King James Version

What Does Job 19:4 Mean?

Job 19:4 in the King James Version says “And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.” — study this verse from Job chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.”

Job 19:4 · KJV

Context

2

How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?

3

These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me. make: or, harden yourselves against me

4

And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.

5

If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach:

6

Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself (וְאַף אֲמִנָּה שָׁגִיתִי, we'af 'umnam shagiti)—Job employs rhetorical concession. The verb שָׁגָה (shagah) means 'to go astray unintentionally,' distinct from deliberate sin (חָטָא, chata). Job isn't admitting guilt but challenging his friends' logic: even if he had unknowingly erred, that remains between him and God, not subject to their judgment.

Mine error remaineth with myself—literally 'my error lodges with me.' The Hebrew לִין (lin, 'to lodge/remain') suggests temporary residence, not permanent guilt. Job insists his hypothetical error doesn't validate their harsh condemnation. This verse anticipates Paul's principle: 'Who are you to judge another's servant?' (Romans 14:4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures emphasized communal accountability, where individual sin could pollute the community (Joshua 7). Job challenges this assumption—his friends presume to judge matters that belong to God alone, violating the principle later articulated in Matthew 7:1-2.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's distinction between unintentional error and deliberate sin challenge oversimplified views of suffering as punishment?
  2. When have you witnessed well-meaning people overstepping their authority to judge another's relationship with God?
  3. What boundaries does Job model between appropriate spiritual accountability and inappropriate judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְאַף1 of 6
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

אָמְנָ֥ם2 of 6

“And be it indeed”

H551

verily

שָׁגִ֑יתִי3 of 6

“that I have erred”

H7686

to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication

אִ֝תִּ֗י4 of 6
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

תָּלִ֥ין5 of 6

“remaineth”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

מְשׁוּגָתִֽי׃6 of 6

“mine error”

H4879

mistake

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 19:4 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 19:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 18:4Proverbs 9:122 Corinthians 5:10Galatians 6:52 Samuel 24:17Job 11:3-6

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