Job 29:13

KJV

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

KJV (with Strong's)

The blessing {H1293} of him that was ready to perish {H6} came {H935} upon me: and I caused the widow's {H490} heart {H3820} to sing for joy {H7442}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who had been about to die would bless me, and I made widows sing in their hearts for joy.

Berean Standard Bible

The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy.

American Standard Version

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me; And I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 29:13 is part of Job's profound lament and self-defense, where he vividly contrasts his past life of honor, prosperity, and active righteousness with his current state of inexplicable suffering. This verse specifically highlights his deep commitment to social justice and compassionate care for the most vulnerable members of society, demonstrating how his benevolent actions brought blessings from those he helped and transformed sorrow into joy for the distressed, particularly the widow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 29 initiates the final monologue of Job (chapters 29-31), a powerful and poignant defense of his integrity before God and his friends. Having endured the accusations and theological debates of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, and having directly challenged God in previous chapters, Job now recalls his former days of glory and influence. This chapter serves as a stark contrast to his current desolation, painting a picture of a man once revered and blessed, now stripped of everything. Verse 13, in particular, showcases his practical righteousness, detailing how his former status was not merely about wealth or power, but about actively using his position to uplift the marginalized and bring justice to the oppressed, setting the stage for his subsequent oath of innocence in chapter 31.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, society was often structured hierarchically, and the vulnerable—such as the orphan, the sojourner, and especially the widow—were highly susceptible to exploitation and destitution without a male protector. Laws and societal norms often placed responsibility on the community's leaders and the wealthy to care for these groups. Job's actions, as described in this verse, reflect the highest ideals of justice and compassion expected of a righteous leader in his time. His concern for "him that was ready to perish" and the "widow" aligns with the Mosaic Law's repeated injunctions to protect the vulnerable, demonstrating a pre-Mosaic or patriarchal adherence to universal ethical principles of care and justice that resonate throughout biblical tradition, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable") or [Exodus 22:22-24](/exodus/22-22 "Exodus 22:22-24 - Do Not Oppress Widows and Orphans").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Job. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Active Righteousness**, demonstrating that Job's piety was not merely ceremonial or internal, but manifested in tangible acts of justice and mercy towards the most desperate. It highlights the **Care for the Vulnerable**, portraying Job as a champion for the marginalized, particularly the widow, whose plight was often overlooked. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on social justice and compassion for the poor and oppressed, a theme echoed in prophetic literature and wisdom writings, for example, in [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak Up for the Voiceless"). Furthermore, the verse implicitly touches upon the theme of **Blessing and Consequence**, not in a strict quid pro quo sense, but as the natural outcome of a life lived righteously. The "blessing" Job received was the deep gratitude and profound relief of those he helped, illustrating the intrinsic reward of selfless service and the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others, bringing joy where there was despair.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessing (Hebrew, _berakah'_):** While _berakah_ often refers to divine favor or material prosperity, in this context, it primarily denotes the heartfelt good wishes, gratitude, and commendation from those whom Job assisted. It signifies the positive affirmation and profound appreciation that came upon Job as a direct result of his benevolent actions, reflecting the reciprocal nature of compassion where the recipient's well-being becomes a source of spiritual enrichment for the giver.
* **Ready to perish (Hebrew, _'abad'_):** The verb _'abad_ conveys a state of being lost, ruined, destroyed, or on the verge of death. This phrase vividly portrays individuals in dire, hopeless circumstances, facing utter ruin or even death. It underscores the severity of the situations from which Job rescued people, emphasizing his intervention as a life-saving act that pulled individuals back from the brink of complete despair and destruction.
* **Caused... to sing for joy (Hebrew, _ranan'_):** The verb _ranan_ means to shout for joy, to sing, or to utter a joyful sound. The Hiphil (causative) stem here indicates that Job actively brought about this profound emotional transformation. It signifies more than mere relief; it points to an overflowing gladness and celebration that replaced deep sorrow and despair, highlighting the comprehensive and uplifting impact Job had on the widow's emotional and spiritual state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me":** This clause reveals the profound impact of Job's compassionate intervention. It describes how Job's actions rescued individuals from the precipice of destruction—whether physical, financial, or social. The "blessing" here is not necessarily a material reward from God, but the deep gratitude, fervent prayers, and heartfelt good wishes of those he saved. Their relief and restored hope became a spiritual "blessing" that enveloped Job, testifying to his life-giving influence and the tangible difference he made in the lives of the most desperate.
* **"and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy":** This second clause provides a specific and poignant example of Job's active righteousness. Widows in the ancient world were among the most vulnerable and often marginalized members of society, lacking the protection and provision typically afforded by a male head of household. Job's claim is not merely that he provided for them, but that he transformed their deep sorrow and despair into profound joy. This goes beyond basic charity; it speaks to a comprehensive care that addressed not only their material needs but also their emotional and spiritual well-being, restoring their dignity and hope.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. **Hyperbole** is evident in "him that was ready to perish," emphasizing the extreme desperation of those Job helped, though it also points to a literal state of near-death or utter ruin. The phrase "caused the widow's heart to sing for joy" uses **metonymy**, where "heart" represents the entire person's emotional and spiritual state, and **imagery** to convey a complete transformation from sorrow to profound gladness. This vivid imagery creates a strong emotional resonance, allowing the reader to grasp the depth of Job's compassion and the radical positive change he effected. The verse also functions as a form of **testimony**, where Job presents his past actions as irrefutable evidence of his righteousness, challenging the accusations of his friends and implicitly appealing to God's knowledge of his integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 29:13 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical emphasis on practical righteousness and compassionate justice. It illustrates that true godliness is not merely an internal state of belief or adherence to ritual, but a dynamic, outward expression of love and mercy towards those in need. Job's actions reflect God's own character, who is consistently portrayed as a defender of the oppressed, the widow, and the orphan. This verse underscores the theological truth that our treatment of the vulnerable is a direct reflection of our relationship with God, and that acts of selfless service bring profound blessings, both to the recipient and to the giver, embodying the principle that compassion is a core attribute of a life aligned with divine will.

* [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Laws for the Poor and Sojourner")
* [Psalm 82:3-4](/psalms/82-3 "Psalm 82:3-4 - Defend the Poor and Needy")
* [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure and Undefiled Religion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's poignant recollection in Job 29:13 offers a profound challenge and inspiration for believers today. It calls us beyond passive piety to an active, engaged compassion that seeks out and alleviates suffering in our communities. In a world still rife with vulnerability, from the economically marginalized to the socially isolated, Job's example reminds us that true faith is demonstrated through tangible acts of love and justice. We are invited to identify those "ready to perish" in our own spheres of influence—whether through poverty, illness, loneliness, or injustice—and to consider how we might be instruments of God's grace. Just as Job brought joy to the widow's heart, we are called to bring hope, dignity, and practical assistance, transforming despair into delight. This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives: Are we merely hearers of the Word, or do we actively embody its call to mercy? Our willingness to serve the least of these is a direct measure of our Christ-like character and an opportunity to experience the unique blessing that comes from selfless giving.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the "ready to perish" in my community or sphere of influence, and how might God be calling me to intervene?**
* **In what practical ways can I bring "joy" to the heart of someone who is vulnerable or marginalized today?**
* **How does my current expression of faith balance personal devotion with active compassion for others?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a heart that actively seeks opportunities to serve those in desperate need?**

### FAQ

**Was Job's righteousness unique, or was it expected of all people in his time?**

Answer: While Job's level of active compassion and justice, as described in Job 29:13 and the surrounding verses, was exceptional and set him apart as a truly righteous man, the underlying principles of caring for the vulnerable were expected in varying degrees across ancient Near Eastern societies, and certainly within the broader biblical tradition. Many ancient law codes and wisdom texts emphasized the importance of protecting the weak, though the motivation and extent might differ. For Israel, the Mosaic Law explicitly commanded care for the widow, orphan, and sojourner (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:17](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17 - Justice for the Sojourner, Orphan, and Widow")). Job's actions demonstrate a universal moral compass that transcended specific legal codes, reflecting a deep personal commitment to justice and mercy that mirrored God's own character, making his righteousness exemplary rather than merely typical.

**How does Job's "blessing" differ from the prosperity gospel?**

Answer: Job's "blessing" in this verse refers primarily to the profound gratitude, good wishes, and spiritual satisfaction he received from those he helped, rather than a transactional accumulation of material wealth as a direct result of his good deeds. The "blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me" speaks to the positive impact and recognition from the beneficiaries of his compassion, and the internal joy of knowing he had made a difference. This stands in stark contrast to the prosperity gospel, which often teaches that material wealth and physical health are guaranteed outcomes of faith and obedience, implying a direct, often contractual, exchange. Job's subsequent suffering, despite his righteousness, directly challenges the simplistic "cause-and-effect" theology often found in prosperity teachings. His experience highlights that true blessing can be found in selfless service and a clear conscience, even amidst profound adversity, as seen in his steadfastness even when stripped of all material possessions and health, as described in [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Job's Response to Loss").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 29:13, though rooted in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job's compassionate acts of rescuing the "ready to perish" and bringing joy to the widow's heart are but a shadow of the radical, redemptive work of the Son of God. Humanity, in its fallen state, was truly "ready to perish," condemned by sin and facing eternal destruction. Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God, came not merely to alleviate suffering but to rescue humanity from the very brink of spiritual death, offering eternal life through His sacrifice on the cross, as declared in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"). He consistently demonstrated His care for the vulnerable, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and extending grace to the marginalized, embodying the very essence of active compassion that Job exemplified. Moreover, Jesus is the one who truly causes the "widow's heart to sing for joy"—and indeed, the hearts of all who mourn and are burdened by sin—by offering the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the promise of resurrection, transforming sorrow into everlasting joy, as promised in [John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Sorrow Will Turn to Joy"). His ministry was a perfect embodiment of the justice and mercy Job aspired to, culminating in the ultimate act of self-giving love that brings true blessing and eternal life to all who believe, fulfilling the deepest longings of the human heart and the righteous demands of God, as articulated by the Apostle Paul in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us").

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

2 Timothy 1:16

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

2 Timothy 1:18

The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Job 22:9

Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

Isaiah 27:13

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

Philemon 1:7

For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Job 31:19

If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;

Job 31:20

If his loins have not blessed me, and [if] he were [not] warmed with the fleece of my sheep;