20 I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth.[1]

Other Translations of Job 19:20

King James Version

20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.

English Standard Version

20 My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh, and I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.

The Message

20 I'm nothing but a bag of bones; my life hangs by a thread.

New King James Version

20 My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh, And I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.

New Living Translation

20 I have been reduced to skin and bones and have escaped death by the skin of my teeth.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 19:20

Commentary on Job 19:8-22

(Read Job 19:8-22)

How doleful are Job's complaints! What is the fire of hell but the wrath of God! Seared consciences will feel it hereafter, but do not fear it now: enlightened consciences fear it now, but shall not feel it hereafter. It is a very common mistake to think that those whom God afflicts he treats as his enemies. Every creature is that to us which God makes it to be; yet this does not excuse Job's relations and friends. How uncertain is the friendship of men! but if God be our Friend, he will not fail us in time of need. What little reason we have to indulge the body, which, after all our care, is consumed by diseases it has in itself. Job recommends himself to the compassion of his friends, and justly blames their harshness. It is very distressing to one who loves God, to be bereaved at once of outward comfort and of inward consolation; yet if this, and more, come upon a believer, it does not weaken the proof of his being a child of God and heir of glory.