Job 19:7
Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment.
Original Language Analysis
אֶצְעַ֣ק
Behold I cry out
H6817
אֶצְעַ֣ק
Behold I cry out
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
2 of 8
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
חָ֭מָס
of wrong
H2555
חָ֭מָס
of wrong
Strong's:
H2555
Word #:
3 of 8
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֵעָנֶ֑ה
but I am not heard
H6030
אֵעָנֶ֑ה
but I am not heard
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
5 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,
אֲ֝שַׁוַּ֗ע
I cry aloud
H7768
אֲ֝שַׁוַּ֗ע
I cry aloud
Strong's:
H7768
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to be free; but used only causatively and reflexively, to halloo (for help, i.e., freedom from some trouble)
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
Cross References
Lamentations 3:8Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer.Job 30:20I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not.Job 34:5For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.Job 21:27Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.Job 40:8Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
Historical Context
Ancient legal culture required judges to hear cases and render judgment. Job uses legal language to accuse God of failing basic judicial obligations, a shocking claim in ancient context.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we process seasons when prayers seem unheard and justice delayed?
- What is the relationship between how we feel and what we believe about God?
Analysis & Commentary
'Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment.' Job's complaint: he cries 'wrong' (חָמָס, chamas—violence), but receives no hearing (לֹא אֵעָנֶה, lo e'aneh); he cries aloud (אֲשַׁוַּע, ashava) but gets no 'judgment' (אֵין מִשְׁפָּט, eyn mishpat). This echoes Habakkuk 1:2—'why dost thou show me iniquity and cause me to behold grievance?' Job accuses God of judicial failure—not hearing cries for justice. This is scandalous speech, yet Scripture preserves it. The Reformed tradition distinguishes between expressing feeling (legitimate) and theological declaration (requiring accuracy). Job feels unheard; eventually God answers. But God doesn't condemn Job for expressing this feeling. Faith can cry 'God doesn't hear!' to God.