Job 19:26
And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Original Language Analysis
וְאַחַ֣ר
And though after
H310
וְאַחַ֣ר
And though after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
נִקְּפוּ
worms destroy
H5362
נִקְּפוּ
worms destroy
Strong's:
H5362
Word #:
3 of 7
to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate
וּ֝מִבְּשָׂרִ֗י
this body yet in my flesh
H1320
וּ֝מִבְּשָׂרִ֗י
this body yet in my flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
5 of 7
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
Cross References
Matthew 5:8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.Psalms 17:15As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.Revelation 1:7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.1 Corinthians 13:12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.Psalms 16:11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.Psalms 16:9Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.1 Corinthians 15:53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.Philippians 3:21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern death concepts rarely included resurrection hope, making Job's statement remarkable. This prefigures New Testament resurrection teaching (1 Corinthians 15).
Questions for Reflection
- How does resurrection hope change your view of present suffering?
- What does it mean to see God 'in your flesh' after death?
Analysis & Commentary
Job's resurrection hope: 'And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.' This stunning affirmation of bodily resurrection predates full biblical revelation. Even in despair, Job envisions embodied existence beyond death where vindication occurs.