Job 21:23

Death Levels Everything

21:23 “One man dies in his full vigor,

completely secure and prosperous,

Job 19:27

19:27 whom I will see for myself,

and whom my own eyes will behold,

and not another.

My heart grows faint within me.


tn The line has “in the bone of his perfection.” The word עֶצֶם (’etsem), which means “bone,” is used pronominally to express “the same, very”; here it is “in the very fullness of his strength” (see GKC 449 §139.g). The abstract תֹּם (tom) is used here in the sense of physical perfection and strengths.

tn The emphasis is on “I” and “for myself.” No other will be seeing this vindication, but Job himself will see it. Of that he is confident. Some take לִי (li, “for myself”) to mean favorable to me, or on my side (see A. B. Davidson, Job, 143). But Job is expecting (not just wishing for) a face-to-face encounter in the vindication.

tn Hitzig offered another interpretation that is somewhat forced. The “other” (זָר, zar) or “stranger” would refer to Job. He would see God, not as an enemy, but in peace.

tn Heb “kidneys,” a poetic expression for the seat of emotions.

tn Heb “fail/grow faint in my breast.” Job is saying that he has expended all his energy with his longing for vindication.