Job 19 2

Job 19:2 kjv

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

Job 19:2 nkjv

"How long will you torment my soul, And break me in pieces with words?

Job 19:2 niv

"How long will you torment me and crush me with words?

Job 19:2 esv

"How long will you torment me and break me in pieces with words?

Job 19:2 nlt

"How long will you torture me?
How long will you try to crush me with your words?

Job 19 verses

Job 19 2 Meaning

Job expresses profound distress and exasperation to his friends, questioning the duration and intensity of their verbal attacks. He perceives their words not as comfort or truth but as tools that actively torment his innermost being and crush him emotionally and spiritually. This verse highlights the destructive power of spoken accusations and judgments upon an already suffering individual.

Job 19 2 Context

Job 19 is a deeply poignant chapter in Job's continued lament, following the second cycle of speeches from his friends. This verse initiates Job's direct and anguished response to Zophar (though some allocate it differently, the immediate context is Job's turn to speak). His friends have consistently accused him of sin as the cause of his suffering, relentlessly upholding a rigid retribution theology. They have offered no true empathy, only condemnation and theological explanations that exacerbate his pain.

Historically and culturally, words in the ancient Near East carried immense weight. To be verbally attacked or accused, especially by those claiming divine wisdom or truth, was not just an emotional slight but could undermine one's social standing and personal integrity. Job, a man of renown and integrity (Job 1:1-3), finds his entire identity, reputation, and peace assaulted by the very individuals who should have offered solace. This specific verse (19:2) expresses his desperation for relief from the incessant, crushing verbal barrage of his "comforters" who, by their accusations, are tearing down his spirit.

Job 19 2 Word analysis

• How long (עַד־אָנָה, ‘ad-’anah): A common rhetorical question in biblical laments, expressing deep exasperation, impatience, and anguish over the continuation of an intolerable situation. It conveys a cry for the end of suffering. Found in prayers of distress (e.g., Pss 13:1, 74:9), prophetic laments (e.g., Hab 1:2), and direct complaints.
• will you torment (תּוֹגִיוּן, togîyūn): From the Hebrew root יָגָה (yagah), meaning "to cause pain," "to grieve," "to distress," or "to vex." It describes a deep, emotional, and spiritual infliction of pain, more than physical torment. It implies constant, irritating harassment that wears down the victim's spirit. Job indicates that his friends' actions are intentionally distressing.
• my soul (נַפְשִׁי, napšî): Refers to nephesh in Hebrew, which often denotes the entire self, life-force, being, or inner person. It encompasses one's vital breath, consciousness, desires, and emotions. By saying "my soul," Job emphasizes that the torment is not merely superficial but affects his deepest identity and essence, striking at his very life and will to live.
• and crush me (וּתְדַכְּאוּנַנִי, ūṯəḏakkə’ûnanî): From the root דָּכָא (daka’), meaning "to crush," "to oppress," "to break in pieces," or "to pulverize." It suggests being utterly broken down, either physically or emotionally/spiritually. This verb indicates a severe, overwhelming force that completely overpowers and demolishes one's inner resolve and strength. The friends' words are metaphorically pulverizing Job's spirit.
• with words (בְמִלִּים, bəmîlîm): Millim (words) is in the plural, emphasizing the multitude and continuous nature of their verbal assaults. The prefix be- means "by means of" or "with." This phrase pinpoints the precise instrument of Job's torment and crushing – not physical abuse, but the incessant, judgmental, and accusatory speech of his companions. It underscores the destructive potential of spoken language.

Job 19 2 Bonus section

The ancient Israelite understanding of "the tongue" or "words" often attributed to them a tangible, almost physical, power, not just a communicative function. For Job, his friends' words were not abstract concepts but had a direct, damaging effect on his actual "soul" (nephesh). This aligns with biblical proverbs about the power of the tongue (e.g., Prov 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue"). Job is experiencing this destructive power firsthand. The verse serves as a cautionary tale against presuming to understand and judge God's ways in human suffering, reminding believers of the grave responsibility accompanying spoken words and the potential for theological arrogance to cause immense harm.

Job 19 2 Commentary

Job 19:2 is a profound expression of deep spiritual and emotional pain inflicted by words. Job, already stripped of all possessions, family, and health, now faces a continuous onslaught of verbal condemnation from his friends, whom he desperately needed as sources of comfort. He views their theological arguments and accusations as relentless blows that torment his very essence and shatter his spirit. The rhetorical "How long?" conveys his sheer exhaustion and desperation, a cry for cessation of their hurtful speech. This verse highlights that words, intended for wisdom or consolation, can be wielded as potent weapons, inflicting a more devastating wound than physical suffering, especially when delivered without empathy or truth. It underscores the need for discernment, compassion, and humility in speech, particularly when attempting to comfort those in distress, warning against the casual or arrogant application of theological judgment that wounds rather than heals.