Job 19:19

KJV

All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

All my inward {H5475} friends {H4962} abhorred {H8581} me: and they whom I loved {H157} are turned {H2015} against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

All my intimate friends abhor me, and those I loved have turned against me.

Berean Standard Bible

All my best friends despise me, and those I love have turned against me.

American Standard Version

All my familiar friends abhor me, And they whom I loved are turned against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 19:19 profoundly articulates the zenith of Job's suffering, extending beyond physical ailment and material ruin to the agonizing realm of relational betrayal. This verse is a poignant cry from a man who, having endured unimaginable loss, now confronts the devastating reality that those he held most dear—his most intimate confidantes and beloved companions—have not only abandoned him but actively turned against him, adding the unbearable weight of contempt and rejection to his already immense sorrow. It captures the unique pain of isolation when human solace fails, and trusted relationships become sources of further anguish.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 19:19 is embedded within Job's third cycle of dialogue with his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar), specifically within his passionate and desperate response to Bildad's harsh accusations (Job 18). Throughout [Job 19](/job/19 "Job 19 - Job's Lament and Hope"), Job expresses his profound despair over their relentless misjudgment and the relentless divine oppression he perceives. He feels utterly forsaken, not only by God (as articulated in verses like [Job 19:6-12](/job/19-6 "Job 19:6-12 - Job's Feeling of Divine Oppression")) but also by his community, his servants, his family, and, most agonizingly, by his most intimate companions. This verse underscores the depth of his physical and emotional torment, as he feels completely alone in his affliction, a theme powerfully echoed in [Job 16:20](/job/16-20 "Job 16:20 - Job's Friends Mock Him") where he laments his friends' mocking. His words here serve as a prelude to his magnificent declaration of faith in a living Redeemer in [Job 19:25-27](/job/19-25 "Job 19:25-27 - Job's Declaration of a Redeemer"), demonstrating that even amidst the deepest human despair, a flicker of divine hope remains.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, friendship was often understood as a covenantal bond, implying deep loyalty, shared secrets, and unwavering support, especially in times of adversity. Hospitality was a sacred duty, and friends were expected to offer comfort, counsel, and practical aid. Job's friends, initially fulfilling the cultural expectation by coming to mourn with him ([Job 2:11](/job/2-11 "Job 2:11 - Friends Come to Comfort Job")), quickly devolved into accusers, adhering to the prevailing cultural theology that suffering was a direct consequence of sin. This belief system, while offering a seemingly rational explanation for misfortune, utterly failed Job, who maintained his innocence. For Job, the betrayal by his "inward friends" was not merely a social slight but a profound violation of sacred trust and a cultural expectation, leaving him utterly exposed and without the communal support vital for survival and reputation in that society. His experience highlights the devastating impact of social ostracization and the breakdown of communal bonds in a culture where individual identity was often intertwined with one's place within the community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several major themes within the Book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the **Profound Betrayal and Isolation** that Job experiences. The turning of "inward friends" and "they whom I loved" against him emphasizes the complete breakdown of his most cherished relationships, leaving him utterly isolated in his suffering. This resonates with the universal experience of betrayal, as seen in [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Familiar Friend"). Secondly, it deepens the theme of the **Nature of Suffering**, demonstrating that Job's pain is not merely physical or material but profoundly relational and psychological. The emotional anguish of being rejected by those who should have offered solace compounds his already immense physical pain, challenging the simplistic notion that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin. Finally, the verse underscores the **Fragility of Human Support**. It serves as a stark reminder that even the closest human bonds can fray or break under the immense pressure of incomprehensible adversity, leaving one feeling completely exposed and vulnerable when faced with the limits of human understanding and loyalty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"inward friends" (Hebrew, מֵתֵי סוֹדִי, _metei sodi'_):** This phrase literally translates to "men of my secret" or "men of my counsel." It denotes individuals with whom Job shared his deepest thoughts, plans, and confidential matters. These were not mere acquaintances but trusted confidantes, privy to his most intimate life. The use of "inward" emphasizes the profound level of trust and intimacy that characterized these relationships, making their subsequent rejection all the more devastating.
* **"abhorred" (Hebrew, תָּעַב, _ta'av'_):** This verb conveys a strong sense of disgust, loathing, or detestation. It is a powerful term that suggests their turning against Job was not merely a passive withdrawal of support or a simple disagreement, but an active rejection born of revulsion. This could stem from their revulsion at his physical state (covered in sores) or their deep-seated conviction that his suffering was evidence of hidden, abominable sin, leading them to view Job himself with disgust.
* **"loved" (Hebrew, אָהַב, _'ahev'_):** This common Hebrew word signifies deep affection, personal attachment, and a strong emotional bond. Its inclusion highlights the profound personal investment Job had in these relationships. The fact that "they whom I loved" (a direct expression of Job's personal affection) were the ones who turned against him intensifies the sense of betrayal, transforming what should have been a source of comfort into a wellspring of pain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All my inward friends abhorred me":** This clause emphasizes the totality and intensity of the rejection. "All" suggests a complete and universal abandonment by those closest to him, leaving no one among his most trusted circle to offer solace. The "abhorrence" signifies an active, visceral disgust, indicating a complete reversal of their former intimate relationship.
* **"and they whom I loved":** This phrase serves as a parallel to "my inward friends," reinforcing the personal and emotional depth of the betrayal. It highlights that these were not just social contacts but individuals for whom Job harbored genuine affection and emotional connection, making their opposition particularly painful.
* **"are turned against me":** This final phrase describes the active opposition and hostility Job now faces. It's not just a passive withdrawal but a direct antagonism, a hostile stance adopted by those who were once his allies and sources of comfort. This turning "against" him signifies a complete breakdown of loyalty and a transformation of friendship into enmity.

#### Literary Devices
Job 19:19 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the depth of Job's agony. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "All my inward friends abhorred me" is echoed and intensified by "and they whom I loved are turned against me." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the central theme of betrayal and isolation, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of his relational abandonment. **Hyperbole** is likely present in the use of "All my inward friends," as it conveys Job's subjective experience of complete abandonment, even if not every single acquaintance literally turned away. This exaggeration effectively communicates the overwhelming sense of forsakenness. The verse also powerfully uses **Pathos**, evoking deep pity and sadness in the reader for Job's plight. His raw expression of betrayal from those he cherished is designed to elicit an emotional response, highlighting the tragic irony that his supposed comforters have become his tormentors. This **Irony** is a pervasive element in the Book of Job, where the expected roles are inverted, and suffering is met with accusation rather than compassion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 19:19 offers a profound theological commentary on the nature of human relationships in the face of extreme suffering, implicitly contrasting the fragility of human loyalty with the steadfastness of divine faithfulness. It underscores that human comfort and support, while invaluable, are ultimately limited and can fail, even from those closest to us. This betrayal highlights the devastating impact of relational brokenness, which can compound physical and material suffering, demonstrating that true anguish often involves the soul's isolation. The verse challenges simplistic theological frameworks that equate suffering with sin, as Job's innocent suffering is met with revulsion from those who should have offered grace. It implicitly points to the necessity of a deeper, more enduring source of solace beyond human capacity, foreshadowing Job's ultimate trust in a divine Redeemer.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Familiar Friend")
* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [2 Timothy 4:16](/2_timothy/4-16 "2 Timothy 4:16 - Paul's Abandonment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 19:19 resonates deeply with the universal human experience of profound loneliness and betrayal. In our own lives, we may face situations where those we trust and love turn away, leaving us feeling abandoned, misunderstood, or even despised. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the added burden of emotional pain when relational foundations crumble. It calls us to cultivate profound empathy for those enduring trials, recognizing that their suffering may be compounded by relational strain or outright betrayal. It challenges us to examine the quality of our own friendships, urging us to be the kind of steadfast companion who "loves at all times" ([Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")), especially in adversity. Ultimately, when human support systems fail, Job's experience implicitly points to the ultimate steadfastness of God. While Job wrestled with his perception of God's abandonment, his eventual declaration of a living Redeemer in [Job 19:25](/job/19-25 "Job 19:25 - Job's Declaration of a Redeemer") provides a beacon of hope, reminding us that even when all human comfort vanishes, God remains faithful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you experienced a situation where those you trusted or loved turned against you? How did that impact your understanding of suffering?**
* **How does Job's experience challenge the idea that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance and fragility of true friendship?**
* **In moments of profound betrayal or isolation, where do you typically seek comfort and solace? How might Job's story encourage you to lean more fully on divine faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Who are Job's "inward friends" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Job's "inward friends" (Hebrew: _metei sodi_) refers to his closest confidantes, those with whom he shared his deepest secrets and counsel. This term signifies a level of intimacy far beyond casual acquaintance. In the immediate context of the Book of Job, these are primarily his three companions—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—who initially came to comfort him after his immense losses ([Job 2:11](/job/2-11 "Job 2:11 - Friends Come to Comfort Job")). However, instead of offering solace, they became his accusers, convinced that his suffering was divine punishment for hidden sin. Their transformation from trusted companions to harsh critics and ultimately, to those who "abhorred" and "turned against" him, made their betrayal particularly agonizing for Job.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 19:19, with its raw depiction of betrayal by trusted friends, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the life and suffering of Jesus Christ. Job's lament foreshadows the experience of the perfect, innocent Sufferer, Jesus, who was not only "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Jesus, Despised and Rejected")) but also intimately betrayed by those closest to Him. Judas, one of His chosen twelve, delivered Him to His enemies with a kiss ([Matthew 26:48-49](/matthew/26-48 "Matthew 26:48-49 - Judas's Betrayal")). His disciples, whom He had loved and poured His life into, abandoned Him in His hour of greatest need ([Mark 14:50](/mark/14-50 "Mark 14:50 - Disciples Flee")). Even Peter, His most vocal follower, denied Him three times ([Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denial")). Unlike Job, whose suffering was a mystery, Christ's suffering was a deliberate act of atonement, bearing the full weight of human sin and betrayal, so that we might be reconciled to God. In Jesus, we find the ultimate "friend who sticks closer than a brother" ([Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother")), who, though betrayed and forsaken, never betrayed us, but instead laid down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One")). His experience of profound relational abandonment means He can fully empathize with our deepest pains ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Understands Our Weaknesses")), offering steadfast comfort and an unwavering presence when all human support fails.

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

Psalms 41:9

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

Psalms 55:12

For [it was] not an enemy [that] reproached me; then I could have borne [it]: neither [was it] he that hated me [that] did magnify [himself] against me; then I would have hid myself from him:

Psalms 55:14

We took sweet counsel together, [and] walked unto the house of God in company.

Psalms 109:4

For my love they are my adversaries: but I [give myself unto] prayer.

Psalms 109:5

And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

Psalms 55:20

He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.

Psalms 38:11

My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.