Job 29 15

Job 29:15 kjv

I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.

Job 29:15 nkjv

I was eyes to the blind, And I was feet to the lame.

Job 29:15 niv

I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.

Job 29:15 esv

I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.

Job 29:15 nlt

I served as eyes for the blind
and feet for the lame.

Job 29 verses

Job 29 15 Meaning

Job 29:15 describes Job's previous exemplary character and his active role in serving and supporting the most vulnerable members of society. He portrays himself as a source of guidance and practical assistance for those who lacked the ability to navigate life or provide for themselves. This verse encapsulates Job's deep commitment to justice, compassion, and practical righteousness in his community before his severe suffering began.

Job 29 15 Context

Job 29 marks a pivotal point in the book of Job, forming the beginning of Job's final discourse and defense (chapters 29-31). Following the lengthy debates with his friends, where he maintained his innocence and challenged God, Job now reminisces about his former life. Chapter 29 specifically focuses on his past glory, respect, prosperity, and most significantly, his moral character and widespread benevolence. This verse, "I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame," is part of Job's recollection of his active role as a just and compassionate leader within his community. He contrasts his once-honored status and benevolent actions with his present state of desolation, physical affliction, and social contempt, subtly building his case for undeserved suffering. The lament underscores the dramatic fall from his position, deepening the perceived injustice of his situation.

Job 29 15 Word analysis

• I was (Hebrew: הָיִ֗יתִי hayiti): Simple past tense, "I existed, I became." Signifies Job's past identity and consistent state. This verb emphasizes the deep ingrained nature of his compassionate character, not a sporadic act. It asserts a factual account of his former life, vital for his argument of innocence.

• eyes (Hebrew: עֵינַ֣יִם einayim): Dual form for two eyes, signifying vision, discernment, insight, guidance, and foresight. To be "eyes to the blind" meant providing clear direction, preventing dangers, offering protective care, and enabling someone to navigate their circumstances when they physically or figuratively could not. It suggests Job gave wisdom and understanding to those who lacked it.

• to the blind (Hebrew: לַעִוֵּ֣ר la'iwwēr): "To the one who is blind." Refers primarily to physical blindness, but in a broader sense, denotes anyone unable to perceive truth, see danger, or find their way, implying a state of helpless dependence due to a lack of understanding or information. Job provided a critical function of understanding and awareness to those in obscurity.

• and feet (Hebrew: וְרַגְלַ֥יִם v'raglayim): Dual form for two feet, symbolizing mobility, stability, progress, and support. To be "feet to the lame" implies providing physical support, strength, ability to move forward, and facilitating self-sufficiency where it was otherwise impossible.

• to the lame (Hebrew: לַפִּסֵּֽחַ׃ lappisseaḥ): "To the one who is lame." Primarily refers to physical lameness, but can metaphorically apply to anyone hindered, immobile, or incapable of advancing themselves due to weakness, disadvantage, or a crippling burden. Job enabled progress and provided foundational stability to those who were hobbled.

Words-group analysis:

• "I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame": This is a powerful double metaphor. It describes comprehensive, practical assistance for the severely disadvantaged. Job didn't just give money; he provided fundamental, personal help that enabled the helpless to function, highlighting a deep, engaged form of compassion and justice. The parallelism of "eyes to the blind" and "feet to the lame" emphasizes a symmetrical and holistic approach to caring for those with profound needs, addressing both lack of guidance and lack of mobility/capacity. It speaks of becoming what the disadvantaged lacked, fulfilling their deficit, embodying practical care that restored dignity and functionality. This kind of active righteousness aligns with ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions that linked prosperity to ethical behavior, a point Job himself believed was part of his suffering.

Job 29 15 Bonus section

Job's words are a striking example of ethical leadership, where the powerful utilize their resources and influence to uplift the downtrodden. This is a contrast to self-serving leaders often criticized by the prophets (e.g., Ezek 34). The phrase itself suggests an active, hands-on involvement, rather than merely delegating or providing funds. It implies an intimate understanding of the needs of the vulnerable, stepping into their deficiency and making it whole. This reflects a practical application of love for one's neighbor, aligning with later teachings about self-sacrifice and identifying with the marginalized. The dual nature of the metaphor also underscores a comprehensive kind of aid – addressing both intellectual/discernment needs ("eyes") and physical/capacity needs ("feet"), thereby ministering to the whole person. This kind of holistic care, often seen in the ministry of Jesus, points to the Kingdom of God's value system.

Job 29 15 Commentary

Job's declaration in Job 29:15 serves as a profound statement of his former commitment to social justice and compassionate care. He uses vivid metaphors to illustrate his practical righteousness, signifying that he personally provided guidance and physical support to those utterly dependent on others. This wasn't merely charity; it was a deeply ingrained characteristic where Job literally embodied the missing faculties for the disabled, reflecting a kingly responsibility to care for the vulnerable (echoing Ps 72:12-14). He was an active agent in correcting societal inequalities, intervening where there was weakness or helplessness. This selfless service further intensifies the irony of his current desolate state, where he himself has become like the blind and the lame, yet lacks a helper. His past actions exemplify what true faith looks like when lived out in tangible compassion for those marginalized in society, aligning with the broader biblical call to care for the poor, the widowed, and the orphaned.

• Examples:
  • Providing navigation assistance to someone visually impaired in a complex building.
  • Lending steadying support to someone with a mobility impairment as they walk across uneven ground.
  • Mentoring an inexperienced individual, guiding them through challenges they cannot yet perceive.
  • Actively helping a struggling person get back on their feet after a major setback, not just financially but practically.