King James Version

What Does Job 19:26 Mean?

Job 19:26 in the King James Version says “And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: And: or, After I shall awake, though ...” — study this verse from Job chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Job 19:26 · KJV

Context

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

28

But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me? seeing: or, and what root of matter is found in me?

Read Job 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job's resurrection hope: 'And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.' This stunning affirmation of bodily resurrection predates full biblical revelation. Even in despair, Job envisions embodied existence beyond death where vindication occurs.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern death concepts rarely included resurrection hope, making Job's statement remarkable. This prefigures New Testament resurrection teaching (1 Corinthians 15).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does resurrection hope change your view of present suffering?
  2. What does it mean to see God 'in your flesh' after death?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְאַחַ֣ר1 of 7

“And though after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

ע֭וֹרִֽי2 of 7

“my skin”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

נִקְּפוּ3 of 7

“worms destroy”

H5362

to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate

זֹ֑את4 of 7
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וּ֝מִבְּשָׂרִ֗י5 of 7

“this body yet in my flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

אֶֽחֱזֶ֥ה6 of 7

“shall I see”

H2372

to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of

אֱלֽוֹהַּ׃7 of 7

“God”

H433

a deity or the deity

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 19:26 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 19:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 5:81 John 3:2Psalms 17:15Revelation 1:71 Corinthians 13:12Psalms 16:11

Test Your Knowledge

Job 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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