Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.

JOB 19:21KJV
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Job 19:21 (KJV)

What does Job 19:21 mean?

Job 19:21 is Job’s plea to his friends, asking them to show him compassion because he believes God has brought suffering upon him. Job repeats his request for pity, emphasizing how deeply he feels abandoned and wounded by his circumstances.

In this verse, Job is speaking directly to his friends, who have been criticizing him instead of comforting him during his suffering. Job’s words highlight his sense of isolation—not only does he feel struck by God, but even those closest to him have failed to show understanding. The verse captures Job’s longing for human kindness in the midst of overwhelming pain.

The Hebrew behind Job 19:21

  • The word for "pity" is חָנַן (ḥānan), which means to show favor or mercy. Job repeats this word, stressing how desperate he is for any sign of compassion.
  • The word for "friends" is רֵעַ (rēaʿ), which can mean companion or close associate. Job is not addressing strangers, but those who should care for him most.
  • The phrase "the hand of God" uses יָד (yād) for "hand," a common Hebrew way to speak of God’s power or action. Here, it points to Job’s belief that his suffering is not random, but comes from God’s direct involvement.
  • The word "touched" is נָגַע (nāgaʿ), which often means to strike or afflict, not just a gentle touch. Job is saying he feels wounded by God’s actions.

Why Job 19:21 matters

  • Job 19:21 shows that Job’s pain is not just physical or material, but deeply emotional—he feels abandoned by both God and his friends.
  • The verse highlights a key theme in Job: the need for compassion, especially when someone is suffering and feels misunderstood.
  • By repeating his plea, Job reveals how desperate he is for empathy, making it clear that even the most faithful can feel overwhelmed and need support from others.

Where else these words appear

“God” Hebrew H433 · used in 56 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
  • Job 12:6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.
  • Job 33:12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.

“pity” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
  • Psalms 109:12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.

“touched” Hebrew H5060 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
  • Numbers 19:18 And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:
  • Psalms 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.