Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.

JOB 11:19KJV
Know the Bible

Job 11:19 (KJV)

What does Job 11:19 mean?

Job 11:19 promises safety and respect: it says you will be able to rest without fear, and many people will come to seek your favor. The verse describes a future where you are secure, unthreatened, and valued by others.

In this part of the book of Job, Zophar is speaking to Job. Zophar is one of Job’s friends, and he is urging Job to repent so that God will restore him. Zophar paints a picture of peace and honor that could come if Job turns back to God, suggesting that Job’s troubles would be replaced by calm and even admiration from others.

The Hebrew behind Job 11:19

  • The word for "down" is רָבַץ (rāvaṣ), which often means to lie down or rest, like an animal lying in safety. This adds a sense of peacefulness and security, not just physical rest.
  • The word for "afraid" is חָרַד (ḥārad), meaning to tremble or be terrified. The verse promises not just the absence of danger, but the absence of anxiety or fear.
  • "Many" is רַב (rav), meaning a great number or multitude. This emphasizes that not just a few, but many people will seek Job’s favor.
  • The phrase "make suit" uses חָלָה (ḥālāh), which can mean to seek favor or entreat someone. Here, it suggests people will come to Job with requests, showing respect or dependence.

Why Job 11:19 matters

  • Job 11:19 clarifies that Zophar is not just promising Job relief from suffering, but also a restoration of his social standing and influence.
  • The verse highlights the ancient idea that peace and respect from others are signs of God’s blessing, which is a key theme in the book of Job.
  • Understanding the original words shows that the promise is about deep security—freedom from fear and the honor of being sought after—not just physical safety.

Where else these words appear

“down” Hebrew H7257 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Deuteronomy 33:13 And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,
  • Isaiah 27:10 Yet the defenced city shall be desolate, and the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness: there shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down, and consume the branches thereof.

“afraid” Hebrew H2729 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 27:33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
  • 1 Samuel 28:5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
  • Ezekiel 26:16 Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at thee.

“suit” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 48:1 And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
  • 2 Kings 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
  • Isaiah 39:1 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.