Job 19:11

KJV

He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as [one of] his enemies.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath also kindled {H2734} his wrath {H639} against me, and he counteth {H2803} me unto him as one of his enemies {H6862}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Inflamed with anger against me, he counts me as one of his foes.

Berean Standard Bible

His anger burns against me, and He counts me among His enemies.

American Standard Version

He hath also kindled his wrath against me, And he counteth me unto him as one of his adversaries.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 19:11 powerfully articulates Job's profound anguish and distorted perception of God amidst his unparalleled suffering. He voices a harrowing belief that God, far from being a benevolent sovereign, has actively turned against him, igniting divine wrath and reclassifying him as a personal adversary. This verse vividly conveys Job's deep sense of abandonment and injustice, highlighting the intense psychological and spiritual torment he endures as he grapples with the inexplicable calamities that have befallen him, challenging his understanding of divine justice and his own blamelessness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 19:11 is embedded within Job's third and most impassioned response to his friends, specifically following Bildad's brief and harsh speech in [Job 18](/job/18 "Job 18 - Bildad's Second Speech"). Throughout the cycles of dialogue (chapters 3-31), Job's three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—consistently uphold a rigid doctrine of divine retribution, asserting that Job's immense suffering must be a direct consequence of his hidden sin. Job, however, steadfastly maintains his innocence, refusing to confess to transgressions he has not committed. In chapter 19, Job's lament reaches a crescendo of despair. He describes feeling utterly isolated, abandoned not only by his friends ([Job 19:13-19](/job/19-13-19 "Job 19:13-19 - Job's Isolation and Betrayal")) but also by his family and even his servants. This verse, therefore, is a cry from the depths of a soul that feels not only forsaken by humanity but actively targeted by the divine, a perception that stands in stark contrast to the divine assessment of Job's righteousness at the book's outset in [Job 1:8](/job/1-8 "Job 1:8 - God's Commendation of Job").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a location generally believed to be in Edom or northern Arabia, placing it outside the immediate geographical and historical sphere of ancient Israel. This setting suggests a wisdom tradition that transcends specific national boundaries, focusing on universal human questions about suffering, justice, and the nature of God. The cultural context is patriarchal and tribal, where social standing, family honor, and the well-being of one's household were paramount. Suffering, particularly of the magnitude Job experiences, would have been interpreted by his contemporaries through the dominant theological lens of retribution: prosperity indicated divine favor and righteousness, while calamity signified divine punishment for sin. This prevailing worldview explains the friends' relentless accusations and Job's profound isolation, as his suffering marked him as an outcast, presumed guilty by all.
* **Key Themes:** Job 19:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the **Anguish of Misunderstanding God**, as Job's suffering distorts his perception of a just and loving God, leading him to view divine actions as personal animosity rather than sovereign permission for testing, as revealed in the heavenly scenes of [Job 1:6-12](/job/1-6-12 "Job 1:6-12 - The Heavenly Council and Satan's Challenge") and [Job 2:1-6](/job/2-1-6 "Job 2:1-6 - Satan's Second Challenge"). Secondly, it underscores the profound **Feeling of Divine Enmity**, where Job feels alienated and regarded as an adversary, intensifying his physical and emotional agony. This is a crucial aspect of the **Problem of Innocent Suffering**, the central theological dilemma explored throughout the book: how can a righteous person experience such profound calamity under a just and loving God? Job's accusations in this verse stem directly from his inability to reconcile God's character with his current, inexplicable reality, driving the narrative towards its eventual divine resolution in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Response to Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kindled (Hebrew, _chârâh'_):** This verb (H2734) means "to glow or grow warm," and figuratively "to blaze up" with anger, zeal, or jealousy. Its use here emphasizes Job's perception of God's anger as not merely passive or distant, but as a fiery, targeted emotion directed specifically at him, suggesting a deliberate and intense hostility. It conveys a sense of active, consuming wrath.
* **Counteth (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** This verb (H2803) implies "to reckon," "to account," "to consider," or "to devise." It suggests a deliberate act of assessment or assignment, often involving mental effort or contrivance. Job believes God has consciously and intentionally categorized him as an enemy, rather than this being an accidental consequence of divine action. This word intensifies Job's feeling of being deliberately misjudged and targeted, adding a layer of premeditation to God's perceived hostility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath also kindled his wrath against me":** Job expresses his profound conviction that God is not merely allowing his suffering, but is actively and intensely angry with him. The imagery of "kindled wrath" suggests a deliberate ignition of divine fury, a burning anger directed specifically and personally at Job. This clause reveals Job's deep sense of being a direct object of God's indignation, a stark contrast to his earlier understanding of God's character and His relationship with His faithful servant.
* **"and he counteth me unto him as [one of] his enemies":** This second clause amplifies Job's despair, moving beyond mere anger to a perceived reclassification of his relationship with God. Job believes God has deliberately assessed and categorized him not as a faithful servant, but as an adversary, a foe. This conveys an ultimate sense of alienation and rejection, where the very source of his being and hope has now become his perceived oppressor and enemy, intensifying his isolation and compounding his physical and emotional agony.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs powerful **Imagery** and **Hyperbole** to convey Job's extreme emotional and spiritual distress. The phrase "kindled his wrath" evokes a vivid image of divine anger as a consuming fire, actively and purposefully directed at Job, suggesting an intense and personal antagonism. This is a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotions and actions (like kindling wrath) to God, reflecting Job's limited, human understanding of divine sovereignty in the face of inexplicable suffering. The declaration "he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies" is a profound **Metaphor** for Job's perceived alienation from God. It's an exaggerated expression of his feeling of rejection, framing his relationship with the Almighty in terms of warfare rather than covenantal love or even just discipline. This hyperbole underscores the depth of Job's despair and his inability to reconcile his blamelessness with the calamities he endures, highlighting the dramatic tension between his reality and his theological framework.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 19:11 profoundly articulates the human struggle to reconcile faith with inexplicable suffering, particularly when divine actions seem contradictory to perceived justice or benevolence. It highlights the psychological and spiritual torment of feeling abandoned, misunderstood, or even targeted by God, a common experience for those enduring profound trials. While Job's perception of God's enmity is ultimately revealed as flawed from the divine perspective (as shown in [Job 1:6-12](/job/1-6-12 "Job 1:6-12 - The Heavenly Council and Satan's Challenge")), his raw lament validates the human impulse to voice such painful doubts and accusations directly to God. This verse serves as a poignant reminder that genuine faith can coexist with deep theological confusion and emotional distress, demonstrating that God can handle our accusations and doubts, ultimately leading to a deeper, more refined understanding of His character.

* [Psalm 44:10](/psalms/44-10 "Psalm 44:10 - Feeling Abandoned by God")
* [Lamentations 2:5](/lamentations/2-5 "Lamentations 2:5 - God as an Enemy")
* [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's Unfailing Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 19:11 offers a profound window into the human experience of suffering, particularly when it leads to a distorted perception of God. It validates the raw, often uncomfortable, emotions that arise when life's circumstances defy our understanding of divine justice and love. In moments of intense pain, it is natural to feel that God is distant, indifferent, or even actively against us, much like Job. This verse reminds us that expressing such honest, even accusatory, feelings to God is not necessarily a sign of a lack of faith, but rather an authentic wrestling within it. It encourages us to bring our deepest doubts and angers before the Almighty, trusting that He is big enough to handle our questions and that His ultimate purposes for us are often far grander than our immediate suffering suggests. It also fosters empathy for others who are wrestling with similar spiritual anguish, reminding us to offer compassion and understanding rather than simplistic theological answers. Ultimately, Job's journey, beginning with such accusations, leads to a profound encounter with God that reorients his perspective, demonstrating that even through the darkest valleys of perceived divine enmity, a deeper, more intimate relationship with God can emerge.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Have you ever felt that God was "against" you or treating you as an "enemy" during a time of intense suffering? How did you grapple with those feelings?**
* **What does Job's willingness to voice such raw accusations to God teach us about the nature of prayer and honest lament?**
* **How can we, as believers, better support those who are struggling with a distorted view of God due to their pain, rather than offering simplistic answers?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character in the midst of adversity?**

### FAQ
**Why does Job perceive God as his enemy?**

Answer: Job's perception of God as his enemy stems from the profound and inexplicable suffering he endures, which he cannot reconcile with his blameless life. According to the prevailing theology of his time, such immense calamity was understood as direct divine punishment for sin. Since Job steadfastly maintains his innocence, he is left with the agonizing conclusion that God Himself, for reasons unknown, has turned against him, actively inflicting pain and treating him as an adversary. This is a deeply human response to overwhelming, unmerited suffering, where the victim struggles to find a logical explanation within their theological framework, leading to a distorted view of God's character and intentions. The book of Job ultimately reveals that Job's perception was incomplete, as God's actions were part of a larger cosmic test, not personal enmity, as shown in [Job 1:6-12](/job/1-6-12 "Job 1:6-12 - The Heavenly Council and Satan's Challenge").

**How does Job's lament in this verse relate to the broader theme of innocent suffering in the Bible?**

Answer: Job 19:11 is a powerful expression of the central theological problem of innocent suffering, which is a major theme throughout the book of Job and echoed elsewhere in Scripture. It challenges the simplistic retribution theology that assumes all suffering is a direct consequence of sin. Job, a righteous man, experiences immense pain, leading him to question God's justice and even His character. This verse highlights the tension between human experience and divine sovereignty, forcing readers to grapple with the mystery of why good people suffer. It sets the stage for God's eventual response in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Response to Job"), which does not explain the *reason* for suffering but rather asserts God's unsearchable wisdom and power, ultimately inviting Job (and us) to trust in a God whose ways are higher than our own. This theme is also explored in passages like [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked") and the suffering of the righteous servant in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").

**Does God actually become an enemy to His people?**

Answer: From a biblical theological perspective, God does not become an "enemy" to His people in the sense of actively seeking their harm or destruction. While God's wrath is real and directed against sin, His ultimate disposition towards His covenant people is one of love, redemption, and restoration. Job's perception in [Job 19:11](/job/19-11 "Job 19:11 - Job's Perception of God's Wrath") is a reflection of his limited understanding and intense emotional distress, not an accurate portrayal of God's character or His relationship with the righteous. The New Testament profoundly reveals God's nature as love ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")) and His desire for reconciliation, not enmity, through Christ. Even when He disciplines His children, it is out of love and for their good ([Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for Our Good")). The "enmity" that exists is between humanity and God because of sin, but God initiated the path to peace through Christ ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's agonizing cry in [Job 19:11](/job/19-11 "Job 19:11 - Job's Perception of God's Wrath"), where he perceives God as having "kindled his wrath against me" and counting him "as one of his enemies," finds its ultimate and paradoxical fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job's lament was a mistaken perception born of suffering, Christ truly became the object of God's wrath, not for His own sin, but for ours. The one who was perfectly righteous ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")) was "made to be sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), experiencing the full outpouring of divine judgment on the cross. On Calvary, Jesus truly felt the Father's wrath and was "counted... as one of his enemies" in the sense that He bore the curse and alienation due to humanity's sin, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). This profound act of substitutionary atonement transforms our status from enemies of God, alienated by our sin ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciliation Through Christ")), into reconciled children, adopted into His family ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption Through Christ")). Thus, Job's anguished cry, though misdirected, foreshadows the cosmic reality that for us to be made friends with God, Christ had to truly become, in our place, the object of divine wrath, so that we might never have to experience God counting us as His enemies.

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

Job 13:24

Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?

Job 16:9

He teareth [me] in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.

Job 33:10

Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,

Psalms 89:46

How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?

Lamentations 2:5

The Lord was as an enemy: he hath swallowed up Israel, he hath swallowed up all her palaces: he hath destroyed his strong holds, and hath increased in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation.

Psalms 90:7

¶ For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.

Deuteronomy 32:22

For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.