King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!
Complete Jewish Bible:
that, engraved with iron and filled with lead, they were cut into rock forever!
Berean Standard Bible:
by an iron stylus on lead, or chiseled in stone forever.
American Standard Version:
That with an iron pen and lead They were graven in the rock for ever!
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
That they were graven{H2672} with an iron{H1270} pen{H5842} and lead{H5777} in the rock{H6697} for ever{H5703}!
Cross-References (KJV):
Jeremiah 17:1
- ¶ The sin of Judah [is] written with a pen of iron, [and] with the point of a diamond: [it is] graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars;
Deuteronomy 27:2
- And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister:
Deuteronomy 27:3
- And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee.
Exodus 28:11
- With the work of an engraver in stone, [like] the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
Exodus 28:12
- And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod [for] stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.
Exodus 28:21
- And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, [like] the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
Exodus 32:16
- And the tables [were] the work of God, and the writing [was] the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Job 19:24
Job 19:24 is a verse from the Book of Job, which is one of the Wisdom Books in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. The Book of Job deals with the theme of theodicy, the question of why a good God permits the suffering of innocents. Job, the protagonist, is a righteous man who loses everything—his wealth, his children, and his health—due to a series of calamities that befall him.
In this particular verse, Job is in the midst of his intense suffering and is responding to his friends, who have come to comfort him but end up accusing him of wrongdoing, suggesting that his misfortunes are a punishment for sin. Job maintains his innocence and, in a moment of anguished longing, expresses his desire for the integrity of his words to be preserved beyond his earthly suffering.
The phrase "For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" (Job 19:25, KJV) is often quoted in conjunction with verse 24 and is central to understanding the context. Job is asserting his belief in a living Redeemer, or "Vindicator" (as some translations render the term), who will testify on his behalf in the future. The verse reflects Job's hope that his innocence will be publicly acknowledged, and his suffering thus vindicated.
The imagery of words being "graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever" suggests permanence and indelibility. Iron and lead were materials used in ancient times for inscribing important records or decrees on stone or clay, ensuring their longevity. Job is expressing a fervent wish that his protestations of innocence and his quest for understanding would be eternally remembered, as if carved in stone, so that future generations might recognize the truth of his righteousness and the unjust nature of his suffering.
In summary, Job 19:24 reflects the themes of vindication, the preservation of integrity against false accusations, and the enduring nature of truth. Historically, the verse captures the human struggle to find meaning in the face of unjust suffering and the hope for divine justice. It is a powerful expression of faith in the midst of despair, as Job clings to the belief that his situation will ultimately be rectified by a living Redeemer who will bear witness to his integrity.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H2672
There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָצַב
Transliteration: châtsab
Pronunciation: khaw-tsab'
Description: or חָצֵב; a primitive root; to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave; cut, dig, divide, grave, hew (out, -er), made, mason. - Strong's Number: H1270
There are 70 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בַּרְזֶל
Transliteration: barzel
Pronunciation: bar-zel'
Description: perhaps from the root of בִּרְזוֹת; iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement; (ax) head, iron. - Strong's Number: H5842
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֵט
Transliteration: ʻêṭ
Pronunciation: ate
Description: from עִיט (contracted) in the sense of swooping, i.e. side-long stroke; a stylus or marking stick; pen. - Strong's Number: H5777
There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עוֹפֶרֶת
Transliteration: ʻôwphereth
Pronunciation: o-feh'-reth
Description: or עֹפֶרֶת; feminine participle active of עָפַר; lead (from its dusty color); lead. - Strong's Number: H6697
There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צוּר
Transliteration: tsûwr
Pronunciation: tsoor
Description: or צֻר; from צוּר; properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous); edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also בֵּית צוּר. - Strong's Number: H5703
There are 49 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַד
Transliteration: ʻad
Pronunciation: ad
Description: from עָדָה; properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e. (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or without a preposition); eternity, ever(-lasting, -more), old, perpetually, [phrase] world without end.