Job 16:20

Modern

My friends are my scoffers as my eyes pour out tears to God.

Traditional

My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.

Literal

My friends are mocking me; my eye pours out to God.

Latin

Verbosi amici mei: ad Deum stillat oculus meus:

Hebrew

English

My friends are my scoffers as my eyes pour out tears to God.

my witness is in heaven: Job wished for a kind third party to be "a mediator" between him and God (see 9:32–35). Job wanted a heavenly advocate who would eventually stand on the earth (16:19; compare Zechariah 3:1; Job 19:25; compare 1 Samuel 24:15; John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7; 1 John 2:1).

Job thought his suffering would lead to his death (7:7, 21; 10:20–22). He asked God to show his innocence, even if he died before that happened.

Theme notes and profiles

Hebrews 5:7
During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.
Psalm 142:2
I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him.
Job 12:4–5
I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock.
Psalm 109:4
In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.
Job 17:2
Surely mockers surround me, and my eyes must gaze at their rebellion.
Luke 6:11–12
But the scribes and Pharisees were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Job 16:4
I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you.
Hosea 12:4–5
Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there—