King James Version

What Does Job 16:19 Mean?

Job 16:19 in the King James Version says “Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high. on high: Heb. in the high places” — study this verse from Job chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high. on high: Heb. in the high places”

Job 16:19 · KJV

Context

17

Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.

18

O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place.

19

Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high. on high: Heb. in the high places

20

My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. scorn me: Heb. are my scorners

21

O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour ! neighbour: or, friend

Read Job 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high. In the depths of his suffering, Job makes a profound declaration of faith that transcends his immediate circumstances. The Hebrew word ed (עֵד, "witness") refers to one who testifies on behalf of another in legal proceedings, while sahad (שָׂהֵד, "record" or "advocate") denotes one who vouches for another's integrity.

This passage represents a pivotal moment in Job's theological journey. Despite his friends' accusations and his own confusion about God's purposes, Job affirms that somewhere in heaven there exists a witness who knows his innocence and will vindicate him. This heavenly witness stands in stark contrast to his earthly accusers. The phrase "on high" (bammarom, בַּמָּרוֹם) emphasizes the transcendent, divine nature of this advocate.

Many Christian interpreters see this as a prophetic glimpse of Christ as our heavenly advocate (1 John 2:1). Job's faith reaches beyond present suffering to grasp an unseen reality—that God Himself, or one appointed by God, will ultimately vindicate the righteous. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of Jesus as our mediator and intercessor who pleads our case before the Father.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Book of Job is considered one of the wisdom literature masterpieces, likely composed during the patriarchal period (2000-1500 BCE) though debated by scholars. The legal terminology in this passage reflects ancient Near Eastern court procedures where witnesses and advocates played crucial roles in vindicating the accused.

In Job's cultural context, reputation and honor were paramount. False accusations could destroy a person's standing in the community. Job's appeal to a heavenly witness would have resonated with ancient readers who understood the importance of credible testimony in legal disputes. Unlike Mesopotamian literature where humans had no real advocate before capricious gods, Job's declaration reveals a revolutionary concept—that heaven itself contains one who will testify to human righteousness.

This passage has profoundly influenced Jewish and Christian theology regarding divine justice, human suffering, and heavenly advocacy. The rabbis debated the identity of this witness, with some suggesting it was God Himself, others an angel. Christian tradition has largely identified this witness as a pre-incarnate appearance or prophecy of Christ the Mediator.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's confidence in a heavenly witness challenge our response to false accusations or misunderstanding?
  2. In what ways does Christ fulfill the role of the heavenly witness and advocate that Job longed for?
  3. What does this passage teach us about maintaining faith when our circumstances seem to contradict God's goodness?
  4. How can we apply Job's example of looking beyond earthly judgment to heavenly vindication in our daily lives?
  5. What does Job's declaration reveal about the nature of faith that persists even in profound suffering and confusion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
גַּם1 of 7
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

עַ֭תָּה2 of 7
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הִנֵּה3 of 7
H2009

lo!

בַשָּׁמַ֣יִם4 of 7

“is in heaven”

H8064

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 r

עֵדִ֑י5 of 7

“Also now behold my witness”

H5707

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

וְ֝שָׂהֲדִ֗י6 of 7

“and my record”

H7717

a witness

בַּמְּרֹמִֽים׃7 of 7

“is on high”

H4791

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 16:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 16:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 1:9Genesis 31:501 Thessalonians 2:101 Samuel 12:5Job 25:2Romans 9:1

Test Your Knowledge

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