Old Testament

Job 19:26

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh I shall see God,

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

What Job 19:26 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Job expresses a profound hope in the face of suffering and death. He acknowledges that his body will decay and be consumed by worms, a vivid image of mortality. However, he firmly believes that he will still see God in his flesh, suggesting a resurrection or a future existence where he will be reunited with God. This statement reflects Job's faith and assurance that beyond physical death, there is a promise of seeing God, which brings him comfort amidst his trials. Job's declaration emphasizes the belief in life after death and the hope of divine justice, reinforcing the idea that suffering is not the end. It highlights the importance of faith in God’s ultimate plan, even when circumstances seem dire. Job's confidence in seeing God serves as a powerful reminder of the hope that believers can hold onto, even in the darkest times of life.

How to apply Job 19:26 to your life

This verse encourages us to maintain hope during difficult times. It reminds us that our physical struggles are temporary and that there is a greater promise of seeing God. We can find comfort in our faith, knowing that our relationship with God transcends our earthly experiences.

Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Job kneeling among the ashes with his face and open hands lifted toward heaven, as his three friends sit farther off

Illustrated scene from Job's story: “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” (Job 19:23–27)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Job

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Jericho

The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Job 19:26

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Job 19:26

At a Glance — the Book of Job

Author
Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
Written
Date debated
Genre
Wisdom literature
Original Audience
All who suffer or question God

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Job 19:26 mean?

Job 19:26 expresses Job's belief in life after death, stating that despite his body's decay, he will see God in his flesh. This reflects his hope and faith in a future resurrection and divine justice.

What is the significance of 'skin worms' in Job 19:26?

The phrase 'skin worms' symbolizes the inevitability of death and decay. Job uses this vivid imagery to acknowledge human mortality while contrasting it with his hope of seeing God after death.

What does 'yet in my flesh shall I see God' mean?

This part of Job 19:26 indicates Job's strong belief in resurrection, suggesting that he will have a physical existence to witness God, emphasizing his faith in a future reunion with the divine.

How does Job 19:26 relate to the theme of hope in suffering?

Job 19:26 highlights hope in suffering by showing that even in the face of death and decay, Job maintains his faith that he will ultimately see God, providing comfort during his trials.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.