What does Job 16:21 mean?

"O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!" - Job 16:21

"O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!" - Job 16:21

Job 16:21 (KJV) says, "O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!"

This verse comes from the book of Job in the Old Testament, which tells the story of a man who faces significant suffering and hardship. Job's friends believe that he must have sinned to deserve his misfortune, but Job maintains his innocence and refuses to curse God. The verse is part of Job's lamentation, as he longs for an intercessor to plead his case before God.

The verse expresses Job's desperation for someone to intervene on his behalf before God. He wishes for an advocate or mediator who would speak on his behalf just as a man would plead for his neighbor in court. Job is seeking someone who will take up his cause and argue his innocence before God, who he feels has turned against him.

One of the main themes of this verse is the idea of intercession and advocacy before God. Job longs for someone to come forward as his representative and speak on his behalf. This reflects Job's longing for justice and vindication, as he feels he has been unfairly treated by God. It also shows the importance of having a mediator who can bridge the gap between God and humanity.

Another theme in this verse is the concept of empathy and compassion. Job desires someone who will have compassion for him and take up his cause just as a person would do for their neighbor. This speaks to the human need for understanding and support in times of trouble, and the idea that we should show compassion and empathy to others in their time of need.

The context of this verse is important in understanding its deeper meaning. Job is in the midst of his suffering, and he is feeling abandoned and alone. He is surrounded by friends who accuse him of wrongdoing and offer little comfort or support. In this verse, Job is crying out for someone who will stand up for him and speak up on his behalf.

The symbolism in this verse is powerful. It speaks to the universal experience of feeling isolated and abandoned, as well as the longing for an advocate or savior. It also highlights the need for empathy and compassion in human relationships, and the importance of standing up for others in their time of need.

Overall, Job 16:21 is a poignant expression of Job's longing for someone to plead his case before God. It reflects themes of intercession, empathy, and the universal human need for support and understanding. In the larger context of the book of Job, this verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for others and offering compassion and support in times of suffering.

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Job 16:21 Artwork

Job 16:21 - "O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!"

Job 16:21 - "O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!"

"O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!" - Job 16:21

"O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!" - Job 16:21

Job 21:16 - "Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me."

Job 21:16 - "Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me."

"Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me." - Job 21:16

"Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me." - Job 21:16

Job 21:1 - "But Job answered and said,"

Job 21:1 - "But Job answered and said,"

Job 16:1 - "Then Job answered and said,"

Job 16:1 - "Then Job answered and said,"

"But Job answered and said," - Job 21:1

"But Job answered and said," - Job 21:1

Job 1:21

Job 1:21

Job 1:21

Job 1:21

Job 3:20-21 - "Job 3:20-21: Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure?"

Job 3:20-21 - "Job 3:20-21: Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure?"

"Then Job answered and said," - Job 16:1

"Then Job answered and said," - Job 16:1

Job 16:16 - "My face is foul with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death;"

Job 16:16 - "My face is foul with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death;"

Job 35:16 - "Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge."

Job 35:16 - "Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge."

Job 21:21 - "For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?"

Job 21:21 - "For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?"

Job 21:12 - "They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ."

Job 21:12 - "They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ."

Job 21:8 - "Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes."

Job 21:8 - "Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes."

Job 21:2 - "Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations."

Job 21:2 - "Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations."

Job 42:16 - "After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations."

Job 42:16 - "After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations."

Job 21:13 - "They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave."

Job 21:13 - "They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave."

Job 21:18 - "They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away."

Job 21:18 - "They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away."

Job 18:21 - "Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God."

Job 18:21 - "Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God."

Job 21:24 - "His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow."

Job 21:24 - "His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow."

Job 12:21 - "He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty."

Job 12:21 - "He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty."

Job 12:16 - "With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his."

Job 12:16 - "With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his."

Job 33:16 - "Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,"

Job 33:16 - "Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,"

Job 21:10 - "Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf."

Job 21:10 - "Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf."

Job 21:11 - "They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance."

Job 21:11 - "They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance."

Job 40:21 - "He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens."

Job 40:21 - "He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens."

Job 21:25 - "And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure."

Job 21:25 - "And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure."

Job 21:32 - "Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb."

Job 21:32 - "Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb."