Job 16:19–21

Context

This passage belongs to Job 16–17, in which Job replies to the second speech of Eliphaz the Temanite (chapter 15). Job calls his friends "miserable comforters" (16:2), people who add to his distress while claiming to console him. He then laments that God attacks him as though He were an enemy (16:9–14). Next he cries out, "O earth, cover not thou my blood" (16:18), wishing that his unjustly shed blood would not be covered over but would continue to cry out for justice. Immediately after this cry comes the present passage, in which Job declares that although no one on earth will take his side, he has a witness in heaven: "Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high" (16:19). The word the King James Version renders "record" appears in the Korean Revised Version as boin (保人), meaning a guarantor. The underlying Hebrew term is an Aramaic-derived word synonymous with "witness," and it stands in parallel with the preceding "witness."

Interpretation

• God Himself: Many modern Old Testament scholars identify this witness as God. On this view, Job appeals from the God who seems to be striking him to the God who will vindicate him. This reading lays bare the tension within Job himself.
• A heavenly mediator: This interpretation holds that the passage envisions a third party standing between God and Job. Its proponents point to Job 9:32–33, where Job earlier laments that there is no "daysman betwixt us," and to the language of a mediating angel in 33:23.
• Christological reading: Many preachers and commentators in the Christian tradition read this passage as anticipating Jesus Christ, who intercedes as advocate between God and humanity. From the perspective of Christology, this reading connects the passage with New Testament texts on Christ as Mediator.

Debates and Issues

The passage is not a notable point of controversy between denominations. It does, however, raise several translation issues.

• The opening of verse 20 in Hebrew can be read either as "My friends scorn me" or as "My intercessor is my friend." Some English translations adopt the latter reading.
• In verse 21 ("O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!"), the Korean Revised Version uses inja ("son of man"). The Hebrew phrase, literally "son of man," is a common idiom meaning simply a human being. For this reason, some interpreters caution against reading the Gospel title "Son of Man" directly into the verse.
• The word boin ("guarantor") is rendered variously in different versions as surety, advocate, or intercessor. Readers are therefore often encouraged to compare Bible translations.

Related Passages

• Job 9:32–33
• Job 19:25–27
• 1 Timothy 2:5–6
• 1 John 2:1–2
• Hebrews 4:14–16