Job 16:19

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Job 16:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high.

King James Version KJV

Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.

American Standard Version ASV

Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, And he that voucheth for me is on high.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Even now my witness is in heaven, and the supporter of my cause is on high.

Free Bible Version FBV

Look, right now my witness is in heaven; the one who speaks for me is on high.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For lo, now my witnesse is in the heauen, and my record is on hie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Also, now, lo, in the heavens [is] my witness, And my testifier in the high places.

World English Bible WEB

Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

O earth, cover not thou my blood, neither let my cry find a hiding place in thee.

Translation for Translators T4T

But even now, I know that there is someone in heaven who will testify for me, and he will say that what I have done is right.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 16:19

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Job 16:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB גַּם עַ֭תָּה הִנֵּה בַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם עֵדִ֑/י וְ֝/שָׂהֲדִ֗/י בַּ/מְּרוֹמִֽים

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

עַ֭תָּה ʻattâh H6258 now Adv

הִנֵּה hinnêh H2009 behold Part

בַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Prep | N-md

עֵדִ֑/י ʻêd H5707 witness N-ms | Suff

וְ֝/שָׂהֲדִ֗/י sâhêd H7717 advocate Conj | N-ms | Suff

בַּ/מְּרוֹמִֽים mârôwm H4791 height Prep | N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 16:19

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

עַ֭תָּה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

הִנֵּה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

בַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Prep | N-md

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

עֵדִ֑/י ʻêd H5707 "witness" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.

Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.

וְ֝/שָׂהֲדִ֗/י sâhêd H7717 "advocate" Conj | N-ms | Suff

A witness or advocate is what this word means, used to describe someone who testifies or gives evidence. It is translated as record in the KJV Bible.

Definition: witness

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: record. See also: Job 16:19.

בַּ/מְּרוֹמִֽים mârôwm H4791 "height" Prep | N-mp

This word refers to a high or elevated place, either physically or figuratively. It can describe a location, such as a mountain, or a state of being, like pride or haughtiness. It is used in various books of the Bible.

Definition: 1) height 1a) height, elevation, elevated place 1a1) in a high place (adv) 1b) height 1c) proudly (adv) 1d) of nobles (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward. See also: Judges 5:18; Isaiah 22:16; Psalms 7:8.

Study Notes — Job 16:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Job 16:19 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Job 16:19
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 16:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 16:19
Trapp's Commentary on Job 16:19
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 16:19
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 16:19
Cambridge Bible on Job 16:19
Barnes' Notes on Job 16:19
Whedon's Commentary on Job 16:19
Sermons on Job 16:19

Context — Job Decries His Comforters

17yet my hands are free of violence and my prayer is pure. 18O earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry for help never be laid to rest.

19Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high.

20My friends are my scoffers as my eyes pour out tears to God. 21Oh, that a man might plead with God as he pleads with his neighbor!

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Romans 1:9	God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
2	1 Thessalonians 2:10	You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed.
3	2 Corinthians 11:31	The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying.
4	Genesis 31:50	If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”
5	Psalms 113:5	Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high?
6	1 Thessalonians 2:5	As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!
7	Romans 9:1	I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit.
8	Job 25:2	“Dominion and awe belong to God; He establishes harmony in the heights of heaven.
9	1 Samuel 12:5	Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied.
10	2 Corinthians 1:23	I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.

Job 16:19 Summary

[This verse means that Job is trusting that God in heaven knows what's going on in his life and is on his side, like a witness in a court case. Job is saying that even though things seem really tough right now, he knows God is aware of everything and will ultimately defend him, as we see in Psalm 23:4 where God is described as our shepherd and protector. This gives Job hope and confidence, even in the midst of great suffering, and reminds us that we can trust God in the same way, as it says in Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for our good.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Job mean by 'my witness is in heaven'?

Job is expressing his confidence that God in heaven is aware of his situation and is testifying on his behalf, much like a witness in a court of law, as seen in Psalm 121:1-2 where God's watchful care is described.

Who is Job's advocate on high?

Job's advocate is likely referring to God Himself, who is his defender and the one who will ultimately vindicate him, as Jesus Christ is also described as our advocate in 1 John 2:1-2.

How can we apply Job's statement to our own lives?

We can apply Job's statement by remembering that God is always aware of our circumstances and is our ultimate defender, as Romans 8:34 reminds us that Christ intercedes for us before God.

Is Job implying that he is sinless?

No, Job is not implying that he is sinless, but rather that he is innocent of the specific charges his friends have brought against him, as he mentions in Job 16:17 that his hands are free of violence and his prayer is pure.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can demonstrate my trust in God's awareness and care for me, even in difficult circumstances?
How can I, like Job, express my confidence in God's vindication of me, even when others may doubt or accuse me?
In what ways can I seek to cultivate a deeper understanding of God's role as my advocate and defender, as described in this verse and other scriptures?
What are some practical ways that I can 'pour out my tears to God' as Job does in Job 16:20, and how can this practice deepen my relationship with Him?

Gill's Exposition on Job 16:19

Also now, behold, my witness [is] in heaven,.... That is, God, who dwells in the heavens, where his throne is, and which is the habitation of his holiness, and from whence he beholds all the sons of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 16:19

Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high. Also now - even now, when I am so greatly misunderstood on earth, God in heaven is sensible of my innocence. Record - Hebrew, my witness.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 16:19

Besides the witness of men and of my own conscience, God is witness of my integrity.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 16:19

Job 16:19 Also now, behold, my witness [is] in heaven, and my record [is] on high.Ver. 19. Also now behold my witness is in heaven] Here is his appeal to God. So great is the confidence of a good conscience. We also may do the like, if there be no other way left for clearing our innocence; provided that we do it with a clear conscience, and in a matter of consequence; not in jest, but in judgment. Some of the martyrs appealed thus, and cited their persecutors to answer at God’ s tribunal. Yea, to help the truth in necessity, a private oath between two or more may be lawfully taken, so it be done sparingly and warily; for in serious affairs and matters of great importance, if it be lawful in private to admit God as a judge, why should he not as well be called to witness? Again, the examples of holy men show the practice of private oaths as not unlawful. Jacob and Laban confirmed their covenant by a private oath, so did Jonathan and David, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Job 16:19

(19) My witness is in heaven.—It is very important to note passages such as these, because they help us to understand, and serve to illustrate, the famous confession in Job 19. This is surely a wonderful declaration for a man in the position of Job. What can the believer, in the full light of the Gospel revelation, say more, with the knowledge of One in heaven ever making intercession for him? And yet Job’s faith had risen to such a height as this, and had grasped such a hope as this. In no other book of the Bible is there such a picture of faith clinging to the all-just God for justification as in the Book of Job.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 16:19

Verse 19. My witness is in heaven] I appeal to God for my innocence.

Cambridge Bible on Job 16:19

19. If his blood is to cry with an unceasing voice for reparation until it find it, there must be some one to take up the cry and see reparation made. Job is assured that already he has such a Witness and sponsor in heaven. The verse reads, Even now, behold my witness is in heaven, And he that voucheth for me is on high. my record] This is inexact; the word describes a person and means precisely the same as Witness, being the Aramean equivalent to the Heb. in the first clause. The word occurs again in the expression Jegar Sahadutha, heap of witness, Genesis 31:47, as the Hebrew word does in the corresponding phrase, Gal-‘Ed. It is difficult to find a corresponding noun in English; perhaps advocate or sponsor comes pretty near, as there was no difference between advocate and witness in the Hebrew courts, the part of a witness being to testify in behalf of one and see justice done to him, as Job 16:21 describes what part Job desires his witness to play for him. “Witness” does not mean merely one who knows Job’s innocence, but one who will testify to it and see it recognised, just as in Job 17:3 surety is one who undertakes to see right maintained.

Barnes' Notes on Job 16:19

My witness is in heaven - That is, I can appeal to God for my sincerity. He is my witness; and he will bear record for me.

Whedon's Commentary on Job 16:19

19. Record — ùׂ ?äã, attestor. Schultens and Lee derive from the Arabic a meaning of eyewitness. The Septuagint renders it joint witness — Συνιστωρ.

Sermons on Job 16:19

	Sermon	Description
	Steadfastness in Conduct by Duncan Campbell	Duncan Campbell emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in conduct, urging believers to live in a way that reflects their faith and pleases God. He draws on biblical examples su
	On Conscience by John Wesley	John Wesley's sermon 'On Conscience' emphasizes the critical role of conscience in guiding moral behavior and understanding right from wrong. He explains that conscience is a divin
	Christ Reigns by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of turning to God in times of distress, highlighting that even King David and Job, despite their many companions, felt the need for someon
	The Message of Job by G. Campbell Morgan	G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound experiences of Job, emphasizing his journey through immense loss and suffering, which strips him of all earthly supports, leaving him in a
	Sin and Grace, Satan and Victor by Tommy Adkins	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans 6 and discusses the mechanics of the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of knowing that we have died with Christ, been buri
	Spirit and Soul by Watchman Nee	Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity for believers to recognize their spirit, as it is the primary means through which God communicates with humanity. He explains that many Christ
	The Example of Paul by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray emphasizes the example of Paul as a model for ministers, highlighting Paul's dedication to prayer for his congregation and his encouragement for them to pray for him.