Job 19:16
I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
Original Language Analysis
קָ֭רָאתִי
I called
H7121
קָ֭רָאתִי
I called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
2 of 8
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַעֲנֶ֑ה
and he gave me no answer
H6030
יַעֲנֶ֑ה
and he gave me no answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
פִ֝֗י
my mouth
H6310
פִ֝֗י
my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
6 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern masters held absolute authority over servants. For a servant to refuse response would be shocking insubordination, typically punishable. That Job can only entreat, not command, shows his complete loss of authority and status.
Questions for Reflection
- How does humiliation prepare us to approach God appropriately as supplicants?
- What distinguishes unhealthy humiliation from healthy humility before God?
- How does Christ's voluntary humiliation transform our experience of being humbled by circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
Job's servant ignores him: 'I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.' The role reversal escalates—Job entreats his own servant who won't answer. Ancient masters commanded; Job must plead. This humiliation demonstrates suffering's comprehensive nature—it doesn't just cause pain but inverts all normal relationships. Yet this prepares Job for entreating God, where the posture of supplicant is appropriate.