King James Version

What Does Job 19:27 Mean?

Job 19:27 in the King James Version says “Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. another...” — study this verse from Job chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Job 19:27 · KJV

Context

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?

29

Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment .

Read Job 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job continues: 'Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.' The emphatic 'for myself' and 'not another' stresses personal, direct encounter. Job's hope isn't abstract immortality but embodied meeting with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern afterlife concepts often featured shadowy existence, but Job envisions concrete, personal encounter. The 'reins' (kidneys) represent innermost being.

Reflection Questions

  1. What difference does it make that you will see God 'for yourself'?
  2. How does embodied resurrection differ from disembodied immortality?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֲשֶׁ֤ר1 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֲנִ֨י׀2 of 11
H589

i

אֶֽחֱזֶה3 of 11

“Whom I shall see”

H2372

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

לִּ֗י4 of 11
H0
וְעֵינַ֣י5 of 11

“for myself and mine eyes”

H5869

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

רָא֣וּ6 of 11

“shall behold”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְלֹא7 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

זָ֑ר8 of 11

“and not another”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

כָּל֖וּ9 of 11

“be consumed”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

כִלְיֹתַ֣י10 of 11

“though my reins”

H3629

a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)

בְּחֵקִֽי׃11 of 11

“within”

H2436

the bosom (literally or figuratively)

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 19:27 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 19:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 73:26Isaiah 26:19Numbers 24:17

Test Your Knowledge

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