King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and [him that had] none to help him.
Complete Jewish Bible:
for I delivered the poor when they cried for assistance, the orphan too, who had no one to help him.
Berean Standard Bible:
because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper.
American Standard Version:
Because I delivered the poor that cried, The fatherless also, that had none to help him.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Because I delivered{H4422} the poor{H6041} that cried{H7768}, and the fatherless{H3490}, and him that had none to help{H5826} him.
Cross-References (KJV):
Psalms 72:12
- For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper.
Proverbs 21:13
- ¶ Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
James 1:27
- Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Deuteronomy 10:18
- He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
Psalms 82:2
- How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
Psalms 82:4
- Deliver the poor and needy: rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked.
Psalms 68:5
- A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, [is] God in his holy habitation.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Job 29:12
Job 29:12 is a verse from the Book of Job, which is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament. The Book of Job explores the themes of suffering, righteousness, and the nature of God's justice. It is set in a narrative framework, where Job is a man known for his piety and wealth, who loses everything in a series of calamities as part of a divine test.
In Job 29, Job reflects on his past life, recalling the honor and respect he once enjoyed in his community. The verse speaks to Job's role as a benefactor and protector of the vulnerable. Specifically, Job recounts how he "delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and [him that had] none to help him." This indicates his active compassion and justice towards those who were marginalized and without social support. In the historical context of the Ancient Near East, where the Book of Job is set, such actions would have been particularly notable, as the society was highly patriarchal and social welfare systems were virtually non-existent. The poor and the fatherless were among the most vulnerable populations, often lacking legal rights and social status.
Job's statement in verse 29:12 highlights his virtue and his adherence to the ethical imperatives found throughout the Hebrew Bible, which repeatedly calls for the care of the widow, the orphan, and the poor (e.g., Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 82:3, Isaiah 1:17). By emphasizing his past deeds, Job is not only lamenting his lost status but also defending his righteousness, which is central to the book's theological debate about why the righteous suffer. This verse underscores the importance of social justice and charity in the biblical tradition and reflects the broader wisdom theme that righteous living involves practical acts of kindness and justice, especially towards those in need.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H4422
There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָלַט
Transliteration: mâlaṭ
Pronunciation: maw-lat'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks; deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. - Strong's Number: H6041
There are 78 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָנִי
Transliteration: ʻânîy
Pronunciation: aw-nee'
Description: from עָנָה; (practically the same as עָנָו, although the margin constantly disputes this, making עָנָו subjective and objective); depressed, in mind or circumstances; afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. - Strong's Number: H7768
There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁוַע
Transliteration: shâvaʻ
Pronunciation: shaw-vah'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to be free; but used only causatively and reflexively, to halloo (for help, i.e. freedom from some trouble); cry (aloud, out), shout. - Strong's Number: H3490
There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָתוֹם
Transliteration: yâthôwm
Pronunciation: yaw-thome'
Description: from an unused root meaning to be lonely; a bereaved person; fatherless (child), orphan. - Strong's Number: H5826
There are 77 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָזַר
Transliteration: ʻâzar
Pronunciation: aw-zar'
Description: a primitive root; to surround, i.e. protect or aid; help, succour.