Job 19:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 19:20
20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.
Chapter Context
Job 19 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, redemption, sacrifice. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 19:20
20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.
Analysis
Job's physical condition is catastrophic: 'My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.' The vivid description—bones visible through skin, barely surviving—communicates extreme emaciation and suffering. 'Skin of my teeth' (proverbial phrase originating here) means narrowest escape. Job describes someone barely clinging to life. Yet this near-death experience precedes his greatest declaration of resurrection hope.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern medicine recognized wasting diseases and their devastating effects. Job's description matches advanced disease—skin lesions, weight loss, extreme pain. That he survives at all seems miraculous, hence 'escaped with the skin of my teeth.'
Reflection
- How does physical deterioration test faith in ways other trials don't?
- What does it mean that Job's greatest faith declaration comes from his lowest physical point?
- How does suffering that threatens life itself clarify what we truly believe?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 102:5, Lamentations 4:8