Job 19:26

KJV

And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:

KJV (with Strong's)

And though after {H310} my skin {H5785} worms destroy {H5362} this body, yet in my flesh {H1320} shall I see {H2372} God {H433}:

Complete Jewish Bible

so that after my skin has been thus destroyed, then even without my flesh, I will see God.

Berean Standard Bible

Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.

American Standard Version

And after my skin, eventhisbody, is destroyed, Then without my flesh shall I see God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 19:26 stands as one of the most profound and enduring declarations of faith and hope in the Old Testament. Amidst unimaginable physical suffering and the relentless accusations of his friends, Job articulates an unwavering conviction that despite the complete physical decay and destruction of his body, he will personally and physically behold God. This verse is a powerful testament to Job's belief in a future vindication and a bodily resurrection, transcending his present despair and offering a glimpse into the ancient understanding of life beyond death and a direct, transformative encounter with the Divine Redeemer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 19:26 is a climactic declaration within Job's third cycle of speeches, specifically following his desperate plea for his words to be permanently inscribed for posterity in [Job 19:23-24](/job/19-23-24 "Job 19:23-24 - Job's Desire for a Permanent Record"). This fervent desire underscores the monumental importance Job places on the truth he is about to declare, indicating a profound conviction that transcends his immediate circumstances. Throughout the preceding chapters, Job's friends, particularly Bildad and Zophar, have repeatedly asserted the traditional retribution theology—that suffering is a direct consequence of sin. Job, however, consistently maintains his innocence, grappling with the profound mystery of unmerited suffering and God's apparent silence. This verse serves as a powerful pivot, moving beyond mere defense to a profound assertion of hope in a future vindication and a personal encounter with his Redeemer, a hope that transcends his immediate physical and social degradation, culminating in a vision of God Himself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, likely a region east of Palestine, and depicts a patriarchal society that predates the Mosaic Law. The prevailing cultural understanding of suffering in the ancient Near East often linked prosperity with divine favor and calamity with divine displeasure, a view strongly championed by Job's friends. While some ancient cultures, including early Israel, had vague notions of an afterlife in Sheol (a shadowy realm of the dead), explicit beliefs in a bodily resurrection were not widespread or clearly defined in the earlier periods of Israelite history. This makes Job's declaration particularly striking and forward-looking, as it challenges the prevailing cultural assumption that death is the absolute end. His statement offers a unique and early articulation of hope beyond the grave, even amidst a context where physical well-being was often seen as the primary measure of divine blessing and a direct indicator of one's standing with God.
* **Key Themes:** Job 19:26 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **unmerited suffering** and the **mystery of God's ways**, as Job's faith remains steadfast despite his inability to comprehend his affliction or reconcile it with God's justice. Secondly, it introduces the profound concept of **hope in resurrection and future vindication**, providing one of the Old Testament's clearest anticipations of a bodily resurrection, a theme more fully developed in passages like [Isaiah 26:19](/isaiah/26-19 "Isaiah 26:19 - Resurrection of the Dead") and [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Everlasting Life"). Thirdly, it underscores the theme of a **personal encounter with God**, emphasizing Job's deep longing for a direct, face-to-face meeting with his Creator and Redeemer, a desire that culminates in his actual encounter with God in [Job 42:5](/job/42-5 "Job 42:5 - Job Sees God"). This verse thus serves as a beacon of Job's enduring faith and a foundational statement on the ultimate triumph of God's justice and grace over human suffering and mortality, pointing to an ultimate divine intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Skin (Hebrew, _ʻôwr'_):** From H5785, meaning "skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather." In Job's context, "my skin" refers to his outer physical covering, which is visibly afflicted and deteriorating. The phrase "after my skin [worms] destroy this [body]" vividly portrays the complete physical disintegration and death that Job anticipates, emphasizing the grim reality of his mortal state and the extent of his bodily decay. It underscores the utter destruction of his present physical form.
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, meaning "flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person." While often denoting the physical body in its frailty or mortality, in this profound declaration, "yet in my flesh shall I see God," the preposition "in" (or "from" / "out of," depending on the interpretation of the Hebrew preposition מִן, _min_) suggests that Job anticipates seeing God not as a disembodied spirit, but through a renewed or resurrected physical form. It points to a bodily experience of seeing God, transcending the current state of decay and hinting at a transformed physical existence, emphasizing a personal and embodied encounter.
* **See (Hebrew, _châzâh'_):** From H2372, a primitive root meaning "to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of; behold, look, prophesy, provide, see." This verb implies a direct, personal, and unmediated encounter, rather than merely an intellectual understanding or a distant observation. Job desires a face-to-face, intimate vision of God, signifying a complete vindication and restoration of his relationship with the Divine, a stark contrast to his current experience of God's apparent hiddenness and silence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body],"**: This opening clause starkly acknowledges the grim reality of Job's imminent physical decay and death. The bracketed words in the KJV (e.g., "worms," "body") are interpretive additions, but the core meaning remains: Job's physical being is subject to complete destruction. This phrase sets up a powerful contrast, emphasizing the dire circumstances from which Job's hope springs. It is a raw, unflinching recognition of mortality and the ultimate fate of the human body without divine intervention, painting a picture of utter physical dissolution.
* **"yet in my flesh shall I see God:"**: This is the triumphant declaration that follows the grim reality of decay. The "yet" introduces a profound shift from despair to unwavering hope. Job asserts that despite the destruction of his current body, he will, in a future physical state ("in my flesh"), personally behold God. This is not merely a spiritual vision but a bodily encounter, implying a resurrection or transformation of his physical being. It speaks to a deep conviction that God will ultimately vindicate him and that their relationship will be restored in a tangible, personal way beyond death, signifying a profound and ultimate triumph over mortality.

#### Literary Devices
Job 19:26 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Job starkly juxtaposes the utter decay and destruction of his physical body ("after my skin [worms] destroy this [body]") with the triumphant and personal vision of God he anticipates ("yet in my flesh shall I see God"). This creates a powerful dramatic effect, highlighting the depth of his faith against the backdrop of his despair. There is also an element of **Paradox**, as Job expects to see God *in* his flesh even *after* that flesh has been destroyed, hinting at a transformed or resurrected body that transcends the limitations of his current mortal frame. The verse functions as a **Declaration** or **Affirmation**, a resolute statement of Job's unwavering conviction, delivered with prophetic certainty despite his current suffering and the accusations of his friends. This declaration also serves as a profound **Foreshadowing** of later biblical doctrines, particularly the New Testament's clear teaching on the bodily resurrection of believers and the ultimate face-to-face encounter with God in glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 19:26 is a cornerstone Old Testament passage for understanding the ancient Israelite hope in life beyond death and bodily resurrection. It stands as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of faith even when all earthly hope seems lost, affirming that God's ultimate justice and personal relationship with His people transcend the grave. This declaration anticipates the New Testament's full revelation of resurrection, providing an early glimpse into the divine plan for ultimate vindication and eternal life. Job's desire to "see God" reflects a deep yearning for communion and justice, a hope that ultimately finds its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who conquered death and opened the way for humanity to truly see God.

* [Psalm 16:10-11](/psalms/16-10-11 "Psalm 16:10-11 - The Path of Life and Fullness of Joy")
* [Isaiah 26:19](/isaiah/26-19 "Isaiah 26:19 - Resurrection of the Dead")
* [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Everlasting Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 19:26 offers profound comfort and challenge to believers navigating suffering and uncertainty. It reminds us that our hope is not rooted in our fleeting physical circumstances or the absence of pain, but in the immutable character of God and His ultimate promises. In moments when our bodies fail, our dreams shatter, or injustice prevails, Job's declaration calls us to fix our gaze beyond the present decay to the future glory—a personal, transformative encounter with our God. It encourages a faith that perseveres through the darkest valleys, confident that even death cannot sever the bond with our Redeemer, and that ultimate vindication and restoration await those who trust in Him. This verse invites us to cultivate a deep, eschatological hope that anchors our souls amidst life's storms, knowing that our ultimate destiny is to see God face to face, and that His justice will ultimately prevail over all suffering and apparent defeat.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's unwavering hope in future vindication despite his profound present suffering challenge your understanding of faith during difficult times?**
* **In what ways does the promise of seeing God "in my flesh" provide comfort or reshape your perspective on mortality and the afterlife, especially concerning physical limitations or loss?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more enduring, resurrection-focused hope in your daily life, especially when faced with physical decay, emotional distress, or the seeming triumph of injustice?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 19:26 explicitly teach bodily resurrection?**

Answer: While the Old Testament's understanding of resurrection develops over time, Job 19:26 is widely considered one of its clearest and earliest articulations of a belief in bodily resurrection. The phrase "yet in my flesh shall I see God" strongly suggests that Job anticipates a personal, physical encounter with God, implying a renewed or transformed body, rather than merely a disembodied spiritual existence in Sheol. This declaration is a powerful foreshadowing of the more explicit teachings on resurrection found later in the Old Testament (e.g., [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Everlasting Life")) and fully revealed in the New Testament through Christ's resurrection (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of Christ and Believers")). It speaks to a hope that transcends the grave and anticipates a future physical existence in God's presence, affirming a tangible, personal restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 19:26, with its profound declaration of seeing God "in my flesh" despite bodily decay, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Job's longing for a Redeemer who would stand upon the earth and vindicate him (as mentioned in [Job 19:25](/job/19-25 "Job 19:25 - Job's Redeemer")) is perfectly realized in Christ, who is indeed "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Jesus, by His own physical resurrection from the dead, became the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), guaranteeing the bodily resurrection of all who believe in Him. Job's hope of seeing God in his flesh is fulfilled for believers through Christ, who promises that we will ultimately see God "face to face" ([1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Seeing Face to Face")) and be like Him, "for we shall see Him just as He is" ([1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")). The ultimate vindication Job sought is found in Christ's atoning work, which reconciles humanity to God, enabling that very personal and eternal vision. Thus, Job's ancient cry of faith echoes through the ages, pointing directly to the redemptive work of the Messiah who conquers death and secures our hope of a resurrected body and eternal communion with God.

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

Matthew 5:8

Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Psalms 17:15

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

Revelation 1:7

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Psalms 16:11

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore.

Psalms 16:9

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.