1) height
1a) height, elevation, elevated place
1a1) in a high place (adv)
1b) height
1c) proudly (adv)
1d) of nobles (fig.)
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHRd/Ncmpa