Job 19:28
But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
נִּרְדָּף
Why persecute
H7291
נִּרְדָּף
Why persecute
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
4 of 9
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
דָּ֝בָ֗ר
of the matter
H1697
דָּ֝בָ֗ר
of the matter
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
The root metaphor suggests core reality or fundamental issue. Job either claims his integrity is the fundamental reality, or questions why they attack him when the matter really concerns their own hearts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does self-examination prevent us from persecuting others?
- What certainty is required before we can righteously confront someone?
Analysis & Commentary
'But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?' Job tells friends what they should say: 'Why persecute him?' (מַה־נִּרְדָּף, mah-nirdof), since 'the root of the matter' (שֹׁרֶשׁ דָּבָר, shoresh davar) is in him (Job). This is controversial translation—some render 'in him' as 'in me.' Either way, Job calls for self-examination. If 'in him,' he claims integrity as the root/core reality. If 'in me,' he asks why they persecute when the real issue is their own judgment. Either reading condemns the friends' persecution. The Reformed emphasis on self-examination before judging others (Matthew 7:3-5, Galatians 6:1) validates Job's point. Persecution requires certainty the friends lack.