Job 29:15

KJV

I was eyes to the blind, and feet [was] I to the lame.

KJV (with Strong's)

I was eyes {H5869} to the blind {H5787}, and feet {H7272} was I to the lame {H6455}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I was eyes for the blind, and I was feet for the lame.

Berean Standard Bible

I served as eyes to the blind and as feet to the lame.

American Standard Version

I was eyes to the blind, And feet was I to the lame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 29:15 is a profound declaration from Job's final monologue, where he passionately recounts his former life of esteemed leadership and unwavering righteousness before the onset of his catastrophic suffering. This verse, in particular, serves as a powerful testament to his active, compassionate engagement with the most vulnerable members of his community, illustrating how he personally provided essential support and advocacy for those who were physically disadvantaged and marginalized. It underscores his deep commitment to justice and practical care, presenting himself not merely as a benefactor but as an embodiment of the very faculties that the needy lacked.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 29 initiates Job's final, eloquent defense and lament, immediately preceding his powerful oath of innocence in chapter 31. This chapter serves as a poignant retrospective, contrasting Job's past prosperity, honor, and moral uprightness with his present state of destitution and public scorn. Following his friends' relentless accusations and God's silence, Job appeals to his own blameless conduct. Verses 7-11 describe the universal respect he commanded, while verses 12-17 enumerate specific acts of justice and compassion, such as rescuing the poor, the fatherless, and the perishing. Within this enumeration, verse 15 stands out as a vivid, metaphorical description of his hands-on, personal involvement in alleviating the suffering of the physically impaired, demonstrating that his righteousness was practical and deeply empathetic, not merely theoretical.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a leader's righteousness was often measured by their commitment to justice and their care for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and the poor. Job, as a prominent figure, likely a tribal chieftain or patriarch in the land of Uz, embodied this ideal. Physical disabilities like blindness and lameness often rendered individuals highly dependent and marginalized in a society without modern social safety nets. Such individuals relied heavily on the charity and protection of the community, especially from those in positions of power. Job's self-description signifies a profound societal role, where he used his influence, resources, and personal presence to fill critical gaps for those who were otherwise helpless, reflecting the highest ideals of benevolent leadership and communal responsibility prevalent in the wisdom traditions of the era.

* **Key Themes:** Job 29:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Righteousness Demonstrated Through Action**, where Job's integrity is not abstract but concretely manifested in acts of justice and mercy. This verse highlights **Compassionate Leadership**, portraying Job as a leader who served his people, especially the weakest, rather than exploiting them. It speaks to the theme of **Justice for the Vulnerable**, emphasizing the biblical imperative to protect and provide for those who cannot defend themselves, a principle echoed throughout the Law and Prophets (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:17](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17 - Justice for the Sojourner, Fatherless, and Widow") or [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice")). Furthermore, Job's statement implies a deep **Identification with the Suffering**, where he metaphorically "becomes" what the blind and lame lack, illustrating a profound empathy that transcends mere charity and moves into active solidarity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eyes (Hebrew, _‘eynaim'_):** This term, used metaphorically, signifies not merely sight but also guidance, foresight, discernment, and protection. For the blind, eyes are the means of navigating the world, avoiding danger, and perceiving reality. Job's claim to be "eyes" suggests he provided direction, insight, and a protective presence, enabling the blind to move safely and confidently in a world they could not see. It implies he was their source of understanding and their shield against unseen perils.
* **Feet (Hebrew, _raglayim'_):** Similarly, "feet" metaphorically represent mobility, support, progress, and independence. For the lame, feet are the means of movement, of earning a livelihood, and participating in daily life. By stating he was "feet to the lame," Job indicates he provided the means for them to move, to access resources, and to overcome their physical limitations. This points to his practical assistance, enabling them to participate in society and live with greater dignity, effectively carrying them forward.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I was eyes to the blind,"**: This clause reveals Job's active role in providing guidance, protection, and insight for those deprived of sight. He didn't just offer charity; he became their sensory faculty, enabling them to navigate life's challenges. This suggests a deep, personal involvement, offering not just material aid but also wisdom, counsel, and a watchful presence to prevent them from falling or being exploited. It speaks to his role as a discerning leader who illuminated the path for the vulnerable.
* **"and feet [was] I to the lame."**: This parallel clause further elaborates on Job's practical and empowering compassion. He provided the necessary support and mobility for those physically hindered. This implies he helped them overcome their physical limitations, enabling them to move, work, and participate in the community. It signifies his willingness to bear their burdens, to carry them, and to facilitate their progress, ensuring they were not confined by their disability but could still engage with life.

#### Literary Devices
Job 29:15 is rich in **Metaphor**, where Job describes himself as literally embodying the missing faculties of the blind and the lame. He doesn't say he *helped* the blind to see or the lame to walk, but that he *was* their eyes and feet, a powerful and vivid figure of speech that emphasizes his profound and personal identification with their needs. This use of metaphor also borders on **Hyperbole**, as he exaggerates his role to convey the depth of his commitment and the extent of his practical support. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two clauses ("I was eyes to the blind" and "feet was I to the lame") express similar ideas using different but related imagery, reinforcing the central theme of active, compassionate aid to the physically disadvantaged. This structure enhances the verse's poetic quality and rhetorical force, underscoring Job's comprehensive care for the vulnerable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job's self-description in this verse resonates deeply with the biblical mandate for justice and compassion, reflecting a divine characteristic that God Himself embodies. Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as the defender of the weak, the helper of the helpless, and the one who provides for the marginalized. Job's actions mirror this divine care, suggesting that true righteousness involves not only adherence to moral codes but also active, empathetic engagement with human suffering. His commitment to being "eyes" and "feet" for the vulnerable foreshadows the New Testament's emphasis on practical love and service as a hallmark of genuine faith, demonstrating that compassion is not merely an emotion but a tangible expression of God's heart in the world.

* [Deuteronomy 27:18](/deuteronomy/27-18 "Deuteronomy 27:18 - Curse for Misleading the Blind")
* [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak for the Voiceless")
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35 "Matthew 25:35-40 - Serving the Least of These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's poignant reflection in Job 29:15 offers a timeless blueprint for compassionate living and servant leadership. It challenges believers today to move beyond passive sympathy and theoretical goodwill to active, tangible service for those in need. To be "eyes to the blind" in our contemporary context means to provide clarity, guidance, and advocacy for those who are spiritually, socially, or intellectually disoriented or marginalized. It calls us to speak up for the voiceless, to shed light on injustice, and to offer wisdom to those who lack direction. To be "feet to the lame" implies providing practical support, resources, and enablement for those hindered by physical, financial, emotional, or systemic barriers. This could involve direct aid, creating accessible opportunities, or simply walking alongside someone in their struggle, offering steadfast companionship and practical assistance. Ultimately, Job's example reminds us that true faith is expressed through sacrificial action, embodying the very presence and provision that the vulnerable desperately need, thereby reflecting the heart of God to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I become "eyes to the blind" for someone in my community who lacks spiritual insight, guidance, or protection?**
* **How can I practically be "feet to the lame" for those who are physically, emotionally, or financially unable to move forward in life?**
* **What systemic injustices or barriers exist that prevent certain individuals from thriving, and how can I advocate for or contribute to their removal?**
* **How does Job's active compassion challenge my own understanding of what it means to live a righteous and God-honoring life?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to be "eyes to the blind and feet to the lame" in a modern context?**
Answer: In a modern context, being "eyes to the blind" means providing guidance, clarity, and advocacy for those who are vulnerable, exploited, or lack understanding. This could involve speaking up for the voiceless, mentoring someone who is lost, offering spiritual or practical wisdom, or shedding light on hidden injustices. Being "feet to the lame" means offering practical support, enabling mobility, and removing obstacles for those who are physically, financially, emotionally, or socially hindered. This might include volunteering at a food bank, assisting someone with a disability, supporting initiatives for accessibility, or helping someone gain employment or education. It's about empowering others and filling the gaps where they lack capacity.

**How does Job's self-description here fit with humility, given that he is boasting about his good deeds?**
Answer: While Job is indeed recounting his good deeds, it's crucial to understand the context of his monologue. He is not boasting out of pride, but rather defending his integrity against the false accusations of his friends, who insist his suffering must be due to hidden sin. In the ancient Near East, a person's reputation and past actions were often presented as evidence of their character. Job is asserting his blamelessness before God and his accusers, demonstrating that his life was marked by genuine righteousness and compassion, which aligns with God's own character. His "boasting" is a plea for justice and vindication, not an act of self-aggrandizement. He is appealing to his consistent pattern of righteous living as proof against their theories of his guilt.

**Is this verse only about helping people with physical disabilities?**
Answer: While the verse literally refers to physical disabilities ("blind" and "lame"), its metaphorical power extends far beyond this narrow interpretation. It speaks to a broader principle of active compassion and holistic care for anyone who is vulnerable, disadvantaged, or lacking what they need to thrive. "Blindness" can represent spiritual ignorance, social marginalization, lack of opportunity, or inability to perceive truth. "Lameness" can symbolize emotional paralysis, financial destitution, systemic oppression, or any condition that prevents a person from moving forward or participating fully in life. Job's statement is a call to identify with and actively empower anyone who is hindered or helpless, addressing their fundamental needs in a profound and personal way.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's compassionate actions in Job 29:15, while commendable, find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the quintessential "eyes to the blind" and "feet to the lame," not merely metaphorically but literally and spiritually. He gave physical sight to the blind (e.g., [John 9:1-7](/john/9-1 "John 9:1-7 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind")) and enabled the lame to walk and leap (e.g., [Acts 3:1-8](/acts/3-1 "Acts 3:1-8 - Peter Heals a Lame Man at the Temple Gate"), echoing Isaiah's prophecy of the Messiah's coming in [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - The Desert Blooms, the Lame Leap")). Beyond physical healing, Jesus provided spiritual sight to those blinded by sin and unbelief, revealing the truth of God's kingdom (e.g., [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). He also empowered those crippled by sin, fear, and social ostracization to walk in newness of life, offering forgiveness, liberation, and a path to true freedom (e.g., [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Jesus perfectly embodies the servant leadership Job aspired to, not from a position of earthly authority, but through profound humility and self-sacrifice, ultimately becoming our "eyes" to God and our "feet" to salvation through His atoning work on the cross, bridging the chasm between humanity and God ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")).

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

Numbers 10:31

And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.

Matthew 11:5

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

1 Corinthians 12:12

¶ For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:31

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.