Job 29:5

KJV

When the Almighty [was] yet with me, [when] my children [were] about me;

KJV (with Strong's)

When the Almighty {H7706} was yet with me, when my children {H5288} were about {H5439} me;

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Shaddai was still with me, my children were around me;

Berean Standard Bible

when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me,

American Standard Version

When the Almighty was yet with me, And my children were about me;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 29:5 captures Job's poignant recollection of a past era marked by profound divine favor and the comforting presence of his children. This verse, part of Job's final monologue, serves as a stark contrast to his current state of desolation, isolation, and immense suffering, highlighting the depth of his loss and his yearning for the blessings he once enjoyed. It underscores the two primary pillars of his former happiness: an intimate relationship with God and the joy of a thriving family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 29 initiates Job's final and most extensive monologue, spanning chapters 29-31. This section serves as Job's concluding defense and lament, delivered after the dialogues with his three friends and before God's direct intervention. In chapter 29, Job vividly contrasts his former life of honor, prosperity, and divine blessing with his present state of humiliation and suffering. Verse 5 specifically harks back to the pinnacle of his past joy, setting an emotional and thematic foundation for his subsequent appeals and complaints. It amplifies the tragedy of his current circumstances by painting a detailed picture of the blessed life he lost, making his questions about God's justice and his own blamelessness all the more acute. This nostalgic reflection prepares the reader for the intensity of Job's subsequent arguments and his ultimate encounter with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East (ANE), divine favor was often associated with material prosperity, health, and especially a large family. Children were considered a supreme blessing and a heritage from the Lord, ensuring continuity of the family line, providing labor, and offering security in old age. The loss of children, particularly all of them, as happened to Job ([Job 1:19](/job/1-19 "Job 1:19 - The death of Job's children")), was a catastrophic event, signifying not only profound personal grief but also a perceived withdrawal of divine blessing and a threat to one's legacy. The term "Almighty" (Hebrew: _Shaddai_) was a common designation for God, particularly in the patriarchal narratives and the book of Job, emphasizing His omnipotence, self-sufficiency, and His role as provider and sustainer. Job's remembrance of "Shaddai" being "with me" speaks to a deeply personal and culturally understood relationship of protection and provision.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Presence and Favor**, portraying a time when Job experienced God's intimate fellowship and tangible blessing, a stark contrast to his current sense of abandonment. Secondly, it underscores the **Value and Blessing of Family**, particularly children, which were central to Job's identity and prosperity. The phrase "my children were about me" evokes a vibrant, full household, emphasizing the devastating impact of their loss, as detailed in [Job 1:2](/job/1-2 "Job 1:2 - Job's family before his trials"). Finally, the verse encapsulates the theme of **Nostalgia for Lost Blessings** and the **Mystery of Suffering**. Job's longing for a past characterized by peace, prosperity, and the tangible presence of God and family amplifies the agony of his present suffering and the perplexing question of why such blessings were seemingly withdrawn from a man described as blameless and upright in [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Job's character").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shaddai_):** This divine title, frequently used in the book of Job, emphasizes God's omnipotence, self-sufficiency, and His capacity to provide and sustain. In Job's recollection, _Shaddai_ is not merely a distant deity but a powerful, intimate presence, signifying a period of profound security and provision under God's protective hand. Job's use of this specific name here highlights his former understanding of God as his all-sufficient protector and provider, contrasting sharply with his current feelings of vulnerability and being forsaken.
* **with me (Hebrew, _'imadi_):** This preposition denotes a close, intimate, and active presence, more than mere proximity. It suggests fellowship, solidarity, and a shared experience. For Job, it signifies a time when God's favor was palpably felt, His guidance was clear, and His blessing was evident in every aspect of his life. This is a personal, relational "with me," not just a theological concept.
* **children (Hebrew, _banay_):** This term refers to Job's offspring, encompassing both sons and daughters. In the ancient Near East, children were a primary source of joy, a sign of divine blessing, and crucial for the continuation of the family line and legacy. The phrase "my children were about me" evokes a scene of a bustling, joyful household, full of life and promise. The devastating loss of all ten of his children ([Job 1:2](/job/1-2 "Job 1:2 - Job's family before his trials") and [Job 1:19](/job/1-19 "Job 1:19 - The catastrophe involving Job's children")) underscores the depth of this particular aspect of his suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the Almighty [was] yet with me":** This clause establishes the foundational blessing of Job's former life: an intimate, felt presence of God, the "Almighty." It speaks of a time when Job experienced divine favor, protection, and provision in a tangible way. The temporal "When" emphasizes a specific, glorious past that is now tragically absent. This was a period of spiritual flourishing and security, where Job perceived God as actively involved in and blessing his life.
* **"[when] my children [were] about me;":** This second clause describes the other pillar of Job's past happiness: the joyous and abundant presence of his children. The phrase "about me" conveys a sense of a full, vibrant household, where children were a constant source of life, activity, and comfort. It speaks to the fulfillment of family life, the continuity of his lineage, and the cultural ideal of prosperity and blessing. The juxtaposition with the first clause suggests that both divine presence and family blessing were intertwined aspects of his former blessed state.

#### Literary Devices
Job 29:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey Job's profound sense of loss and longing. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, as Job starkly contrasts his glorious past with his desolate present. This verse, by painting a vivid picture of former blessings, amplifies the tragedy and pain of his current suffering. There is also a strong element of **Nostalgia** and **Lament**, as Job recalls a time of happiness with deep yearning, a common feature of the book as Job grapples with his inexplicable suffering. The phrasing "When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me" also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, linking the two primary sources of his past joy—divine presence and family presence—as twin pillars of his blessed existence. This subtle parallelism underscores the completeness of his former happiness and, by extension, the totality of his current loss. Finally, the verse evokes **Pathos**, drawing the reader into Job's emotional state and eliciting sympathy for his profound grief over what he has lost.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 29:5 offers a profound theological reflection on the nature of blessing, the reality of loss, and the enduring mystery of divine providence. It reminds us that even those who walk intimately with God can experience profound seasons of suffering and a perceived withdrawal of divine favor. The verse highlights that true blessing encompasses both a vibrant relationship with God and the joys of human relationships, particularly family. Job's lament, while deeply personal, resonates with the universal human experience of longing for a lost past and grappling with the disparity between what was and what is. It implicitly raises questions about God's sovereignty over both blessing and adversity, and challenges simplistic notions that equate piety directly with material prosperity. Ultimately, it points to the deeper truth that God's presence, even when unseen or unfelt, remains the ultimate source of comfort and hope, even amidst the most profound desolation.

* [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3 - Children are a heritage from the Lord")
* [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Job's response to loss")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's poignant reflection in Job 29:5 serves as a powerful reminder for believers to cherish the blessings we currently possess, recognizing their transient nature in this fallen world. It encourages us to cultivate a deep appreciation for both the tangible presence of God in our lives and the precious gift of family and community, for circumstances can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Furthermore, Job's honest lament, even in his questioning, provides a biblical model for bringing our deepest pains, griefs, and uncertainties before God. Even when God's presence feels distant or His hand seems heavy, recalling past experiences of His faithfulness and provision can serve as a foundational anchor for our hope. This verse invites us to acknowledge the validity of grief over lost blessings, while also trusting that God, in His sovereign wisdom, is at work even in our suffering, ultimately bringing about His purposes and, as seen in Job's eventual restoration in [Job 42:10](/job/42-10 "Job 42:10 - God restores Job's fortunes"), new beginnings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when the "Almighty" feels distant and cherished blessings are lost?**
* **What past experiences of God's faithfulness can you recall to strengthen your hope in seasons of difficulty?**
* **How can you more intentionally cherish the blessings of family and community in your life today?**
* **In what ways does Job's honest lament encourage you to bring your own grief and questions before God?**

### FAQ

**What does "Almighty" (Shaddai) signify in this context, and why is it important?**

Answer: In Job 29:5, "Almighty" translates the Hebrew divine name _Shaddai_. This name emphasizes God's omnipotence, self-sufficiency, and His role as the powerful provider and sustainer. For Job, recalling _Shaddai_ being "with me" highlights a past era of profound security, provision, and intimate fellowship under God's all-sufficient care. It's important because it underscores the stark contrast with Job's current vulnerability and his feeling of being forsaken, making his lament all the more poignant. It speaks to a deep personal relationship and reliance on God's power in his prosperous past, which he now struggles to reconcile with his present reality.

**Why is the mention of "my children" so significant for Job in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "my children" is profoundly significant because, in ancient Near Eastern culture, children were considered a primary blessing from God, symbolizing prosperity, continuity of the family line, and joy. A large family was a sign of divine favor and a source of security. Job had ten children ([Job 1:2](/job/1-2 "Job 1:2 - Job's family before his trials")), and their sudden, catastrophic death ([Job 1:19](/job/1-19 "Job 1:19 - The catastrophe involving Job's children")) was a central and devastating component of his suffering. His recollection of them being "about me" evokes a vibrant, full household, emphasizing the immense personal and cultural loss he endured, which contributed to his profound grief and sense of desolation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's longing for the "Almighty" to be "yet with me" and for the comforting presence of his "children about me" finds its ultimate and enduring fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Job's experience was a fleeting season of divine favor and family blessing, ultimately interrupted by profound loss. In contrast, Christ is the very embodiment of God's enduring presence among humanity—[Immanuel, God with us](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God with us"). Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, Jesus permanently bridges the gap between God and humanity, ensuring that believers are never truly alone or forsaken. The New Testament assures us that God, through Christ, will [never leave us nor forsake us](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God will never leave nor forsake us"), and that He does not leave us as [orphans](/john/14-18 "John 14:18 - Jesus will not leave us as orphans"). Furthermore, in Christ, believers are adopted into God's eternal family, becoming children of God and co-heirs with Christ, forming a spiritual household that transcends earthly loss and provides an eternal, unbreakable bond. The blessings Job experienced, though real, were temporal; the blessings found in Christ—divine presence, eternal family, and ultimate restoration—are everlasting, ensuring that nothing can [separate us from the love of God](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing can separate us from God's love") in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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 128:3

Thy wife [shall be] as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

Psalms 127:3

Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

Psalms 127:5

Happy [is] the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Song Of Solomon 3:1

¶ By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

Song Of Solomon 3:2

I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy [them].

Deuteronomy 33:29

Happy [art] thou, O Israel: who [is] like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who [is] the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.