King James Version

What Does Job 16:20 Mean?

Job 16:20 in the King James Version says “My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. scorn me: Heb. are my scorners” — study this verse from Job chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 16:20 · KJV

Context

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

22

When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return. a few: Heb. years of number

Read Job 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.' The contrast is devastating: 'friends' (מְרֵעָי, mere'ay) offer 'scorn' (לָעֲגִי, la'agi—mocking, derision) while Job's 'eye poureth out tears' (דָּלְפָה עֵינִי, dalefah eyni) to God. Human friendship fails precisely when most needed, leaving only God as refuge. Yet God seems distant (earlier verses). This is faith's crucible—friends fail, God feels absent, yet Job continues praying. Psalm 142:4 expresses similar isolation. The image of eyes pouring tears 'unto God' (אֶל־אֱלוֹהַּ, el-Eloah) shows prayer as the last refuge. The Reformed emphasis on God's faithfulness when all else fails undergirds persevering prayer. Job's weeping prayer models faith under maximum pressure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient culture highly valued friendship and community. Job's experience of scorn from friends would compound his suffering, leaving him socially isolated and religiously accused, with only direct appeal to God remaining.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we continue praying when both friends and God seem absent or hostile?
  2. What sustains faith when all human support systems fail?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
מְלִיצַ֥י1 of 6

“scorn”

H3887

properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede

רֵעָ֑י2 of 6

“My friends”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

אֶל3 of 6
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַ4 of 6

“tears unto God”

H433

a deity or the deity

דָּלְפָ֥ה5 of 6

“poureth out”

H1811

to drip; by implication, to weep

עֵינִֽי׃6 of 6

“me but mine eye”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 16:20 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 16:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 5:7Psalms 142:2Job 12:4-5Psalms 109:4Job 17:2Luke 6:11-12

Test Your Knowledge

Job 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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