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.
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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.
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
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.