Log inSign up

Job 42 · a question people ask

"now my eye sees you" (42:5). Is this what Job hoped for in chapter 19?

In the text

In chapter 19 Job said, "After my skin is destroyed, then I will see God in my flesh" (19:26), and "My eyes will see, and not as a stranger" (19:27). Here he says, "I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you" (42:5). In Hebrew eye and sees in 42:5 are the same words as eyes and see in 19:27's "My eyes will see". Christians read 19:25-27 in more than one way, and chapter 19's honest question sets out the main readings, each resting on its verses; 42:5 is among the verses weighed there. This chapter doesn't say whether 42:5 is what Job looked for in 19:26-27, and these notes don't decide it.

The verses

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end, he will stand upon the earth. After my skin is destroyed, then I will see God in my flesh, whom I, even I, will see on my side. My eyes will see, and not as a stranger. “My heart is consumed within me.”
Job 19:25-27 · World English Bible
“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.”
Job 42:5 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Job 42

Job 42: Now my eye sees you

In Job's last words, repent (42:6) is in Hebrew the verb the WEB gives as comfort or console everywhere else in Job, in another form, down to his family who "consoled him" (42:11). And the man who said life is "few days, and full of trouble" (14:1) dies "old and full of days" (42:17): the same Hebrew word for full.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekJob 42 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Job 42

All questions about Job →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions