Add parallel Print Page Options

18 Even young children despise me;[a]
    when I approach, they turn their backs on me.
19 All of my dearest friends abhor me;
    those I love have turned against me.
20 I have become just skin and bones
    and have escaped with only my gums.[b]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Job 19:18 Even young children despise me: this fact was a great embarrassment in a patriarchal society, which insisted that its elders be respected and honored (see Ex 20:12).
  2. Job 19:20 The translation of this verse is uncertain. Most commentators believe it means “I am nothing and possess nothing except my skin and bones.”

18 Even the little boys(A) scorn me;
    when I appear, they ridicule me.(B)
19 All my intimate friends(C) detest me;(D)
    those I love have turned against me.(E)
20 I am nothing but skin and bones;(F)
    I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth.[a]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Job 19:20 Or only by my gums