14 He breaks through my defenses again and again;[a]
He charges at me like a warrior.(A)

15 I have sewn sackcloth over my skin;
I have buried my strength[b] in the dust.(B)
16 My face has grown red with weeping,
and darkness(C) covers my eyes,
17 although my hands are free from violence(D)
and my prayer is pure.

18 Earth, do not cover my blood;
may my cry for help find no resting place.(E)
19 Even now my witness is in heaven,
and my advocate is in the heights!(F)
20 My friends scoff at me
as I weep before God.
21 I wish that someone might arbitrate
between a man and God(G)
just as a man pleads for his friend.
22 For only a few years will pass
before I go the way of no return.

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Footnotes

  1. Job 16:14 Lit through me, breach on breach
  2. Job 16:15 Lit horn

14 He breaketh me with breach upon breach, he runneth upon me like a giant.

15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust.

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

17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.

18 O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place.

19 Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.

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

21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!

22 When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.

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