Job 24:7

KJV

They cause the naked to lodge without clothing, that [they have] no covering in the cold.

KJV (with Strong's)

They cause the naked {H6174} to lodge {H3885} without clothing {H3830}, that they have no covering {H3682} in the cold {H7135}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They pass the night without clothing, naked, uncovered in the cold,

Berean Standard Bible

Without clothing, they spend the night naked; they have no covering against the cold.

American Standard Version

They lie all night naked without clothing, And have no covering in the cold.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 24:7 vividly portrays a profound act of social injustice: the deliberate exploitation and neglect of the most vulnerable, leaving them exposed to the elements without basic necessities. This verse serves as a stark indictment of the wicked, whose prosperity Job observes with deep perplexity, challenging the conventional wisdom of his friends and intensifying his struggle with the apparent inaction of divine justice in the face of rampant oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 24 is part of Job's third cycle of speeches, though its exact placement and integrity are debated by scholars. In this chapter, Job continues his passionate, often agonizing, discourse against the simplistic theological framework offered by his friends, who insist that suffering is always a direct consequence of sin. Job, through a series of vivid, almost journalistic, descriptions, paints a grim picture of widespread social injustice. He enumerates the heinous acts of the wicked—moving boundary stones, stealing from the poor, and, as highlighted in this verse, depriving the destitute of their meager coverings. This detailed catalog of societal ills serves to underscore Job's central dilemma: why do the wicked often prosper and escape immediate judgment, while the righteous suffer? The verse is a rhetorical device, not merely an observation, but a direct challenge to God's perceived inaction, intensifying the theological tension of the book concerning divine justice and human suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, clothing was far more than a fashion statement; it was a fundamental necessity for survival, providing warmth against the cold nights and protection from the elements. For the poor, a single garment often served as both daywear and night covering. Mosaic Law, acutely aware of this vulnerability, explicitly protected the poor from being permanently deprived of their essential covering, even when used as collateral for a loan. For instance, [Exodus 22:26-27](/exodus/22-26 "Exodus 22:26-27 - Law Concerning a Neighbor's Garment") and [Deuteronomy 24:10-13](/deuteronomy/24-10 "Deuteronomy 24:10-13 - Law Regarding Pledges") mandated that a garment taken as a pledge must be returned by nightfall so the borrower could sleep. To "cause the naked to lodge without clothing" was therefore not merely neglect but an active, cruel transgression against both human dignity and divine law, exposing the victim to severe physical suffering and potential death from hypothermia. This act epitomized the callous disregard for the most vulnerable members of society.
* **Key Themes:** Job 24:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Job. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Gross Injustice and Oppression**, portraying a society where the powerful actively strip the poor of their dignity and means of survival, demonstrating not just neglect but active cruelty. This leads directly to the theme of the **Vulnerability of the Poor**, emphasizing their utter defenselessness against exploitation, where even basic necessities like clothing are denied. The oppressors' actions reveal a profound **Lack of Compassion**, a callous disregard that underscores the moral depravity Job observes in the world. Most significantly, this verse, alongside the other examples in the chapter, intensifies Job's **Challenge to Divine Order**. The existence of such blatant, unpunished injustice—where the wicked thrive while the innocent suffer—directly contradicts the simplistic retribution theology of Job's friends and forces a profound questioning of God's justice and active involvement in human affairs, a central theological tension explored throughout [the book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - Suffering and Divine Justice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Naked (Hebrew, _‘arom'_):** This term (עָרֹם) signifies more than merely being unclothed; it conveys a state of utter destitution, exposure, and vulnerability. It implies being stripped bare of all protection, dignity, and resources, leaving one completely defenseless against the elements and the whims of others. It evokes a sense of shame and extreme hardship.
* **Covering (Hebrew, _kesuth'_):** The word (כְּסוּת) refers to essential clothing, a blanket, or a cloak—a basic necessity for warmth and protection, especially during the cold nights in the ancient Near East. Its denial was a direct act of cruelty, violating both social norms and the spirit of the Law, which protected the poor’s right to such a garment, even if it was pledged (e.g., [Exodus 22:26](/exodus/22-26 "Exodus 22:26 - Law on Pledges")).
* **Cold (Hebrew, _qor'_):** This term (קֹר) emphasizes the severe physical suffering inflicted by exposure. It highlights the harsh, tangible reality of the oppressors' cruelty, who deliberately subject the vulnerable to the elements, threatening their very survival and underscoring the depth of their inhumanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They cause the naked to lodge without clothing,"**: This clause immediately establishes the active role of the oppressors. It's not passive neglect but a deliberate action ("cause") that results in the destitute ("the naked," implying those already stripped of resources) being forced to spend the night ("lodge") without the most basic form of protection. This highlights the intentionality and cruelty of the exploitation, going beyond mere indifference to active deprivation.
* **"that [they have] no covering in the cold."**: This second clause specifies the dire consequence of the oppressors' actions. The lack of "covering" (essential clothing or blankets) directly leads to extreme physical suffering and danger due to "the cold." This emphasizes the severe, life-threatening nature of the injustice, underscoring the oppressors' complete lack of empathy and their willingness to subject others to mortal peril for their own gain or callous disregard.

#### Literary Devices
Job 24:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid and distressing picture of the "naked" shivering "in the cold," evoking a visceral sense of suffering and vulnerability. This stark image relies on the reader's understanding of basic human needs and the harshness of exposure. The verse also utilizes **Pathos**, appealing directly to the reader's emotions by describing the plight of the utterly defenseless, thereby eliciting sympathy for the oppressed and indignation against the oppressors. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the comfortable, secure lives of "they" (the wicked oppressors) and the perilous, exposed existence of "the naked." This contrast highlights the moral chasm between the two groups and intensifies the sense of injustice that Job is lamenting. The direct, unadorned language contributes to the verse's stark realism and emotional impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 24:7 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical emphasis on justice and compassion for the vulnerable. It reflects a consistent prophetic and Mosaic condemnation of those who exploit the poor and powerless, portraying such actions as a direct affront to God's character and His covenantal demands. The verse underscores the theological truth that God sees and cares for the oppressed, even when His justice seems delayed or hidden from human perception. It challenges the notion that material prosperity is always a sign of divine favor, forcing a deeper reflection on the nature of righteousness and the reality of evil in the world. Ultimately, Job's lament in this verse serves as a call for divine intervention and a reminder of humanity's moral obligation to uphold justice and provide for the basic needs of all, reflecting God's own heart for the marginalized.

* [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Oppressing the Poor Reproaches God")
* [Isaiah 58:7](/isaiah/58-7 "Isaiah 58:7 - The True Fast")
* [Matthew 25:36](/matthew/25-36 "Matthew 25:36 - Jesus' Teaching on Caring for the Needy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 24:7, though ancient, resonates with striking contemporary relevance, serving as a timeless indictment of social injustice and human exploitation. It compels us to confront the enduring reality that many in our world still lack basic necessities—shelter, food, and clothing—not merely due to unfortunate circumstances, but often because of systemic inequities or the callous indifference of those with power and resources. This verse challenges believers to move beyond passive observation to active empathy and engagement. Our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a call to embody God's justice and compassion in a broken world. It demands that we not only recognize the "naked" in our midst—those stripped bare by poverty, injustice, or neglect—but also actively seek to provide covering, warmth, and dignity, reflecting the very heart of God for the marginalized. While Job wrestled with the timing of divine justice, the biblical narrative consistently affirms that God sees the suffering of the oppressed and will ultimately bring about His perfect justice, providing both hope and a powerful impetus for our continued advocacy and action on behalf of the vulnerable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do individuals or systems today "cause the naked to lodge without clothing," metaphorically or literally?**
* **How does this verse challenge my own assumptions about wealth, poverty, and divine justice?**
* **What concrete steps can I, or my community, take to provide "covering" and warmth to those who are vulnerable and exposed in our society?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 24:7 imply God is absent or indifferent to injustice?**

Answer: While Job's lament in [Job 24](/job/24 "Job 24 - Job's Lament on the Prosperity of the Wicked") expresses his profound perplexity and frustration with God's apparent inaction in the face of rampant injustice, the verse itself does not imply God's indifference. Instead, it highlights Job's struggle to reconcile the reality of unpunished evil with his belief in a just and righteous God. The book of Job ultimately reveals that God is indeed sovereign and just, though His ways and timing are often beyond human comprehension ([Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job")). The very act of Job's passionate protest is an appeal to God's justice, demonstrating his conviction that such injustice should not stand. Throughout Scripture, God is consistently portrayed as the defender of the poor and oppressed, and the one who will ultimately bring all hidden things to light and execute perfect justice ([Psalm 9:9-10](/psalm/9-9 "Psalm 9:9-10 - The Lord is a Refuge for the Oppressed"); [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay, Says the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 24:7, with its stark depiction of the oppressed left vulnerable and exposed, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in multiple profound ways. First, Jesus Christ perfectly embodies the justice that Job longed for, not merely as an abstract concept, but as a lived reality. He consistently identified with the poor, the marginalized, and the suffering, declaring that "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - The King's Judgment")). His very life was a testament to radical compassion, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and offering hope to the outcast. Second, Christ himself became "naked" and exposed on the cross, taking upon Himself the ultimate vulnerability and suffering of humanity, bearing the sin of the world so that we might be clothed in His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His sacrifice provides the ultimate "covering" for our spiritual nakedness before a holy God. Finally, the church, as the body of Christ, is called to continue His mission of justice and mercy, actively seeking to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and advocate for the oppressed, thereby reflecting the compassionate heart of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who came to bring light into a world shrouded in darkness and injustice ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")).

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

Exodus 22:26

If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:

Exodus 22:27

For that [is] his covering only, it [is] his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I [am] gracious.

Job 22:6

For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.

Deuteronomy 24:11

Thou shalt stand abroad, and the man to whom thou dost lend shall bring out the pledge abroad unto thee.

Deuteronomy 24:13

In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God.

Job 24:10

They cause [him] to go naked without clothing, and they take away the sheaf [from] the hungry;

Acts 9:31

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.