Job 19:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 19:13 encapsulates the profound relational agony experienced by Job, who, amidst his physical torment and spiritual bewilderment, laments the complete breakdown of his closest human connections. This verse reveals the deep emotional wound of abandonment, as Job perceives that even his most intimate family and friends have been turned away from him, intensifying his isolation and compounding the multifaceted nature of his suffering. It highlights the devastating impact of social ostracization and the perceived divine orchestration of his comprehensive tribulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 19 is a pivotal chapter within Job's extended lament, marking his fourth major speech in response to the accusations of his friends. Having already expressed his physical decay and his desperate plea for divine vindication in earlier chapters, Job here shifts his focus to the excruciating pain of human rejection. This verse immediately follows Job's declaration that God has "stripped me of my glory" and "taken the crown from my head" ([Job 19:9](/job/19-9 "Job 19:9 - God's Stripping of Glory")), indicating his belief that his social standing and relationships, like his physical well-being, are under divine judgment. The subsequent verses continue this theme, describing how even servants and children despise him ([Job 19:15-18](/job/19-15 "Job 19:15-18 - Job Despised by All")), culminating in his famous declaration of faith in a Redeemer ([Job 19:25](/job/19-25 "Job 19:25 - Job's Hope in a Redeemer")). Job 19:13 thus serves as a critical bridge, illustrating the devastating social consequences of his perceived divine abandonment and the failure of human comfort.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, family and community ties were foundational to an individual's identity, security, and social standing. To be estranged from one's "brethren" (a term encompassing close relatives and kinsmen) and "acquaintances" was not merely an emotional blow but a catastrophic loss of social capital, protection, and honor. Hospitality was a sacred duty, and support for the afflicted was expected. Job's experience of being shunned by his inner circle would have been perceived as a profound curse, often associated with divine judgment for grievous sin. His lament reflects the societal expectation that one's community would rally around them in distress, and the crushing disappointment when that expectation was not only unmet but actively subverted, leaving him utterly exposed and vulnerable in a world where social connections were paramount.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job. Foremost is the theme of **profound abandonment**, where Job feels deserted not only by God but also by those closest to him, highlighting the comprehensive nature of his suffering. It underscores the theme of **broken relationships**, illustrating the painful reality that even the most intimate bonds can fracture under the weight of adversity and misunderstanding. Furthermore, it speaks to **social isolation**, a suffering that often rivals or exceeds physical pain, as Job is cut off from the very community that should have offered solace. This relational breakdown is presented as part of the **multifaceted depth of suffering** Job endures, challenging the simplistic theological framework of his friends who attribute all his woes to personal sin. Job's lament here also subtly touches on the theme of **perceived divine agency in suffering**, as he attributes the estrangement of his loved ones to God's action ("He hath put...").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brethren (Hebrew, _'ach'_):** This term (אָח) is broad in its biblical usage, referring not only to biological brothers but also to kinsmen, close relatives, or even members of the same tribe or covenant community. In Job's context, it signifies those with whom he shared the deepest familial and communal bonds, implying a natural expectation of unwavering loyalty and support. The fact that even these "brethren" are "put far from me" underscores the extremity of his isolation.
* **Acquaintance (Hebrew, _meyuda'ay'_):** Derived from the verb ידע (yada'), "to know," this word (מְיֻדָּעַי) literally means "my known ones" or "those familiar to me." It refers to a circle of close friends and trusted associates, distinct from mere casual contacts. The estrangement of these individuals signifies a complete collapse of Job's social network, leaving him without any familiar face to turn to for comfort or understanding.
* **Estranged (Hebrew, _zaru'_):** This verb (זָרוּ), from the root זור (zur), means "to be a stranger," "to turn away," or "to become alien." It denotes a deliberate act of separation or alienation, implying that Job's acquaintances have not merely drifted away but have actively become foreign or hostile towards him. The "verily" in the KJV emphasizes the certainty and painful reality of this complete break in familiar bonds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath put my brethren far from me":** Job attributes the painful reality of his relational breakdown directly to God. In his suffering, Job perceives God as the ultimate agent behind all his calamities, including the alienation of his closest family members. This reflects Job's consistent theological framework, where God's sovereignty extends even to the most painful aspects of human experience. The phrase implies a forceful, intentional act by God to sever these vital connections, intensifying Job's sense of divine abandonment and cosmic injustice.
* **"and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me":** This clause parallels and intensifies the first, extending the circle of alienation from family to trusted friends and associates. The use of "verily estranged" emphasizes the completeness and undeniable nature of this separation. It highlights the emotional and social devastation Job experiences, as those who should have offered comfort and solidarity have instead become like strangers, turning away from him in his time of greatest need. This total relational collapse leaves Job in a state of profound and agonizing isolation.

#### Literary Devices
Job 19:13 masterfully employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a common feature of Hebrew poetry. The first half of the verse, "He hath put my brethren far from me," is echoed and reinforced by the second half, "and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me." "Brethren" and "acquaintance" serve as parallel terms for Job's inner circle of relationships, while "put far from me" and "estranged from me" similarly convey the idea of active separation and alienation. This parallelism does not merely repeat the idea but intensifies it, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of Job's relational abandonment – it affects both his closest family and his trusted friends. The verse also utilizes **Pathos**, evoking deep sympathy and sorrow for Job's plight. His lament is raw and emotionally charged, drawing the reader into his experience of profound loneliness and betrayal. The **Hyperbole** of "He hath put" (God's direct action) underscores Job's perception of the cosmic scale of his suffering, where even human relationships are manipulated by divine will, amplifying his sense of helplessness and despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 19:13 serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human relationships, especially under the immense pressure of suffering. It highlights a universal human experience: the pain of being abandoned or misunderstood by those we expect to be our closest allies. Theologically, Job's lament challenges simplistic notions of divine justice and human loyalty. It underscores that suffering is often multifaceted, encompassing not only physical and spiritual distress but also profound relational brokenness. While Job attributes this estrangement to God, the verse also implicitly critiques the failure of human compassion and the tendency of people to distance themselves from those who are afflicted, often out of fear, misunderstanding, or a desire to avoid perceived contamination. This human failure, however, ultimately serves to magnify the steadfastness of God's love, which, unlike human affection, does not waver in the face of adversity.

* [Psalm 38:11](/psalms/38-11 "Psalm 38:11 - Friends Stand Afar Off")
* [Psalm 69:8](/psalms/69-8 "Psalm 69:8 - Alien to My Brothers")
* [Lamentations 1:2](/lamentations/1-2 "Lamentations 1:2 - Lovers Have Forsaken Her")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's agonizing cry in Job 19:13 resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the profound pain of relational abandonment during times of intense personal suffering, whether it be illness, financial ruin, grief, or social ostracization. It reminds us that while human support is a precious gift, it is ultimately fallible and can fail when we need it most. This verse challenges us to cultivate empathy and steadfast loyalty, urging us to be the kind of friends who "love at all times" and "are born for adversity" ([Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")). It also serves as a crucial reminder that our ultimate hope and source of unwavering comfort must rest not in the shifting sands of human relationships, but in the unshakeable faithfulness of God. When all human support crumbles, the divine presence remains, offering a solace that transcends the deepest wounds of betrayal and isolation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when those you expect to support you withdraw or become estranged during your times of suffering?**
* **What does Job's lament teach us about the multifaceted nature of human suffering, extending beyond physical pain to include profound relational brokenness?**
* **In what practical ways can we cultivate greater empathy and steadfast loyalty to those in our community who are experiencing isolation or hardship?**
* **Where do you ultimately find steadfast comfort and unwavering support when human relationships fail or prove insufficient?**

### FAQ

**Why does Job attribute this estrangement to God ("He hath put")?**

Answer: Job's attribution of his relational breakdown to God ("He hath put my brethren far from me") is consistent with his broader theological framework throughout the book. Job operates from a deep conviction in God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of creation and human experience, including both blessings and calamities. Unlike his friends, who believe his suffering is a direct punishment for specific sins, Job maintains his innocence while still acknowledging God's ultimate control. He perceives God as the orchestrator of his entire ordeal, even the painful social isolation. This perspective, while agonizing for Job, highlights a central tension in the book: how can a righteous God allow such comprehensive suffering, including the abandonment by loved ones, to befall an innocent person? Job's cry is not an accusation of God's injustice in the sense of a moral failing, but rather a desperate plea for understanding from the One he believes is ultimately responsible for his plight. He is grappling with the mystery of divine action in human suffering, even when it manifests through the actions (or inactions) of others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's profound lament of abandonment by his brethren and acquaintances finds its ultimate and most poignant fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While Job's suffering was immense, it foreshadows the complete and cosmic abandonment experienced by the Son of God. Jesus, during His earthly ministry, was betrayed by one of His closest disciples, Judas ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas' Betrayal")), denied by His most vocal follower, Peter ([Matthew 26:69-75](/matthew/26-69 "Matthew 26:69-75 - Peter's Denial")), and forsaken by all His disciples who "left him and fled" in His hour of greatest need ([Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Disciples Flee")). Yet, the deepest fulfillment of Job's cry comes on the cross, where Jesus, bearing the sin of the world, experienced not just human abandonment but the terrifying and unique abandonment by God the Father, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - The Cry of Dereliction")). This divine estrangement, which Job could only perceive as a consequence of his own suffering, was for Christ the very means of our salvation. By enduring the ultimate alienation, Jesus became the one who would never leave us nor forsake us ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave Us")), offering a steadfast companionship that transcends all human failure and relational brokenness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 88:8

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

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

Psalms 69:8

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

Psalms 31:11

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

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

Matthew 26:56

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

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.