Job 11:19

KJV

Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make [thee] afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also thou shalt lie down {H7257}, and none shall make thee afraid {H2729}; yea, many {H7227} shall make suit {H2470} unto thee {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

you will rest, and no one will make you afraid. Many will seek your favor;

Berean Standard Bible

You will lie down without fear, and many will court your favor.

American Standard Version

Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; Yea, many shall make suit unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 11:19 is found within Zophar the Naamathite's first speech, where he articulates a conditional promise of restoration to Job. Zophar asserts that if Job would confess his presumed iniquity and turn back to God, he would experience profound peace, security, and a return to social esteem and influence. This verse concisely encapsulates Zophar's unwavering retribution theology, presenting an idyllic vision of undisturbed repose and communal respect as a direct consequence of Job's repentance and moral rectification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 11:19 is embedded within Zophar's initial and most confrontational address to Job (Job 11), which immediately follows the responses of Eliphaz and Bildad to Job's profound lament. Unlike his companions, who initially offered some semblance of comfort, Zophar adopts an unreservedly harsh and accusatory tone from the outset. He directly implies that Job's immense suffering is a punitive consequence of his sin, even going so far as to suggest that God has been mercifully lenient with Job, sparing him from the full extent of what he truly deserves ([Job 11:5-6](/job/11-5-6 "Job 11:5-6 - Zophar's Accusation of God's Leniency")). Within this rigid framework of divine retribution, Zophar proceeds to outline a clear path to restoration in verses 13-19, promising peace and prosperity if Job would only repent. This particular verse vividly describes the positive outcomes of such repentance, standing in stark contrast to Job's current agonizing state of turmoil, alienation, and public scorn.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative of the book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a location that suggests a patriarchal-era societal and theological worldview, though the precise historical dating of the book remains a subject of scholarly debate. A pervasive cultural understanding, especially within ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions, firmly established a direct correlation between prosperity, well-being, and divine favor or righteousness. Conversely, suffering was almost universally interpreted as a clear indicator of divine displeasure or a direct punishment for sin. This deeply ingrained "retribution theology" forms the fundamental premise of the arguments put forth by Job's three friends. The social dynamic implied by the phrase "many shall make suit unto thee" reflects a communal structure where individuals of high standing—whether due to their wisdom, wealth, or moral integrity—would be actively sought out for counsel, mediation, or assistance. This underscores the paramount importance of social honor, influence, and community standing in that cultural milieu.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates the **retribution theology** that Job's friends rigidly adhere to, positing that blessings are a direct reward for righteousness and suffering is a direct punishment for sin. It also introduces the theme of **restoration**, albeit one conditional on Zophar's flawed understanding of Job's situation. The promise of "lying down, and none shall make thee afraid" speaks to the universal human yearning for **peace and security**, a desire for undisturbed rest free from anxiety. Furthermore, "many shall make suit unto thee" addresses the profound human longing for **social standing and honor**, for respect and influence within one's community. The broader narrative of the book of Job, however, ultimately serves as a profound critique of the friends' simplistic application of these themes, revealing a far more complex understanding of divine sovereignty, the mysterious nature of righteous suffering, and the true, often unexpected, source of peace and vindication, as evidenced by [God's dramatic intervention](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job") and [Job's eventual double restoration](/job/42-10 "Job 42:10 - Job's Restoration and Blessing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lie down (Hebrew, _râbats'_ H7257):** This primitive root describes the act of crouching or reclining, often like an animal at rest. In the context of Job 11:19, it signifies a profound state of repose, tranquility, and security. Given Job's previous laments about sleepless nights and torment ([Job 7:4](/job/7-4 "Job 7:4 - Job's Restlessness")), this word promises a return to undisturbed rest, implying freedom from anxiety, external threats, and internal turmoil. It denotes a deep, settled peace that allows for genuine physical and mental relaxation.
* **Make afraid (Hebrew, _chârad'_ H2729):** This root conveys the idea of shuddering with terror, fearing, or trembling. In the negative construction "none shall make thee afraid," it emphasizes the complete absence of any cause for fear or dread. This promise extends beyond mere physical safety to encompass emotional and psychological security, indicating a life free from the anxieties and terrors that had plagued Job. It suggests a state of absolute calm and confidence, unmarred by any external or internal threat.
* **Make suit (Hebrew, _châlâh'_ H2470):** This primitive root means "to be weak, sick, afflicted," but also "to stroke (in flattering), entreat, beseech, make prayer, make suit (supplication)." When combined with H6440 (_pânîym_, "face"), as in the idiom "châlâh pânîym" (to soften the face, to seek the face/favor), it denotes approaching someone with deference, respect, and a request for favor, counsel, or assistance. For Job, this signifies a dramatic reversal of his alienated and scorned condition, indicating a restoration of his social standing and influence, where people would actively seek him out for his wisdom and guidance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also thou shalt lie down":** This opening clause promises Job a return to a state of profound physical and emotional repose. It signifies the cessation of his restless nights and the mental anguish he has endured, suggesting a deep sense of inner peace and freedom from the overwhelming burdens that have weighed him down. It speaks to a restoration of tranquility and rest.
* **"and none shall make [thee] afraid":** This phrase powerfully amplifies the promise of security. It assures Job that he will be entirely free from any external threats, anxieties, or the pervasive dread that has plagued him. It paints a vivid picture of undisturbed tranquility, where fear—whether from human adversaries, natural disaster, or perceived divine judgment—is utterly absent, allowing for complete peace of mind.
* **"yea, many shall make suit unto thee":** This final clause describes a significant and comprehensive social restoration. Instead of being an outcast, scorned, and avoided by his community (as Job himself laments in [Job 19:13-19](/job/19-13-19 "Job 19:13-19 - Job's Lament of Abandonment by Friends")), Job would once again become a person of immense influence and respect. His counsel, wisdom, and favor would be actively sought by numerous individuals, signifying a complete reversal of his alienated status and a triumphant return to honor and prominence within the community.

#### Literary Devices
Zophar skillfully employs several literary devices to construct a compelling, albeit conditional, vision of Job's potential restoration. **Imagery** is central, particularly in the phrase "thou shalt lie down," which immediately evokes a powerful sense of peace, rest, and security, directly contrasting with Job's current state of turmoil and sleeplessness. The subsequent clause, "none shall make thee afraid," utilizes **Negation** to emphasize the absolute absence of fear, thereby painting a vivid picture of complete tranquility and safety. Furthermore, the declaration that "many shall make suit unto thee" employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the anticipated extent of Job's restored social standing and influence, portraying him as a figure of significant respect and authority in the community. This rhetorical strategy is meticulously designed to persuade Job by presenting an overwhelmingly appealing future, contingent entirely on his repentance, thereby reinforcing Zophar's rigid theological framework and his belief in a direct, causal link between righteousness and prosperity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zophar's speech, and this verse in particular, serves as a prime example of the traditional retribution theology prevalent in ancient Israelite wisdom thought: that righteousness invariably leads to blessing, and sin to suffering. While the book of Job ultimately offers a profound critique of this simplistic view as an exhaustive explanation for all suffering, the underlying human desires for peace, security, and social esteem articulated by Zophar are indeed deeply rooted and find their ultimate fulfillment in God. The promise of undisturbed rest and respected influence reflects a divine ideal for humanity, even if Zophar misapplies the conditions for its attainment. God truly desires to bless His people with peace and honor, though not always according to human expectations or formulaic applications. The book of Job challenges us to consider a more nuanced understanding of divine sovereignty and human experience, where God's purposes extend beyond simple cause-and-effect retribution.

* [Psalm 4:8](/psalm/4-8 "Finding Peace and Safety in God")
* [Proverbs 3:24](/proverbs/3-24 "Secure Sleep for the Wise")
* [Isaiah 32:18](/isaiah/32-18 "Peace and Secure Dwellings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Zophar's theological framework is ultimately incomplete and misapplied to Job's unique circumstances, Job 11:19 speaks powerfully to profound and universal human needs for peace, security, and belonging. It serves as a poignant reminder that true rest is not merely the absence of external threats or discomfort, but a deep, abiding inner tranquility rooted in unwavering trust in God's sovereign care. Even in the midst of life's most turbulent trials and uncertainties, we can discover a peace that transcends all human understanding when we anchor our hope firmly in God's faithfulness and unchanging character. Furthermore, the innate desire for respect and influence, when rightly ordered and pursued with integrity, can motivate us to live lives of genuine wisdom and selfless service, which naturally draw others seeking counsel, support, or guidance. However, we must vigilantly guard against the temptation to view our outward circumstances—whether prosperity or suffering—as a direct, simplistic measure of our spiritual standing or God's favor. Instead, our primary focus should remain on faithfulness, perseverance, and cultivating a deep relationship with God, knowing that His ultimate restoration and peace are often found through processes of faith, endurance, and divine grace, rather than through formulaic repentance or human merit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "lying down, and none shall make thee afraid" resonate with your deepest desires for peace and security in a world often marked by anxiety and uncertainty?**
* **In what ways might we, like Job's friends, sometimes offer simplistic explanations or formulaic solutions for suffering, rather than seeking to understand God's deeper, more complex, and often mysterious purposes?**
* **How can we cultivate a life of integrity and wisdom that genuinely serves and blesses others, without seeking their "suit" or approval as our primary motivation or measure of success?**

### FAQ
**Was Zophar's advice to Job entirely wrong?**

Answer: While Zophar's advice contained certain elements of truth (e.g., God is just, repentance is good, and sin does have consequences), his overall theological framework was fundamentally flawed and tragically misapplied to Job's unique situation. He operated under a rigid retribution theology, dogmatically assuming that Job's suffering was a direct and proportional punishment for some hidden sin. The book of Job ultimately serves as a profound demonstration that suffering is not always a direct consequence of personal sin, and that God's ways and purposes are infinitely more complex and nuanced than human understanding can grasp. Indeed, God Himself explicitly rebukes the friends for not speaking what was right about Him ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "God Rebukes the Friends")), unequivocally highlighting the inadequacy and error of their counsel.

**What does "many shall make suit unto thee" mean in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, the phrase "many shall make suit unto thee" implies a profound restoration of social standing, influence, and respect within one's community. It signifies that people would actively seek your counsel, wisdom, or help, acknowledging your integrity, character, and inherent value. It suggests a dramatic reversal from being an outcast, scorned, or avoided individual to someone who is highly regarded, sought after, and trusted. This aligns with the timeless principle that a person of good character and integrity naturally earns the respect and trust of others, as beautifully articulated in [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "A Good Name is Desirable").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zophar's conditional promise in Job 11:19 is rooted in a flawed and incomplete understanding of suffering and divine justice, its underlying human desires for ultimate peace, security, and honored standing find their true, unconditional, and eternal fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The profound peace promised by Zophar, where "none shall make thee afraid," is fully and perfectly realized in Jesus, who offers a peace that the world cannot give, a supernatural peace that guards the hearts and minds of believers even amidst the most severe tribulations ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "Jesus Gives Peace") and [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God")). Believers are enabled to "lie down" in the secure embrace of God's sovereign care, liberated from the ultimate fear of condemnation because Christ has fully borne their sin and perfectly reconciled them to God ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "No Condemnation in Christ")). Furthermore, the "suit" or honor envisioned by Zophar for an ideal Job is not merely restored but eternally bestowed upon all who are in Christ, as they are adopted as beloved children of God and declared co-heirs with Christ Himself ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")). Our true standing and worth are not based on our works, a simplistic retribution, or human merit, but entirely on the unmerited favor of God through the finished work of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"). In Him, we discover not a conditional, temporary peace and honor, but a covenantal, eternal, and imperishable inheritance, secured by His perfect sacrifice, glorious resurrection, and ongoing intercession ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "A Living Hope and Imperishable Inheritance")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 60:14

The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Psalms 45:12

And the daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift; [even] the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Job 42:8

Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you [after your] folly, in that ye have not spoken of me [the thing which is] right, like my servant Job.

Job 42:9

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite [and] Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.

Isaiah 45:14

Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, [saying], Surely God [is] in thee; and [there is] none else, [there is] no God.

Leviticus 26:6

And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make [you] afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.