Job 30:25

KJV

Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was [not] my soul grieved for the poor?

KJV (with Strong's)

Did not I weep {H1058} for him that was in trouble {H7186}{H3117}? was not my soul {H5315} grieved {H5701} for the poor {H34}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Didn't I weep for those who were in trouble? Didn't I grieve for the needy?

Berean Standard Bible

Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has my soul not grieved for the needy?

American Standard Version

Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? Was not my soul grieved for the needy?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 30:25 presents a powerful rhetorical question from Job, serving as a profound assertion of his consistent and heartfelt compassion for the afflicted and the poor throughout his life. Amidst his inexplicable suffering and the theological accusations of his friends, Job appeals to his unwavering record of righteousness and genuine empathy for the vulnerable, starkly contrasting his past benevolence with the present lack of pity shown to him. This verse functions as a compelling defense of his character, underscoring that his integrity was deeply rooted in a sincere connection to the distress of others, making his current plight all the more perplexing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 30:25 is strategically placed within Job's extensive lament and defense, following his nostalgic recollection of former prosperity and esteemed social standing in [Job 29](/job/29 "Job 29 - Job's Former Prosperity") and immediately preceding his solemn oath of innocence and final appeal to God in [Job 31](/job/31 "Job 31 - Job 31 - Job's Oath of Innocence"). Having endured immense personal loss, excruciating physical agony, and the relentless, accusatory theological arguments of his three friends, Job now juxtaposes his past life of honor and active benevolence with his present state of humiliation and suffering. Chapter 30 vividly portrays his current destitution, the contempt he faces even from those younger and less esteemed, and his profound physical and emotional pain. Verse 25 serves as a crucial rhetorical anchor in this lament, reminding his listeners—and implicitly, God—of his consistent character as a compassionate benefactor, thereby making his current plight seem all the more unjust and bewildering within the framework of conventional retribution theology.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region likely located east of ancient Israel, reflecting a patriarchal society where wealth, wisdom, and especially righteousness were often perceived as indicators of divine favor. Within this cultural milieu, actively caring for the poor, the orphan, and the widow was a foundational aspect of righteous living, deeply embedded in the societal and religious ethics of the ancient Near East, as evidenced by various law codes and wisdom traditions. Job's defense in [Job 29:11-17](/job/29-11-17 "Job 29:11-17 - Job's Righteous Conduct") and [Job 31:16-23](/job/31-16-23 "Job 31:16-23 - Job's Integrity Regarding the Needy") explicitly details his adherence to these societal expectations and divine commands. His claim in Job 30:25, therefore, is not merely a personal boast but an appeal to a universally recognized standard of virtue, underscoring the perceived injustice of his suffering given his exemplary adherence to these cultural and moral norms.
* **Key Themes:** Job 30:25 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Profound Compassion and Righteousness**, presenting Job as a man whose integrity was not merely external but flowed from a deeply empathetic heart. His weeping and grieving for the afflicted align with the broader biblical call for justice and mercy towards the vulnerable, echoing principles found in passages like [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Poor") and [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Honoring God by Helping the Poor"). Secondly, it highlights the **Irony of Suffering**, as a man who consistently demonstrated such profound empathy now finds himself in extreme trouble, yet receives little to no compassion from his friends, who instead offer harsh theological condemnations. This irony deepens the theological problem of undeserved suffering, which is central to the book's narrative. Finally, the verse is a vital part of Job's **Defense of Character and Appeal to God**, as he implicitly challenges the conventional wisdom that suffering is always a direct result of sin, thereby setting the stage for God's eventual vindication of Job's integrity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Weep (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep, heartfelt sorrow, often accompanied by tears and lamentation. It denotes a profound emotional response to distress, implying a genuine identification with the pain of others. The use of this word emphasizes the intensity and sincerity of Job's compassion, indicating that his empathy was not merely intellectual but deeply affective, leading to outward expressions of grief.
* **Grieved (Hebrew, _ʻâgam'_):** This primitive root means "to be sad" or "grieve." When Job states that his "soul was grieved," it conveys that the suffering of the poor affected him on a deeply personal, internal, and spiritual level. This word highlights the visceral reaction Job had to the plight of the vulnerable, demonstrating that their pain resonated within his very being and was not merely an external observation but an internal anguish.
* **Poor (Hebrew, _ʼebyôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to want," this term refers to those who are truly destitute, needy, and often powerless, relying on others for support. It encompasses not just economic poverty but also social vulnerability and a state of being utterly dependent. Job's specific mention of "the poor" underscores his concern for the marginalized and those facing hardship, a consistent theme in Old Testament wisdom literature and law, which frequently calls for justice and compassion towards the most vulnerable members of society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Did not I weep for him that was in trouble?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question, designed to elicit an emphatic affirmative answer: "Yes, I certainly did weep!" Job asserts his consistent practice of deep emotional identification with those experiencing hardship. The phrase "him that was in trouble" (combining aspects of `qâsheh` H7186, meaning "severe" or "hard," and `yôwm` H3117, referring to a "day" or "time" often used idiomatically for "in trouble") broadly refers to anyone in distress, misfortune, or experiencing severe difficulty, highlighting Job's universal compassion for suffering humanity. This clause establishes Job's empathetic response as a consistent pattern of his life, not an isolated incident.
* **"was [not] my soul grieved for the poor?"**: This second rhetorical question, parallel to the first, powerfully reinforces Job's profound empathy. The KJV's bracketed "[not]" clarifies the rhetorical nature of the Hebrew, which implicitly demands an affirmative "Yes, my soul was indeed grieved!" By mentioning "my soul" (Hebrew `nephesh` H5315), Job emphasizes the internal, spiritual, and deeply personal nature of his compassion. His grief for "the poor" (Hebrew `ʼebyôwn` H34) specifically highlights his care for the most vulnerable and marginalized in society, demonstrating a righteousness that extended beyond mere ritual or outward observance to a genuine concern for social justice.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Job 30:25 is the **Rhetorical Question**. Job poses two questions that are not meant to elicit information but to make a strong, undeniable affirmative statement about his character and past actions. This technique serves to emphasize his blamelessness and integrity in the face of his friends' accusations, implicitly challenging their premise that his suffering must be due to sin. Furthermore, the verse employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line ("was [not] my soul grieved for the poor?") echoes and intensifies the meaning of the first line ("Did not I weep for him that was in trouble?"). The concepts of "weeping for him that was in trouble" and "soul grieved for the poor" convey similar ideas of deep compassion, reinforcing the sincerity and consistency of Job's benevolent character. This parallelism adds poetic depth and rhetorical force to Job's defense. The verse also utilizes **Pathos**, appealing to the emotions of the audience (and God) by highlighting Job's past acts of profound empathy, thereby making his current undeserved suffering even more tragic and perplexing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 30:25 provides a powerful theological statement about the nature of true righteousness, demonstrating that it extends beyond mere ritual observance to encompass a deep, heartfelt compassion for the suffering and marginalized. Job's assertion of his past empathy challenges the simplistic retribution theology espoused by his friends, which posits a direct correlation between sin and suffering. Instead, Job presents himself as a model of biblical justice and mercy, reflecting a character aligned with divine principles. This verse implicitly raises the profound question of why a righteous person, one who embodies God's own compassion for the vulnerable, would be subjected to such immense and seemingly undeserved suffering, thus contributing significantly to the book's exploration of the problem of evil and the mystery of God's ways.

* [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Oppressing the Poor and Honoring God")
* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Open Your Hand to Your Brother")
* [Isaiah 58:6-7](/isaiah/58-6-7 "Isaiah 58:6-7 - The True Fast")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 30:25 serves as a timeless mirror for believers, challenging us to examine the depth and authenticity of our own compassion. It reminds us that true empathy is not merely a passive feeling but an active, soul-deep grief that moves us towards tangible action for those in distress. In a world often marked by indifference, self-focus, and a tendency to judge suffering, Job's rhetorical question calls us to cultivate a heart that genuinely "weeps" and is "grieved" by the suffering of others, particularly the poor and vulnerable. This verse encourages us to move beyond superficial acts of charity to a profound identification with the pain of our neighbor, recognizing that such compassion is a hallmark of genuine faith and integrity. It also offers solace and a model of perseverance for those who, like Job, may experience undeserved suffering despite their righteous living, reminding us that our character, forged in compassion, remains a powerful testimony to God's grace and our faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How deeply does the suffering of others, particularly the poor and troubled, genuinely affect my "soul"?**
* **Beyond outward acts of charity, what does it mean for my heart to "weep" and be "grieved" for those in distress?**
* **In what practical ways can my empathy for the vulnerable translate into concrete actions in my daily life and community?**
* **How does Job's integrity in suffering challenge my own understanding of righteousness and the causes of hardship in the world?**

### FAQ

**Why does Job use rhetorical questions in this verse?**

Answer: Job uses rhetorical questions ("Did not I weep...?", "was [not] my soul grieved...?") not because he expects an answer, but to make a forceful, undeniable affirmative statement. This literary device serves to emphasize his blameless character and consistent compassion in the face of his friends' accusations. By posing these questions, Job implicitly challenges their premise that his suffering must be a consequence of his sin, asserting his long-standing record of righteousness and empathy for the afflicted and the poor. It's a powerful way for him to defend his integrity and appeal to the moral conscience of his listeners, and ultimately, to God.

**What is the significance of Job saying his "soul was grieved"?**

Answer: The phrase "my soul was grieved" (Hebrew: `nafshi yagta` from `nephesh` H5315 and `ʻâgam` H5701) highlights the profound, internal, and deeply personal nature of Job's compassion. It signifies that his empathy was not merely an intellectual understanding or an outward performance of duty, but a visceral, emotional, and spiritual response. The Hebrew word for "grieved" (`ʻâgam`) implies anguish and sadness, suggesting that the suffering of the poor literally caused him distress within his very being. This emphasizes the authenticity and depth of his care, demonstrating that his righteousness flowed from a genuinely compassionate heart, not just from adherence to external rules.

**How does Job 30:25 relate to the broader biblical teaching on caring for the poor?**

Answer: Job 30:25 aligns perfectly with the extensive biblical teaching on the imperative to care for the poor and vulnerable, which is a recurring theme throughout the Old and New Testaments. From the Mosaic Law's provisions for the needy in [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Generosity to the Poor") to the prophets' condemnations of injustice against the poor (e.g., [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6-7 "Amos 2:6-7 - God's Judgment on Israel")), God consistently expresses His concern for the marginalized. Job's personal testimony here exemplifies this divine expectation, showing that true righteousness involves not just avoiding evil but actively extending compassion and aid to those in distress. This ethic culminates in the New Testament with Jesus' teachings on identifying with the "least of these" in [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34-40 "Matthew 25:34-40 - The Judgment of the Nations"), underscoring that our treatment of the poor reflects our relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 30:25, with its poignant depiction of a righteous man's deep empathy for the suffering and the poor, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job's compassion, however profound, was still that of a human being, Jesus is the very embodiment of divine compassion, the [God who is rich in mercy](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4 - God's Rich Mercy"). He is the one who truly "wept" for those in trouble, famously shedding tears over the city of Jerusalem, lamenting its spiritual blindness ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")), and at the tomb of Lazarus, deeply moved by the sorrow of others ([John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept")). His "soul was grieved" not only for the poor and marginalized—whom He consistently ministered to and identified with throughout His earthly life, proclaiming good news to them ([Matthew 11:5](/matthew/11-5 "Matthew 11:5 - The Poor Have Good News Preached"))—but ultimately for the lost and sinful state of all humanity. The greatest expression of His "grieved soul" was His suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross, where He bore the ultimate trouble and poverty of sin on our behalf, becoming poor so that we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). Thus, Job's righteous lament foreshadows the perfect empathetic High Priest who truly understands our weaknesses and sorrows, having Himself experienced profound suffering for our salvation, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest")).

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

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Psalms 35:13

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Psalms 35:14

I behaved myself as though [he had been] my friend [or] brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth [for his] mother.

Jeremiah 13:17

But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for [your] pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.

John 11:35

Jesus wept.

Psalms 12:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

Isaiah 58:7

[Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?