King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make [the oppressed] to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.
Complete Jewish Bible:
People cry out from under many oppressions; they cry for help from under the fist of the mighty.
Berean Standard Bible:
Men cry out under great oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the mighty.
American Standard Version:
By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out; They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
By reason of the multitude{H7230} of oppressions{H6217} they make the oppressed to cry{H2199}: they cry out{H7768} by reason of the arm{H2220} of the mighty{H7227}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Exodus 2:23
- ¶ And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
Job 34:28
- So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.
Exodus 3:9
- Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
Luke 18:3
- And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Luke 18:7
- And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Psalms 43:2
- For thou [art] the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
Psalms 56:1
- ¶ To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Job 35:9
Job 35:9 is a verse from the Book of Job, a poetic narrative that explores the themes of suffering, justice, and the nature of faith in the face of extreme adversity. The verse is part of a speech by Elihu, one of Job's friends, who enters the conversation to offer his perspective on Job's predicament. Elihu speaks after Job's three other friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—have failed to provide satisfactory explanations for Job's suffering.
In this verse, Elihu is addressing the issue of oppression and the cries of the oppressed. The historical context of the Book of Job is set in the patriarchal era, a time when societies were often led by powerful figures whose actions were rarely questioned. Elihu's statement reflects the reality of ancient societies where the powerful could, and often did, exploit and oppress the less fortunate without immediate consequences.
The text suggests that the oppressed are driven to cry out because of the sheer volume of injustices they endure. The phrase "the arm of the mighty" symbolizes the strength and power of the oppressors, indicating that it is the force of their tyranny that compels the oppressed to plead for relief or justice. Elihu seems to be acknowledging that suffering often leads to an appeal for help, and in the context of Job's experiences, it underscores the idea that innocent suffering can be a catalyst for an outcry to God.
In summary, Job 35:9 reflects on the dynamics of power and oppression, highlighting how the strong can dominate and harm the weak, leading to cries for divine intervention. It touches on the broader theme of theodicy—the justice of God—which is central to the Book of Job: why do the righteous suffer, and how does God respond to the cries of those unjustly treated? Elihu's words contribute to the larger dialogue about the nature of God's governance in a world where evil and suffering are evident.
*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: H7230
There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רֹב
Transliteration: rôb
Pronunciation: robe
Description: from רָבַב; abundance (in any respect); abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). - Strong's Number: H6217
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָשׁוּק
Transliteration: ʻâshûwq
Pronunciation: aw-shook'
Description: or עָשֻׁק; passive participle of עָשַׁק; used in plural masculine as abstractly, tyranny; oppressed(-ion). (Doubtful.) - Strong's Number: H2199
There are 73 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זָעַק
Transliteration: zâʻaq
Pronunciation: zaw-ak'
Description: a primitive root; to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly; assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. - 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: H2220
There are 84 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זְרוֹעַ
Transliteration: zᵉrôwaʻ
Pronunciation: zer-o'-ah
Description: or (shortened) זְרֹעַ; and (feminine) זְרוֹעָה; or זְרֹעָה; from זָרַע; the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force; arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. - Strong's Number: H7227
There are 439 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רַב
Transliteration: rab
Pronunciation: rab
Description: by contracted from רָבַב; abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality); (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent).