Job 19:16

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 19:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I call unto my servant, and he giveth me no answer, [Though] I entreat him with my mouth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I call unto my servant, and he giveth me no answer, [Though] I entreat him with my mouth.
Job 19:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16I call unto my servant, and he giveth me no answer, [Though] I entreat him with my mouth.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I called my servant, etc.] His manservant, whom he had hired into his house, and who waited upon his person, and had been his trusty and faithful servant, and was dear unto him, and he had shown him much respect and kindness in the time of his prosperity; him he called to him, to do this and that and the other thing for him as usual; and of whose assistance and service he might stand in more need, being so greatly afflicted in body as well as in other things; and who ought to have been obedient to his call in all things, and have served him with all readiness and cheerfulness, with all heartiness, sincerity, integrity, and faithfulness; and given him the same honour and reverence as before;…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“servant--born in my house (as distinguished from those sojourning in it), and so altogether belonging to the family. Yet even he disobeys my call. mouth--that is, "calling aloud"; formerly a nod was enough. Now I no longer look for obedience, I try entreaty.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I called my servant - He lost all respect for me, and paid me no attention. I entreated him - I ceased to expect “obedience,” and tried to see what “persuasion” would do. I ceased to be master in my own house. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“my servant: Job 1:15, Job 1:16, Job 1:17, Job 1:19 Job 19:17”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“16 I call to my servant and he answereth not, I am obliged to entreat him with my mouth. 17 My breath is offensive to my wife, And my stench to my own brethren. 18 Even boys act contemptuously towards me; If I will rise up, they speak against me. 19 All my confidential friends abhor me, And those whom I loved have turned against me. 20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and flesh, And I am escaped only with the skin of my teeth. His servant, who otherwise saw every command in his eyes, and was attent upon his wink, now not only does not come at his call, but does not return him any answer. The one of the home-born slaves (vid., on Gen 14:14), (Note: The (black) slaves born within the tribe itself…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification