Job 7:19

KJV

How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?

KJV (with Strong's)

How long {H4100} wilt thou not depart {H8159} from me, nor let me alone {H7503} till I swallow down {H1104} my spittle {H7536}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Won't you ever take your eyes off of me, at least long enough for me to swallow my spit?

Berean Standard Bible

Will You never look away from me, or leave me alone to swallow my spittle?

American Standard Version

How long wilt thou not look away from me, Nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 7:19 encapsulates the raw, desperate anguish of Job, who perceives God as relentlessly scrutinizing and afflicting him. In this poignant lament, Job pleads for even the briefest, most fleeting moment of respite from his overwhelming suffering, expressing a profound sense of exhaustion and a longing for God to withdraw His perceived oppressive gaze, if only for an instant, allowing him the minimal space to simply exist.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Job's first major monologue (Job 6-7), an impassioned and profoundly personal response to the initial, theologically rigid, and ultimately unhelpful counsel offered by his friend Eliphaz in [Job 4-5](/job/4 "Job 4-5 - Eliphaz's First Speech"). Having endured unimaginable and inexplicable loss—his wealth, his ten children, and his health—Job finds himself not only physically and emotionally devastated but also intellectually and spiritually perplexed by the traditional theological frameworks his friends attempt to impose. Immediately preceding this verse, Job questions the very nature of God's intense, seemingly disproportionate attention to frail humanity, lamenting, "What is mankind that you make so much of them, that you give so much attention, that you examine them every morning and test them every moment?" ([Job 7:17-18](/job/7-17-18 "Job 7:17-18 - Job's Questioning of Human Significance")). Verse 19 flows directly from this sentiment, intensifying his plea for God to simply "look away" for a moment, highlighting his profound feeling of being relentlessly pursued, observed, and afflicted by the divine, a feeling that leaves him no room to breathe or recover.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the genre of lament was a common and culturally accepted form of communication with the divine. Individuals, and even entire communities, would express profound distress, question the actions or apparent inaction of their gods, and plead for intervention or relief. Job's lament in [Job 7](/job/7 "Job 7 - Job's Lament") fits squarely within this tradition, reflecting a cultural understanding where personal suffering was often directly attributed to divine action or, conversely, divine neglect. The specific idiom "till I swallow down my spittle" is a vivid and widely attested Hebrew expression signifying an extremely brief, almost instantaneous moment, akin to "in the blink of an eye" or "in a single breath." This highlights the cultural value placed on even the smallest measure of personal space, privacy, or relief, especially in times of intense duress. The concept of divine "scrutiny" or "gaze" could be interpreted as either protective or punitive, and in the context of Job's overwhelming suffering, he perceives it as overwhelmingly negative, oppressive, and intrusive.
* **Key Themes:** Job 7:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job, which grapples with the problem of suffering and divine justice. It powerfully conveys the theme of **intense suffering and despair**, illustrating a soul pushed to its absolute limit, longing for any escape from relentless pain and scrutiny. It underscores the profound contrast between **human frailty and finitude** and perceived **divine power and sovereignty**, as Job implicitly contrasts his own fleeting, vulnerable existence with God's immense, unwavering attention directed against him, a theme further explored in [Job 14:1-2](/job/14-1-2 "Job 14:1-2 - The Brevity and Frailty of Human Life"). The verse is also a profound **plea for respite**, revealing the desperate human need for a momentary break from overwhelming affliction, a desire for even the most minimal space to breathe. Furthermore, it highlights Job's **misunderstanding of God's actions** in his pain, as he struggles to reconcile his suffering with God's justice and goodness, interpreting God's presence as hostile rather than redemptive. This perspective will ultimately be challenged and transformed by the end of the book, leading to a deeper, more profound understanding of God's character, as seen in [Job 42:5-6](/job/42-5-6 "Job 42:5-6 - Job's Confession and Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **How long (Hebrew, _mâh'_):** From H4100, a primitive particle, properly interrogative "what?" but often used to express "how?" "how long?" or "how often?". In this context, it functions as an intense exclamation of exasperation and weariness, conveying Job's profound sense of the unending nature of his suffering and his perception of God's ceaseless attention upon him. It's a cry of "When will this end?" rather than a request for a specific time.
* **Depart (Hebrew, _shâʻâh'_):** From H8159, a primitive root meaning "to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewildered; depart, be dim, be dismayed, look (away), regard, have respect, spare, turn." Job's plea is for God to "look away" or "turn aside" from him, to cease His intense and perceived malevolent scrutiny. It's a desire for God to withdraw His active, oppressive gaze and attention.
* **Let me alone (Hebrew, _râphâh'_):** From H7503, a primitive root meaning "to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative); abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en)." This is an imperative form, a direct command from Job to God to "let go," "relax," or "desist" from His perceived relentless affliction. It conveys a desperate yearning for cessation of the divine pressure Job feels.
* **Swallow down my spittle (Hebrew, _bâlaʻ rôq'_):** From H1104 (_bâlaʻ_), meaning "to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy," and H7536 (_rôq_), meaning "spittle." This is a vivid and well-attested Hebrew idiom. The phrase literally means "swallow my spittle," and it signifies an extremely brief, almost instantaneous moment—the time it takes to perform a trivial, unconscious action. It underscores the intensity of Job's desire for even the smallest, most fleeting interval of relief from his overwhelming distress, indicating he feels so oppressed he cannot even perform this basic act without divine interference.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How long wilt thou not depart from me":** This opening question expresses Job's profound sense of the unending nature of his suffering and God's perceived relentless involvement in it. It is a lamentation, not a request for information, but an outpouring of a soul that feels perpetually under divine pressure. Job feels God's presence as oppressive and intrusive, not comforting, and longs for God to withdraw His afflicting hand and cease His intense scrutiny.
* **"nor let me alone":** This clause parallels and intensifies the first, emphasizing Job's desire for God to cease His perceived active torment. It highlights Job's yearning for a complete cessation of the divine scrutiny and affliction that he believes is consuming him. He desires a moment where God is not actively engaging with his suffering, giving him space to simply be.
* **"till I swallow down my spittle?":** This final clause is the hyperbolic and idiomatic expression of the desired duration of respite. Job is not asking for a long break, but an immeasurably short one—the time it takes for a simple, unconscious bodily function. It highlights the extremity of his distress, indicating that he feels so utterly consumed by his suffering and God's perceived gaze that he cannot even perform this most basic act without feeling oppressed. Thus, he desperately craves even this minuscule moment of peace and privacy.

#### Literary Devices
Job 7:19 is rich with literary devices that amplify its profound emotional impact and theological tension. The verse functions as a powerful **Lament**, a common biblical genre where an individual expresses deep sorrow, pain, and often questions God's actions or apparent inaction. Job's direct address to God, "How long wilt *thou* not depart from me," is characteristic of this genre, demonstrating a raw, unvarnished, and honest engagement with the divine, even in accusation. The phrase "till I swallow down my spittle" is a prime example of an **Idiom**, a culturally specific expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal words, conveying a fleeting moment. This particular idiom also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, as it exaggerates the brevity of the desired respite to emphasize the overwhelming intensity of Job's suffering and his desperate need for even the slightest relief. Furthermore, Job's perception of God "not departing" or "not letting him alone" can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions and intentions (relentless pursuit, oppressive gaze, refusal to grant space) to God, reflecting Job's deeply personal, albeit agonizing, relationship with the divine in his suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 7:19 profoundly illustrates the human experience of suffering and the theological tension it creates, particularly concerning the nature of God's omnipresence. For the afflicted Job, God's constant presence feels like relentless scrutiny and active torment rather than comforting sustenance. The verse powerfully validates the authenticity of human lament, demonstrating that it is permissible, even necessary, to voice raw pain, confusion, and even accusation directly to God. It forces us to confront the mystery of divine sovereignty in suffering, where God's purposes are often hidden, and human perception is limited by pain and finite understanding. Job's desperate cry for a moment's respite underscores the deep human need for rest—physical, emotional, and spiritual—especially when overwhelmed by life's trials. This verse reminds us that honest, even agonizing, dialogue with God is a cornerstone of faith, even when understanding is elusive and faith is severely tested.

* [Psalm 39:13](/psalms/39-13 "Psalm 39:13 - A Plea for Respite from God's Gaze")
* [Lamentations 3:1-18](/lamentations/3-1-18 "Lamentations 3:1-18 - Jeremiah's Lament of Affliction")
* [Psalm 6:3](/psalms/6-3 "Psalm 6:3 - David's Cry for Relief from Distress")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's agonizing plea in Job 7:19 resonates deeply with the universal human experience of feeling overwhelmed and relentlessly pursued by circumstances, chronic pain, anxiety, or even a perceived divine hand. This verse serves as a profound reminder that the biblical narrative does not shy away from depicting the darkest corners of human despair, thereby validating the authenticity of our own laments and struggles. It teaches us that it is not only permissible but often spiritually essential to voice our rawest emotions, our deepest questions, and our most profound frustrations directly to God, just as Job did without pretense or censorship. In moments of extreme duress, the desire for even a fleeting moment of peace, a "swallowing of spittle," is a universal human cry for respite and space to simply exist. This should foster profound empathy within us for those who are suffering, encouraging us to offer compassion, active listening, and understanding rather than simplistic theological answers or platitudes. Ultimately, Job's long and painful journey, which begins with such desperate cries, models a persistent, albeit strained, dialogue with God that eventually leads to a deeper revelation of His character and sovereignty, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, maintaining a connection with God, however tenuous, is vital for eventual healing and understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we reconcile Job's raw honesty and desperate plea with our understanding of God's goodness, sovereignty, and omnipresence?**
* **In what ways do we sometimes feel "pursued" by our circumstances, our anxieties, or even by God's perceived discipline, similar to Job's experience?**
* **What does Job's lament teach us about the nature of authentic prayer and communication with God during intense suffering and confusion?**
* **How can we offer empathy and genuine support to those who feel relentlessly afflicted, even if we don't fully understand their pain or their perspective on God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "till I swallow down my spittle"?**

Answer: The phrase "till I swallow down my spittle" (Hebrew: בְּלַע רֻקִּי, _bəla‘ ruqqî_) is a vivid and well-known Hebrew idiom. It signifies an extremely brief, almost instantaneous moment—the time it takes to perform a trivial, unconscious bodily action like swallowing saliva. Its profound significance in [Job 7:19](/job/7-19 "Job 7:19 - Job's Plea for Respite") is to underscore Job's profound desperation for even the shortest, most fleeting interval of relief from his perceived relentless suffering and divine scrutiny. It highlights his utter exhaustion and the feeling that he cannot even perform the most basic, unconscious bodily function without feeling God's oppressive gaze, and thus, he desperately craves even this minuscule moment of peace and privacy.

**Does Job's complaint imply God is actively tormenting him?**

Answer: In his profound pain and limited understanding, Job *perceives* God's actions as hostile and unrelenting. This is evident in his earlier statements in [Job 6:4](/job/6-4 "Job 6:4 - God's Arrows Within Job"), where he speaks of God's "arrows" within him, and in [Job 7:17-18](/job/7-17-18 "Job 7:17-18 - Job's Questioning of Human Significance"), where he questions God's intense scrutiny of humanity. While the book of Job ultimately reveals God's sovereignty and Job's lack of full comprehension regarding the divine purposes behind his suffering, Job's raw lament in this verse is an honest and agonizing expression of his current, subjective experience. He genuinely feels God is the direct source of his affliction, not departing or letting him alone, and his words powerfully reflect the intense psychological and spiritual distress of one who believes God is his adversary.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's desperate cry for a moment's respite from relentless suffering finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment, not in God departing, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who fully embraced suffering. While Job pleaded for God to depart from him, Jesus, the Son of God, willingly embraced the full weight of human suffering and the ultimate experience of divine abandonment on the cross. On Calvary, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), a dereliction far deeper than Job could ever comprehend, as He bore the sin of the world and endured the full wrath of God on our behalf. Unlike Job, whose suffering was a test of faith and a mystery, Christ's suffering was a redemptive act, a perfect sacrifice that provides the ultimate relief and rest for all who believe. He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering not just a fleeting moment of peace, but eternal rest from the burden of sin, guilt, and death. Job's yearning for a brief pause finds its complete answer in the eternal Sabbath rest offered through Christ's finished work, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")) and enter into God's promised rest ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")).

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 9:18

He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness.

Psalms 13:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

Psalms 13:3

Consider [and] hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the [sleep of] death;

Job 14:6

Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day.

Revelation 6:10

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Psalms 6:3

My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

Psalms 94:3

LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?