Job 19:28

KJV

But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?

KJV (with Strong's)

But ye should say {H559}, Why persecute {H7291} we him, seeing the root {H8328} of the matter {H1697} is found {H4672} in me?

Complete Jewish Bible

"If you say, 'How will we persecute him?'-the root of the matter is found in me.

Berean Standard Bible

If you say, ‘Let us persecute him, since the root of the matter lies with him,’

American Standard Version

If ye say, How we will persecute him! And that the root of the matter is found in me;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 19:28 encapsulates Job's poignant challenge to his relentless accusers, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. After enduring their misguided theological condemnations, Job turns their judgmental gaze back upon themselves, urging them to reconsider their harsh treatment. He asserts that the fundamental truth concerning his situation—whether his integrity, the absence of the specific sins they allege, or even the divine purpose behind his suffering—is inherently evident within him, if only they would look with discernment rather than prejudice. This verse serves as a powerful plea for empathy and a rebuke against rigid, uncharitable judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 19:28 is situated within Job's third and final response to his three friends, specifically following Bildad's second speech in chapter 18. This chapter is a deeply emotional and pivotal moment in the book. Job's speech oscillates between profound despair and a remarkable declaration of faith in his Redeemer in [Job 19:25-27](/job/19-25 "Job's Declaration of his Redeemer"). Immediately preceding this verse, Job laments his utter isolation and the betrayal by his closest companions and family. He expresses a desire for his words to be permanently recorded, underscoring the gravity and truth he believes they contain. Verse 28 then shifts from this personal lament and hopeful declaration to a direct, confrontational address to his friends, challenging their motives and perception. It serves as a concluding, pointed indictment of their uncharitable behavior, suggesting that their continued persecution is without just cause, given the evident "root of the matter" in him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, likely in the patriarchal period, though its exact dating is debated. The prevailing theological framework among Job's friends, and indeed a common belief in the ancient world, was "retribution theology"—the idea that righteousness leads to prosperity and sin leads to suffering. This rigid dogma formed the basis of their accusations against Job. In this cultural milieu, a person's reputation and honor were paramount, and public accusations of sin, especially by respected elders, carried immense weight and inflicted profound social and psychological damage. Job's friends were not just offering theological opinions; they were actively shaming and condemning him, a form of social persecution. Job's insistence that "the root of the matter is found in me" is a powerful counter-cultural assertion of his personal integrity and a challenge to their conventional wisdom, appealing to a higher truth that transcends their simplistic cause-and-effect understanding of suffering.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **unjust suffering** and the **misapplication of theological principles**. Job's friends, adhering to a rigid theology, fail to comprehend the complexity of suffering, which is not always a direct consequence of personal sin, as seen in [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1 "Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **human misjudgment and the limits of human wisdom**. The friends, despite their intellectual arguments, are shown to be profoundly mistaken in their assessment of Job and God's ways. Thirdly, the phrase "the root of the matter is found in me" speaks to the theme of **integrity and vindication**. Job asserts his inherent righteousness and the truth of his situation, anticipating a future vindication, whether by God or through the eventual revelation of his innocence. This echoes the broader biblical emphasis on God's ultimate justice and the triumph of truth, even when misunderstood or persecuted, as exemplified in the suffering of the righteous in [Psalm 37](/psalm/37 "Psalm 37 - The Destiny of the Righteous and the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Persecute (Hebrew, _radaph'_):** This verb, רָדַף (_radaph_), means "to pursue," "to chase," "to hunt," or "to follow after." While it can refer to literal physical pursuit, in this context, it vividly describes the relentless, aggressive, and almost predatory nature of the friends' verbal assaults and accusations. Job perceives their continuous badgering not as sympathetic inquiry but as a hostile, unceasing attack on his character and very being, adding psychological torment to his physical agony.
* **Root (Hebrew, _shoresh'_):** The Hebrew word שֹׁרֶשׁ (_shoresh_) literally means "root" (of a plant or tree). Metaphorically, it signifies the foundation, origin, source, or core essence of something. In Job's declaration, it points to the fundamental truth or underlying reality of his situation. It's not a superficial aspect, but the very groundwork or basis of his case, which he claims is inherent within him.
* **Matter (Hebrew, _davar'_):** The term דָּבָר (_davar_) is highly versatile in Hebrew, encompassing "word," "thing," "affair," "case," "report," "cause," or "truth." In the phrase "root of the matter" (שֹׁרֶשׁ דָּבָר, _shoresh davar_), it refers to the core issue, the essential truth, or the fundamental principle concerning Job's suffering and his integrity. Job is asserting that the true nature of his situation—his innocence of the specific sins they accuse him of, or the divine purpose behind his suffering—is not hidden but is fundamentally present in his life and character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But ye should say,"**: This opening phrase introduces a rhetorical challenge. Job is not literally asking them to speak, but rather implicitly questioning their internal thought processes or their stated positions. He is prompting them to consider what they *ought* to be saying or thinking, in stark contrast to their actual condemnations. It's an invitation for them to reflect on their own judgment.
* **"Why persecute we him,"**: This is a direct and cutting accusation. Job frames their relentless verbal and theological attacks as "persecution." He challenges them to justify their continuous, aggressive pursuit of him with accusations. This highlights the profound pain and sense of injustice he feels, not just from his physical ailments, but from the psychological torment inflicted by his friends.
* **"seeing the root of the matter is found in me?"**: This is the core of Job's assertion. The "root of the matter" refers to the fundamental truth or essential reality of his situation. Job is claiming that this truth—his integrity, his blamelessness concerning the sins they accuse him of, or perhaps even the divine purpose for his suffering—is not external or hidden, but is inherently "found in me." He implies that if they would only look with genuine discernment and empathy, rather than prejudiced judgment, they would perceive this underlying truth. It's a declaration of his inherent righteousness and a plea for his friends to acknowledge it.

#### Literary Devices
Job 19:28 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?" Job does not expect a literal answer but uses the question to underscore the irrationality and injustice of his friends' actions. It forces them (and the reader) to confront the illogical nature of their persecution given the evident truth. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as Job, the one suffering, is the one who possesses the "root of the matter"—the true understanding or integrity—while his seemingly wise friends are blinded by their rigid theology. Furthermore, the phrase "the root of the matter" functions as a **Metaphor**, comparing the fundamental truth or essence of Job's situation to the deep, foundational part of a plant. This metaphor emphasizes that the truth is not superficial but deeply embedded within Job's character and circumstances, waiting to be recognized.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 19:28 offers profound theological insights into the nature of suffering, divine justice, and human interaction. It challenges the simplistic retribution theology that dominated ancient thought and often persists today, asserting that suffering is not always a direct punitive consequence of sin. Job's insistence that "the root of the matter" is in him underscores the biblical theme of personal integrity and the righteous person's steadfastness in the face of adversity. The verse also serves as a powerful caution against hasty judgment and the dangers of rigid theological frameworks that lack compassion and empathy. It reminds us that true wisdom often involves humility, listening, and discerning God's complex ways rather than imposing human-made explanations onto divine providence.

* [Proverbs 12:3](/proverbs/12-3 "Proverbs 12:3 - The Righteous are Rooted")
* [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1 "John 9:1-3 - Suffering Not Always Due to Sin")
* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Weep with Those Who Weep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 19:28 provides a timeless mirror for how we approach suffering, both our own and that of others. It calls us to a profound humility, recognizing that our understanding of God's ways and the reasons for human suffering is often limited. Instead of rushing to offer simplistic theological explanations or, worse, to attribute blame, we are called to cultivate deep empathy and compassion. When faced with someone in distress, our primary response should be to listen, to lament with them, and to offer comfort, rather than to judge or dissect their circumstances through a narrow doctrinal lens. This verse also encourages us to stand firm in our integrity when facing false accusations or misunderstandings. Like Job, we may find ourselves in situations where the "root of the matter"—our true character or the real circumstances—is evident to us, even if others fail to see it. In such times, we are called to trust in God's ultimate vindication and to hold fast to the truth, knowing that He is the ultimate judge and defender of the righteous.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when I see others suffering? Do I tend to offer quick explanations, or do I first seek to understand and empathize?**
* **In what ways might my own theological assumptions or personal biases prevent me from truly seeing "the root of the matter" in someone else's situation?**
* **When I am misunderstood or falsely accused, how can I emulate Job's steadfastness in asserting my integrity while still trusting God for ultimate vindication?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more compassionate and less judgmental approach to those experiencing hardship?**

### FAQ

**What does "the root of the matter" mean in Job 19:28?**

Answer: The phrase "the root of the matter" (Hebrew: _shoresh davar_) refers to the fundamental truth, the core essence, or the underlying reality of Job's situation. Job is asserting that the truth about his integrity, his blamelessness concerning the specific sins his friends accuse him of, or even the divine purpose behind his suffering, is inherently evident within him. He implies that this truth is not hidden but is foundational to who he is and what he is experiencing, if only his friends would perceive it without prejudice. It's Job's declaration of his innocence and the validity of his protestations against their false accusations.

**Is Job accusing his friends of literal persecution?**

Answer: While Job's friends were not physically persecuting him, Job uses the term "persecute" (Hebrew: _radaph_) to describe the relentless, aggressive, and hostile nature of their verbal and theological attacks. Their continuous accusations, condemnations, and unwavering insistence on his sinfulness inflicted profound psychological and emotional torment, adding to his already immense physical suffering. In this sense, Job perceives their actions as a form of spiritual and emotional persecution, a relentless pursuit aimed at breaking his spirit and forcing a confession of sin. The intensity of the language reflects the depth of his anguish and sense of injustice at their hands.

**How does this verse relate to the rest of Job's speech in chapter 19?**

Answer: Job 19:28 serves as a poignant conclusion and direct challenge following Job's profound lament and remarkable declaration of faith. Earlier in the chapter, Job expresses his deep despair over his isolation and the betrayal by his friends and family (e.g., [Job 19:13-19](/job/19-13 "Job's Lament of Isolation")). Amidst this despair, he famously articulates his hope in a living Redeemer and his future vindication (e.g., [Job 19:25-27](/job/19-25 "Job's Declaration of his Redeemer")). Verse 28 then pivots back to his immediate tormentors, his friends. It's a direct, rhetorical question aimed at their conscience, urging them to reflect on the cruelty of their persecution given the evident truth of his situation. It encapsulates Job's unwavering assertion of his integrity, even as he looks forward to divine vindication, making it a powerful summary of his stance against their misguided theology and uncharitable behavior.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 19:28, with Job's cry against unjust persecution and his assertion that "the root of the matter is found in me," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Job's suffering, though not for his own sin, foreshadows the unparalleled suffering of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who endured unimaginable persecution despite being utterly without sin. Jesus, the very "root of the matter"—the embodiment of truth, righteousness, and divine purpose—was relentlessly pursued and condemned by religious leaders and the crowds, just as Job was by his friends. He was the [Holy and Righteous One](/acts/3-14 "Acts 3:14 - Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One") in whom no fault could be found, yet He was delivered over to be crucified (cf. [Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate Finds No Guilt")). His suffering was not for His own transgression, but for the sins of humanity, making Him the perfect, innocent sacrifice. Furthermore, Jesus is the true "Root of Jesse" ([Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - The Root of Jesse")) and the "Root and Offspring of David" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Offspring of David")), signifying His foundational role in God's redemptive plan and His ultimate authority. Just as Job looked forward to a Redeemer who would vindicate him, Christ's resurrection and ascension serve as the ultimate vindication of His perfect righteousness and His triumph over all persecution and suffering, offering hope and salvation to all who believe in Him (cf. [Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Raised for Our Justification")).

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 19:22

Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?

1 Kings 14:13

And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found [some] good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.

Psalms 69:26

For they persecute [him] whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.