Job 19:2

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

עַד H5704
עַד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 1 of 6
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אָ֭נָה H575
אָ֭נָה
Strong's: H575
Word #: 2 of 6
where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither
תּוֹגְי֣וּן How long will ye vex H3013
תּוֹגְי֣וּן How long will ye vex
Strong's: H3013
Word #: 3 of 6
to grieve
נַפְשִׁ֑י my soul H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 4 of 6
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וּֽתְדַכְּאוּנַ֥נִי and break H1792
וּֽתְדַכְּאוּנַ֥נִי and break
Strong's: H1792
Word #: 5 of 6
to crumble; transitively, to bruise (literally or figuratively)
בְמִלִּֽים׃ me in pieces with words H4405
בְמִלִּֽים׃ me in pieces with words
Strong's: H4405
Word #: 6 of 6
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic

Analysis & Commentary

Job's plea 'How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?' reveals the power of speech to wound. The friends' words become weapons that 'break in pieces' - theological cruelty more painful than physical suffering.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern wisdom recognized word power (Proverbs 12:18). Job's accusation that words 'break in pieces' reflects trauma caused by the friends' theological assault.

Questions for Reflection