King James Version

What Does Job 19:25 Mean?

Job 19:25 in the King James Version says “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:” — study this verse from Job chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:”

Job 19:25 · KJV

Salvation

Context

23

Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! Oh: Heb. Who will give, etc

24

That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!

25

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

26

And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: And: or, After I shall awake, though this body be destroyed, yet out of my flesh

27

Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. another: Heb. a stranger though: or, my reins within me are consumed with earnest desire (for that day) within: Heb. in my bosom

Read Job 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job's triumphant declaration "For I know that my redeemer liveth" stands as one of the Old Testament's clearest Messianic prophecies and most powerful expressions of resurrection hope. The Hebrew phrase ani yadati go'ali chai (אֲנִי יָדַעְתִּי גֹּאֲלִי חָי) uses the verb yada (יָדַע) meaning to know intimately and experientially, not merely intellectual assent. Job possesses certain knowledge despite his suffering. The term go'el (גֹּאֵל), "redeemer," refers to the kinsman-redeemer who buys back family property, avenges wrongs, and restores family honor (Leviticus 25:25; Ruth 3:9). This redeemer "liveth" (chai, חָי)—is alive, active, and able to act on Job's behalf.

The phrase "and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" uses acharon (אַחֲרוֹן), meaning last, latter, or final time. The verb qum (קוּם), "stand," suggests arising to act, particularly in legal contexts—the redeemer will stand as witness and advocate. "Upon the earth" (al-afar, עַל־עָפָר) literally means "upon the dust," the same word used for mankind's origin (Genesis 2:7) and death (Genesis 3:19). Job envisions his redeemer standing victoriously over death and the grave itself.

Verses 26-27 continue this hope: "And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." Job anticipates bodily resurrection, not merely spiritual immortality. Christian interpretation has consistently identified the redeemer as Christ, who lives eternally, will stand on earth at His second coming, and grants believers resurrection bodies. This passage profoundly influenced Handel's Messiah and countless hymns. Job's faith reaches beyond present suffering to grasp eternal vindication through a living redeemer.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Job 19 records Job's response after Bildad's second speech, which harshly insisted that the wicked suffer and implied Job's guilt. Job feels abandoned by family, friends, servants, and even God (19:13-22). Yet in the depths of despair, he makes this extraordinary declaration of faith. The context makes his confidence in a living redeemer all the more remarkable—when earthly supports collapse, Job grasps eternal hope.

The concept of a go'el (kinsman-redeemer) was central to Israelite society. The redeemer had legal obligations to restore family property, marry a deceased brother's widow to preserve his name, and avenge wrongs against the family. Boaz's redemption of Ruth illustrates this institution (Ruth 3-4). Job's situation required a redeemer who could vindicate him before God and restore his honor. Job recognizes that no human redeemer suffices—he needs a divine-human mediator who can bridge the gap between God and man.

This passage's influence on Christian theology and hymnody cannot be overstated. The early church fathers saw clear prophecy of Christ's resurrection and second coming. The church's earliest creeds affirm bodily resurrection based partly on this text. Job's faith in seeing God "in my flesh" contradicts pagan Greek concepts of immortality that despised the body. The Hebrew hope was always embodied resurrection, fulfilled ultimately in Christ's resurrection and promised to all believers (1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Job could not fully understand the mechanics of resurrection, but he grasped by faith what God would ultimately accomplish through Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's confidence in a living redeemer during his darkest hour speak to your own seasons of suffering or doubt?
  2. What does it mean that Christ is our kinsman-redeemer, and how does understanding this role deepen your appreciation of the incarnation?
  3. How does Job's hope of seeing God "in my flesh" affirm the value and eternal significance of our bodies?
  4. In what ways does this passage challenge both ancient pagan ideas of disembodied immortality and modern skepticism about bodily resurrection?
  5. How should the certainty of Christ's return and our resurrection shape daily priorities and responses to present suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַאֲנִ֣י1 of 8
H589

i

יָ֭דַעְתִּי2 of 8

“For I know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

גֹּ֣אֲלִי3 of 8

“that my redeemer”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

חָ֑י4 of 8

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וְ֝אַחֲר֗וֹן5 of 8

“at the latter”

H314

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

עַל6 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עָפָ֥ר7 of 8

“day upon the earth”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

יָקֽוּם׃8 of 8

“and that he shall stand”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

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 19:25 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 19:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 1:7Isaiah 54:5Psalms 78:35Proverbs 23:11Psalms 19:14John 5:22-29

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