Job 29 16

Job 29:16 kjv

I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.

Job 29:16 nkjv

I was a father to the poor, And I searched out the case that I did not know.

Job 29:16 niv

I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger.

Job 29:16 esv

I was a father to the needy, and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know.

Job 29:16 nlt

I was a father to the poor
and assisted strangers who needed help.

Job 29 verses

Job 29 16 Meaning

Job 29:16 portrays Job's former role as a compassionate and proactive judge and advocate within his community. It signifies his deep commitment to practical righteousness and justice, particularly towards the most vulnerable and marginalized. Job not only provided for the poor like a loving father but also diligently sought out and understood the legal cases of those he did not personally know, ensuring justice for all regardless of their social standing or familiarity.

Job 29 16 Context

Job chapter 29 forms part of Job's final soliloquy, a passionate defense against the accusations of his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar) and an appeal to God. In this chapter, Job fondly recalls his former life and social standing, contrasting it sharply with his present suffering and humiliation. He paints a vivid picture of the respect he commanded, the wisdom he dispensed, and particularly his exemplary acts of justice and compassion towards the vulnerable members of society. Verse 16 stands as a key piece of evidence for Job's self-vindication, demonstrating his deep commitment to righteousness that went beyond superficial charity, portraying him as a figure of impartial and diligent justice. The historical context reflects ancient patriarchal societies where tribal elders, or respected figures like Job, often served as community leaders, judges, and providers, holding a strong moral authority within their local areas.

Job 29 16 Word analysis

• I was a father (ʾāḇ hāyâ, Strong's H1-H1961): ʾāḇ (father) signifies not merely biological fatherhood but a patriarchal, authoritative, protective, and benevolent role. Job embodied the protector, provider, and mentor, ensuring the well-being of others beyond his immediate family. This implies deep care, responsibility, and an active oversight, not just occasional charity.

• to the poor (lāʾeḇyôn, Strong's H34-H0034): ʾeḇyôn specifically refers to those who are needy, lacking, destitute, often implying an internal sense of destitution, dependency, or humble status due to circumstances. It's not just about material poverty but often a condition of helplessness or being vulnerable to oppression. Job’s “fatherly” role provided a powerful counter-balance to their vulnerability.

• and I searched out (waʾeḥqōr, Strong's H2629-H02629): From the Hebrew root ḥāqar, meaning "to search, investigate, explore, examine thoroughly, scrutinize." This verb emphasizes a diligent, active, and penetrating inquiry. Job didn't wait for complaints but actively sought understanding, demonstrating proactive engagement in matters of justice, often linked to legal investigation.

• the cause (rîḇ, Strong's H7379-H7379): Refers to a dispute, legal controversy, quarrel, or lawsuit. This points to Job’s involvement in formal or informal legal proceedings, where he would discern the facts and mediate or rule fairly. It highlights his role as a just arbiter.

• of him whom I did not know (lōʾ-yāḏaʿtî, Strong's H3808-H3045): lōʾ (not) combined with yāḏaʿtî (I knew) signifies someone unfamiliar or a stranger. This demonstrates Job's impartiality and his commitment to widespread justice, extending his benevolent intervention beyond personal acquaintances, family, or tribal connections. He acted purely on the basis of righteousness and truth, not personal gain or bias.

• "I was a father to the poor": This phrase combines deep compassion with protective authority. It's more than giving; it's active responsibility for their well-being and advocating for them as if they were his own children, signifying a deep, committed relationship rather than transactional charity.

• "and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know": This shows Job's diligence and impartiality in administering justice. He didn't just passively listen to grievances; he actively investigated. His commitment to justice extended to strangers, signifying that his righteous deeds were rooted in principle, not favoritism or self-interest, upholding the highest standards of equity.

Job 29 16 Bonus section

Job's actions described in this verse reflect the ideal of mishpat (justice) and tsedeq (righteousness), often presented in tandem throughout the Old Testament as divine expectations for leaders and individuals. His role transcends mere philanthropy, positioning him as a judicial figure dedicated to upholding societal order through equitable judgments and ensuring the well-being of all, particularly the marginalized. This stands in stark contrast to typical ancient Near Eastern rulers, whose justice was often selective. Job's selfless pursuit of justice for "him whom I did not know" underscores a profoundly theological understanding of righteousness, suggesting his actions were driven by a divine mandate to reflect God's own character of justice and mercy towards the poor and oppressed. The text presents Job as a practical theologian, embodying virtues that later become hallmarks of God's expected behavior from His people, even fulfilled perfectly in Christ.

Job 29 16 Commentary

Job 29:16 powerfully encapsulates Job's righteous character, contrasting with the suffering he now endures. It showcases two critical aspects of true godliness: proactive compassion and impartial justice. Job acted as a spiritual father, taking on the needs of the vulnerable poor, extending them a covering of protection and provision. Crucially, his justice was not superficial or limited to those he knew. He diligently "searched out" the details of legal disputes for strangers, indicating a thorough and impartial commitment to uncovering truth and righting wrongs. This commitment underscores a proactive pursuit of mišpāṭ (justice) and ṣedāqâ (righteousness), making him a practical example of walking justly before God and humanity. His past actions demonstrate a life aligned with divine standards of care for the oppressed, challenging the superficial retribution theology of his friends who argued he must have committed some sin to suffer so greatly.

• Example 1: A community leader spending time investigating a false accusation against a marginalized member, rather than just dismissing it.
• Example 2: An individual actively seeking out opportunities to help those in need whom they've never met, such as volunteering at a legal aid clinic or an orphanage for unfamiliar cases.