Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Job 19:13

Next

He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me.

He hath put {H7368} my brethren {H251} far {H7368} from me, and mine acquaintance {H3045} are verily estranged {H2114} from me.

"He has made my brothers keep their distance, those who know me are wholly estranged from me,

He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me.

He hath put my brethren far from me, And mine acquaintance are wholly estranged from me.

Commentary

This verse is part of Job's passionate response to his friends in chapter 19, where he deeply laments his suffering and the complete breakdown of his relationships. After describing his physical decay and perceived abandonment by God, Job turns to the pain caused by human rejection.

Context

In Job 19, Job is at the height of his despair, feeling utterly alone and misunderstood. His friends, who came to comfort him, have instead become accusers, attributing his suffering to sin. This verse highlights the social dimension of Job's tribulation – not only is he afflicted physically and spiritually, but his closest relationships have also crumbled. He feels abandoned by those who should have been nearest to him, intensifying his sense of profound isolation.

Key Themes

  • Abandonment: The core theme is Job's feeling of being deserted by his family and friends.
  • Broken Relationships: The verse speaks to the pain of estrangement from loved ones during times of hardship.
  • Social Isolation: Beyond physical pain, Job experiences the deep emotional wound of being cut off from his community.
  • The Depth of Suffering: This shows that Job's suffering was multifaceted, including the loss of social support.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "brethren" (אָח - 'ach') here refers broadly to close relatives or kinsmen. "Acquaintance" (מְיֻדָּעַי - meyuda'ay) means "known ones" or familiar friends. The phrase "are verily estranged" (זָרוּ מִמֶּנִּי - zaru mimmenni) means they have become alien or strange to him, emphasizing a turning away or alienation. It signifies a complete break in the familiar bond.

Related Scriptures

Job's experience of being abandoned by those close to him is echoed in other parts of Scripture describing intense suffering or rejection. See how Psalm 38:11 describes friends standing afar off during affliction, or Psalm 69:8 speaks of becoming an alien to one's brethren. These verses highlight the universal pain of relational brokenness during trials.

Practical Application

Job's lament resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of friends or family distancing themselves during difficult times like illness, financial trouble, or grief. This verse reminds us that human support, while precious, can fail. It challenges us to be faithful friends who love at all times and stick closer than a brother, especially when others are suffering. It also points us to the ultimate source of comfort and steadfast love, which does not abandon us.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 88:8 (6 votes)

    Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: [I am] shut up, and I cannot come forth.

  • Psalms 88:18 (5 votes)

    Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, [and] mine acquaintance into darkness.

  • Psalms 69:8 (5 votes)

    I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.

  • Psalms 31:11 (4 votes)

    I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

  • Job 16:7 (2 votes)

    But now he hath made me weary: thou hast made desolate all my company.

  • Matthew 26:56 (2 votes)

    But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

  • Psalms 69:20 (2 votes)

    Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked [for some] to take pity, but [there was] none; and for comforters, but I found none.