Job 29 13

Job 29:13 kjv

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

Job 29:13 nkjv

The blessing of a perishing man came upon me, And I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

Job 29:13 niv

The one who was dying blessed me; I made the widow's heart sing.

Job 29:13 esv

The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

Job 29:13 nlt

I helped those without hope, and they blessed me.
And I caused the widows' hearts to sing for joy.

Job 29 verses

Job 29 13 Meaning

Job 29:13 encapsulates Job's reflection on his past righteousness and compassionate acts. He recalls receiving heartfelt blessings from those on the brink of death whom he rescued and experiencing the profound joy of alleviating the suffering of widows. This verse illustrates his active and transformative care for the most vulnerable, demonstrating his commitment to justice and compassion.

Job 29 13 Context

Job chapter 29 forms part of Job's final discourse where he passionately recounts his former blessed state and respected standing in society before his overwhelming suffering began. He nostalgically describes his prosperous life, the public honor he received, and, crucially, his profound commitment to justice and compassion. Job 29:13 stands as a key testament to his benevolent character, providing concrete examples of how he used his position and wealth to uplift the oppressed and the desperate. This recollection serves as a poignant contrast to his current plight, as he believes his suffering is utterly undeserved given his exemplary past conduct. Culturally, in the ancient Near East, a righteous leader was expected to be a protector of the vulnerable and a dispenser of justice, aligning with the divine expectation in Israelite society that cared for the fatherless, widows, and foreigners.

Job 29 13 Word analysis

• The blessing: From the Hebrew בִּרְכַּת (birkat), meaning a "blessing" or "gift." It's not merely a word but carries the weight of a deep, heartfelt gratitude, often implying a form of divine endorsement or favor bestowed upon the giver by the one receiving aid.
• of him who was about to perish: The Hebrew word is אֹבֵד ('oved), which comes from the verb meaning "to perish," "to be lost," or "to be destroyed." This emphasizes a person in dire straits, at the very brink of destruction, whether due to hunger, injustice, or despair. Job's help was salvific.
• came upon me: Indicates a direct, tangible receipt of this profound blessing. Job sees himself as the active agent whose intervention elicited this deep response.
• and I made: Job asserts his agency. His actions were deliberate and effective in bringing about the desired outcome for others.
• the widow's: The Hebrew אַלְמָנָה ('almanah), refers to a "widow." Widows were a classic example of social vulnerability in ancient societies, often without male protection or means of support, making them prone to exploitation. Helping them was a core measure of righteousness.
• heart: In biblical anthropology, the heart represents the seat of emotions, will, intellect, and the very core of a person's being. Affecting the "heart" signifies a profound, internal impact.
• sing for joy: From the Hebrew root רָנַן (ranan), meaning "to shout for joy," "to utter a joyful cry," or "to sing aloud." This goes beyond simple relief, denoting profound emotional gladness, liberation, and the restoration of hope and dignity. It speaks to a transformative intervention.

• "The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me": This phrase highlights the profound impact of Job's compassion on those facing utter despair. The "blessing" received by Job is the deep, spiritual gratitude of someone rescued from certain destruction, implicitly indicating divine approval for his deeds of mercy.
• "and I made the widow's heart sing for joy": This clause exemplifies Job's active and empathetic service to a specifically vulnerable group. The outcome – "sing for joy" – indicates not just meeting a basic need, but restoring emotional well-being, dignity, and a sense of hope to those often considered lost to grief or despair. It underscores the transformative power of genuine care.

Job 29 13 Bonus section

This verse powerfully counters the Accuser's (Satan's) implicit argument in Job 1 that Job serves God only for material reward. Job's detailed account of his compassionate deeds, bringing forth non-material blessings and heartfelt joy from the rescued, demonstrates a motivation driven by genuine care and divine principle, not merely personal gain. It establishes Job as an exemplar of the Old Testament's ethical call for social justice, where true piety is expressed not just in ritual but in merciful action towards one's neighbor, especially the defenseless. His self-vindication here isn't an act of pride, but an appeal to his demonstrable history of living righteously, which seemingly contradicts his current, unwarranted suffering.

Job 29 13 Commentary

Job 29:13 presents a powerful image of true righteousness rooted in active compassion. Job vividly describes his practical embodiment of divine justice by intervening to save the desperate and bringing genuine joy to the downtrodden. The "blessing" he received from the perishing was not material, but the profound gratitude and positive affirmation of lives restored, reflecting God's own character of caring for the marginalized. His ability to make the "widow's heart sing for joy" signifies a restoration beyond mere relief—it speaks to a spiritual and emotional uplift, moving from sorrow to song. This verse succinctly showcases Job's exemplary past actions as a direct outworking of his faith and commitment to the Mosaic laws and wisdom traditions concerning care for the poor and vulnerable, serving as a powerful counter-argument to the accusations against him.