Hesychius of Jerusalem

5th centuryChurch Father

To prevent many from succumbing to sorrow and despair at the conclusion of his life, it is for good reason that this just man inquires about the culmination of his sufferings. Thus, Job proclaimed, ‘Before I depart, I will go away,’ and he affirmed, ‘I will not return;’ making it apparent that he referred to his mortal existence, as though it were expressed this way: ‘Indeed, should I return here and witness the fruits of my labor, I shall not be weary, nor shall I relinquish my battle with death amid my afflictions. And those present, recognizing my integrity, will observe that I am rewarded for my actions, for I shall be returning. Yet, if they witness me perishing in my afflictions, they may either conclude that Job is wicked, or presume that there is no virtue in righteousness.

4th centuryTeacher of the Church

One might assume that such words arise from a place of despair; however, this notion is challenged by the Scripture, "Do you want to accuse me to justify yourself?" (Job 40:3). The individual who previously proclaimed, "If I am guilty, woe is me" (Job 10:15), does not intend to express a differing viewpoint but rather aims to articulate the weight of his existence—a burden that a wicked person would not convey, as they find joy in this life. Furthermore, he seeks to clarify for his companions why he did not perish immediately upon birth, underscoring that there must be a purpose that inspires resilience. The existence within the flesh is also emphasized, as Paul states: "And if in this life alone we hope in Christ, we are more miserable than all men" (1 Cor. 15:19).

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Job experienced both the blessings and hardships of life; for those severed from the flesh do not delight in wealth or indulge in sinful pleasures, nor are they afflicted by anguish. He faced temptations from life and its pleasures, having been blessed with wealth, abundance, and good health. However, upon the downfall of his fortune, he came to understand and felt the emptiness of earthly delights. He instructs us to be unattached to such vanities, expressing through his distress, "And why hast Thou brought me forth from the womb? Let me die, that no eye should see me, that I should be as one who has not existed," reflecting his anguish. Great tribulations weighed heavily upon him, and he did not bear his sufferings passively; for if he felt nothing, it could not be called manly. Through his prayer and thanksgiving, Job demonstrated that he endured all trials by the grace of God. Paul also references this, declaring, "Not I, however, but grace with me" (1 Cor. 15:10). Job desired to offer such a prayer before departing from where he would not return. He prayed, not merely for himself, but to educate his friends, who mistakenly believed that those facing misfortune were wicked, while those free from it were righteous. He sought their truthful judgment of him. Moreover, one should not conclude that Job denies the resurrection of the dead. He speaks of the shadowy realm where light is absent, indicating the state of humanity devoid of life. Even in adversity, Job, being the boldest of men, proclaimed a future age. Thus, his statement, "Before I depart; from whence I shall not return," does not reject the resurrection. He refers to that dark and lifeless land as a life devoid of hope, as he considers this the worst state imaginable. It would not be appropriate for him to say, "before I enter the kingdom of heaven and the land of God’s promise." Additionally, he desires those who hear him to acquire a proper understanding of matters that have yet to unfold, urging them to correct their actions accordingly.

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

Job expresses his astonishment that the Lord, who is all-powerful and all-knowing, the Creator of humanity who diligently sustains life and upholds morals, would inflict such intense suffering on His creation for seemingly trivial transgressions. He is bewildered by the pain he endures (Job 10: 1-12). In his confusion regarding the reasons behind his innocent suffering and his struggle to defend himself before God, Job finds himself longing for death rather than enduring life and pleads for relief from the remaining days of his affliction (13-22).

Job 10:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Church Fathers on this verse

Hesychius of Jerusalem

Didymus the Blind

Ireneus (Orda)

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