Job 19:14

KJV

My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.

KJV (with Strong's)

My kinsfolk {H7138} have failed {H2308}, and my familiar friends {H3045} have forgotten {H7911} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

my kinsfolk have failed me, and my close friends have forgotten me.

Berean Standard Bible

My kinsmen have failed me, and my friends have forgotten me.

American Standard Version

My kinsfolk have failed, And my familiar friends have forgotten me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 19:14 offers a profound and heart-wrenching lament from Job, articulating the devastating experience of complete human abandonment amidst his immense suffering. He expresses the crushing reality that even his closest relatives and most trusted companions, those from whom he might expect unwavering loyalty and comfort, have utterly withdrawn their support and forgotten his plight, leaving him in a state of profound isolation and despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 19:14 is situated within Job's third cycle of speeches, specifically his impassioned response to Bildad (Job 19:1-29). Having already expressed his feeling of being attacked and forsaken by God, as seen in passages like [Job 19:6](/job/19-6 "Job 19:6 - God's Affliction"), Job turns his lament toward the human dimension of his suffering. Verses [Job 19:13-19](/job/19-13-19 "Job 19:13-19 - Job's Comprehensive Isolation") detail a comprehensive catalog of human desertion, including his brothers, acquaintances, servants, and even his wife and children. This particular verse focuses on the most intimate circles—his kinsfolk and familiar friends—underscoring the unexpected and deeply painful nature of their betrayal. This deep human abandonment serves as a stark backdrop against which Job's remarkable declaration of faith in his living Redeemer, found later in [Job 19:25-27](/job/19-25-27 "Job 19:25-27 - Job's Declaration of His Redeemer"), shines with even greater brilliance and theological significance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, kinship and friendship were not merely social constructs but fundamental pillars of identity, security, and survival. Family (the _mishpachah_) provided a primary safety net, while trusted friends were considered "brothers" in loyalty, as articulated in texts like [Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother"). To be abandoned by one's kinsfolk and familiar friends was a catastrophic social and emotional blow, often tantamount to social death, leaving an individual utterly vulnerable and disgraced. Job, once a man of immense wealth, status, and respect, as vividly described in [Job 1](/job/1 "Job 1 - Introduction to Job's Character and Prosperity"), now experiences the ultimate reversal. He is stripped not only of his material possessions and health but also of the very human connections that defined his place in society. This profound abandonment would have been profoundly shameful and isolating in his cultural setting, intensifying his suffering exponentially.

* **Key Themes:** Job 19:14 powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout the entire [Book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - Suffering and Sovereignty"). Foremost is the theme of **profound abandonment and betrayal**, where those who should offer solace instead inflict further pain through their absence and forgetfulness. This highlights the **fragility of human relationships** when subjected to extreme duress; even the strongest bonds can falter in the face of prolonged suffering or societal stigma. The verse also underscores the **crushing weight of loneliness** that accompanies physical and emotional pain when all human solace is withdrawn. It speaks to the **inadequacy of human comfort** in the face of ultimate suffering, subtly pointing towards the need for a more steadfast and divine source of hope and companionship, which Job ultimately finds in his Redeemer. This deep human isolation serves to magnify the unique nature of Job's trial and the ultimate faithfulness of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kinsfolk (Hebrew, _qârôwb'_):** This term (קָרוֹב, H7138) derives from a root meaning "to draw near." It refers to those who are "near" in place, kindred, or time, specifically signifying blood relatives or those bound by a strong familial tie. The use of this word emphasizes that the betrayal comes from the very people expected to be most loyal and supportive due to natural, inherent bonds. Their failure represents a deep violation of societal and familial expectations, a profound collapse of the most fundamental support system.
* **Failed (Hebrew, _châdal'_):** The verb (חָדַל, H2308) is a primitive root meaning "to be flabby," which by implication means "to desist." It conveys the sense of ceasing, ending, forsaking, or leaving off. In this context, it implies not merely an inability to help, but an active withdrawal or disappearance of their presence and support. Their failure is not passive but an intentional or neglectful cessation of their role in Job's life, leaving him utterly bereft and abandoned.
* **Forgotten me (Hebrew, _shâkach'_):** The verb (שָׁכַח, H7911) is a primitive root meaning "to mislay" or "to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention." In Hebrew thought, "to forget" often implies more than a simple lapse of memory; it can signify a deliberate act of disregard, neglect, or even rejection. Here, it suggests that his friends have actively chosen to erase him from their minds and hearts, treating him as if he no longer exists or matters to them, a deeply painful form of emotional and social excision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My kinsfolk have failed":** This clause expresses the shocking and painful reality that Job's closest blood relatives, those from whom he had every right to expect unwavering support and loyalty, have actively withdrawn their presence and assistance. The natural bonds of family, which should be the most resilient and foundational, have dissolved under the immense pressure of his suffering, leaving him without his primary support system and compounding his agony.
* **"and my familiar friends have forgotten me":** This second clause deepens the sense of isolation and betrayal, extending beyond the immediate family. It refers to those trusted companions with whom Job shared intimate knowledge and camaraderie. They have not merely abandoned him but have seemingly erased him from their memory and concern. This "forgetting" implies a callous disregard, a deliberate act of emotional and social excision, leaving Job utterly alone in his profound pain and despair.

#### Literary Devices
Job 19:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of Job's despair and the totality of his abandonment. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the two balanced clauses, "My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me." This synonymous parallelism intensifies the message of abandonment by presenting two facets of the same devastating reality, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of his isolation. The language also utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the perceived completeness of his desertion; while perhaps not every single relative or friend had literally vanished, Job's experience feels absolute and overwhelming. This exaggeration effectively communicates the profound emotional impact of his situation. Furthermore, the verse is steeped in **Pathos**, skillfully evoking deep sympathy and pity for Job's plight. His raw, honest lament taps into universal human fears of betrayal and loneliness, making his suffering relatable and profoundly moving to the reader. The **Irony** of Job, a man of immense standing and influence, being reduced to such social destitution further amplifies the tragic nature of his circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 19:14 stands as a stark testament to the profound limitations and inherent fragility of human relationships, especially when subjected to the crucible of extreme suffering. While the Bible consistently affirms the value and importance of human connection, Job's experience underscores that even the most intimate bonds can falter or fail when confronted with overwhelming adversity, societal stigma, or fear. This highlights a crucial theological truth: ultimate and unwavering faithfulness resides solely with God. When human comfort, loyalty, and memory cease, divine steadfastness remains. Job's lament, therefore, serves not only as a cry of profound despair but also as an implicit pointer to the desperate human need for a transcendent source of hope and companionship—a theme that will powerfully culminate in his declaration of faith in his living Redeemer. It serves as a poignant reminder that while we are called to be faithful friends and family, our ultimate security and solace must rest in the One who never leaves or forsakes His own.

* [Psalm 38:11](/psalms/38-11 "Psalm 38:11 - Friends and Companions Stand Aloof")
* [Psalm 69:8](/psalms/69-8 "Psalm 69:8 - Alien to My Brothers")
* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's poignant cry in Job 19:14 resonates deeply with the universal human experience of betrayal, loneliness, and the profound pain of feeling forgotten by those we love and trust. In a world where relationships can be fragile and loyalty often conditional, Job's lament serves as a powerful reminder of the profound vulnerability inherent in human connection. It challenges us to cultivate empathy for those who suffer in isolation, whether due to illness, loss, social stigma, or other forms of adversity, and to actively resist the temptation to withdraw from them. This verse calls us to be the kind of friends and family who "love at all times," even when circumstances are difficult or uncomfortable, echoing the spirit of [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times"). Furthermore, Job's experience highlights the ultimate limitation of human support; while vital and necessary, it can never fully satisfy our deepest need for unwavering faithfulness. This profound realization should drive us to seek our ultimate refuge and steadfast companion in God, who promises never to leave or forsake His people ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")). For those who have experienced similar abandonment, Job's raw honesty validates their pain, encouraging them to bring their brokenness and despair to the One who understands, sympathizes, and remains eternally faithful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's lament challenge our expectations of human loyalty and support in times of profound crisis, and what does it reveal about the nature of human relationships?**
* **In what ways might we, perhaps unintentionally, "fail" or "forget" those who are suffering around us, and how can we cultivate a more compassionate, consistent, and present ministry of care?**
* **When human relationships inevitably falter or disappoint, where do we ultimately find our deepest and most reliable source of comfort, steadfastness, and true companionship that transcends all earthly limitations?**

### FAQ
**Why is Job's abandonment by kinsfolk and friends so significant in the larger narrative?**

Answer: Job's abandonment by his kinsfolk and familiar friends is profoundly significant because it completes the cycle of his suffering, moving beyond material and physical loss to include the deepest emotional and social pain. In ancient Near Eastern culture, kinship and community were paramount for identity, security, and social standing. To be forsaken by one's closest relations and trusted companions was a form of social death, adding immense psychological and emotional agony to his already unbearable physical and financial calamities. This total isolation underscores the absolute nature of his trial, making his eventual declaration of faith in his Redeemer ([Job 19:25](/job/19-25 "Job 19:25 - Job's Declaration of the Redeemer")) all the more remarkable and powerful, as it emerges from a place of utter human desolation, highlighting the divine as his only remaining hope.

**Does this verse imply that all human relationships are unreliable or not worth investing in?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that all human relationships are inherently unreliable or that we should not invest in them. Rather, it highlights their inherent fragility and limitations, especially when tested by extreme adversity. The Bible consistently values and promotes healthy human relationships, emphasizing the importance of family, friendship, and community (e.g., [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times"); [Ecclesiastes 4:9-12](/ecclesiastes/4-9 "Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - The Value of Companionship")). Job's experience serves as a sobering reminder that while human bonds are precious, they are ultimately finite and can fail. This realization then directs our gaze to God, whose faithfulness and love are absolute and unwavering, providing the ultimate and unfailing source of comfort and companionship when all human support proves insufficient ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You")). It is a call to anchor our ultimate hope in God, not to abandon human connection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's lament of abandonment by his kinsfolk and familiar friends in Job 19:14 finds its profoundest echo and ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Job, though righteous in his generation, was forsaken by those closest to him in his suffering, so too was Jesus, the perfectly righteous Son of God, abandoned by His disciples in His hour of greatest need. His closest followers scattered at His arrest, as recorded in [Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Disciples Abandon Jesus"); Peter, His most vocal disciple, denied Him three times ([Matthew 26:69-75](/matthew/26-69-75 "Matthew 26:69-75 - Peter Denies Jesus")); and Judas, one of His familiar friends, tragically betrayed Him with a kiss ([Matthew 26:48-49](/matthew/26-48-49 "Matthew 26:48-49 - Judas's Betrayal")). The ultimate abandonment came on the cross, as Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus Cries Out to God")), bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and the Father's wrath. In experiencing this profound human and divine abandonment, Jesus perfectly identifies with Job's suffering and the deepest human pain of isolation. Yet, unlike Job's friends who failed him, Christ's faithfulness to us never fails. His perfect solidarity in suffering means that in our moments of feeling forgotten or betrayed, we have a High Priest who understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Through His atoning work, He offers us an unbreakable bond and an eternal friendship that transcends all human limitations, promising never to leave us nor forsake us ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")). Thus, Job's cry foreshadows the ultimate suffering of the Lamb of God, who, through His abandonment, secures for us an everlasting and faithful communion with God Himself.

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 38:11

My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.

Matthew 10:21

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.

2 Samuel 16:23

And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, [was] as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so [was] all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

Jeremiah 20:10

For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, [say they], and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, [saying], Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

Psalms 55:12

For [it was] not an enemy [that] reproached me; then I could have borne [it]: neither [was it] he that hated me [that] did magnify [himself] against me; then I would have hid myself from him:

Psalms 55:14

We took sweet counsel together, [and] walked unto the house of God in company.

Proverbs 18:24

¶ A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.