Job 6:27

KJV

Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig [a pit] for your friend.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, ye overwhelm {H5307} the fatherless {H3490}, and ye dig {H3738} a pit for your friend {H7453}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I suppose you would even throw dice for an orphan or barter away your friend!

Berean Standard Bible

You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.

American Standard Version

Yea, ye would castlotsupon the fatherless, And make merchandise of your friend.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 6:27 captures Job's profound sense of betrayal and injustice at the hands of his friends, particularly Eliphaz. In the midst of his overwhelming suffering, Job expected comfort and solidarity, but instead perceives their words as further exploitation and malicious plotting. He likens their actions to the oppression of the most vulnerable in society—the fatherless—and to setting a trap for a companion, highlighting the stark contrast between their supposed friendship and their actual behavior. This verse powerfully conveys Job's feeling of being utterly defenseless and unjustly attacked by those who should have been his allies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 6:27 is embedded within Job's impassioned and desperate second response to Eliphaz (Job 6-7). Eliphaz, in Job 4-5, has just presented a conventional theological argument, suggesting that Job's suffering must be a consequence of hidden sin, implying that God only punishes the wicked. Job finds this accusation deeply offensive and unhelpful, as it adds insult to his already unbearable injury. In chapter 6, Job expresses his profound anguish, longing for death, and a deep disappointment in his friends, whom he had hoped would offer genuine comfort. Instead, their words feel like a cruel abandonment and even an attack. This specific verse, therefore, serves as a direct indictment of his friends' perceived lack of empathy and their willingness to exploit his vulnerable state, rather than provide solace. It underscores the escalating tension and misunderstanding between Job and his counselors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, hospitality and loyalty to friends were highly valued virtues. A true friend was expected to stand by one in times of distress, offering support and comfort. The concept of "the fatherless" (Hebrew: _yatom_) was a powerful archetype for the most vulnerable members of society, along with the widow and the sojourner. God's law and prophetic tradition consistently commanded special protection and justice for these groups, making their exploitation a grave sin (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Care for the Fatherless"); [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice for the Fatherless")). To "overwhelm the fatherless" was thus a metaphor for the most egregious form of oppression, taking advantage of the utterly defenseless. Similarly, "digging a pit" was a common metaphor for setting a trap or plotting harm against someone, often implying deceitful and malicious intent. Job's use of these images powerfully conveys his perception that his friends are acting contrary to all societal and divine norms of justice and friendship.
* **Key Themes:** Job 6:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Betrayal and Injustice**, as Job feels that his friends, instead of providing solace, are exploiting his weakness and setting traps for him, intensifying his suffering rather than alleviating it. This resonates with Job's broader lament about the injustice of his situation and the perceived abandonment by God and man, as seen in his cry in [Job 19:19](/job/19-19 "Job 19:19 - Job's Friends Despise Him"). Secondly, the verse vividly portrays the **Lack of Compassion** from Job's friends. Their harsh accusations and judgmental stance stand in stark contrast to the expected empathy and understanding, demonstrating a profound failure of true friendship, which should offer comfort and stand by the afflicted, as described in [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times"). Finally, by comparing their actions to "overwhelming the fatherless," Job emphasizes his own **Vulnerability of the Afflicted**. He sees himself as defenseless and exposed, a victim of those who should have been his protectors, underscoring the biblical principle that God is a "father to the fatherless" and a "defender of widows" ([Psalm 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God's Care for the Vulnerable")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Overwhelm (Hebrew, _tappilu'_):** This verb, from the root נָפַל (_naphal_), means "to cause to fall," "to make stumble," or "to throw down." In this context, it carries the strong connotation of deliberately causing someone to collapse, be ruined, or be utterly defeated. It implies an active, aggressive act of casting down or exploiting weakness, rather than a passive observation of someone's misfortune. Job uses it to accuse his friends of actively contributing to his downfall.
* **Fatherless (Hebrew, _yatom'_):** This term refers to an orphan, specifically one who has lost their father and is therefore without a primary protector or provider. As noted in the context, the _yatom_ was the quintessential symbol of vulnerability and helplessness in ancient Israelite society. By likening himself to the fatherless, Job powerfully communicates his own defenseless and exposed state, emphasizing how his friends are taking advantage of his extreme weakness.
* **Dig (Hebrew, _tikhru'_):** From the root כָּרָה (_karah_), meaning "to dig." When used in the context of a pit, it is a common biblical metaphor for setting a trap, plotting harm, or devising ruin for someone. It implies malicious intent, deceit, and a premeditated act of treachery. Job's accusation suggests that his friends are not merely judgmental but are actively seeking to ensnare or harm him, perhaps to prove their point or to justify their accusations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless":** Job begins with a strong affirmation ("Yea," or "Indeed"), directly accusing his friends. The phrase "ye overwhelm the fatherless" is a powerful hyperbole, equating their verbal assault and lack of compassion with the most egregious social injustice. By comparing himself to the fatherless, Job underscores his own profound vulnerability and defenselessness in the face of their accusations. He feels utterly cast down and exploited, just as the most helpless in society are often exploited.
* **"and ye dig [a pit] for your friend":** This second clause continues the accusation, employing a vivid metaphor. To "dig a pit" for someone is to set a trap, to plot their downfall, or to devise ruin for them. The addition of "for your friend" introduces a profound element of irony and betrayal. The very people who should be offering support and loyalty are, in Job's eyes, actively plotting against him, demonstrating a complete subversion of the sacred bond of friendship. This highlights the depth of Job's disappointment and the perceived treachery of his companions.

#### Literary Devices
Job 6:27 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole**, which amplify Job's sense of betrayal and injustice. The phrase "ye overwhelm the fatherless" is a powerful **Metaphor** that equates the friends' verbal and emotional assault with the physical and social oppression of the most vulnerable. This is also a form of **Hyperbole**, as Job exaggerates the impact of their words to convey his extreme pain and the perceived cruelty of their actions. He is not literally an orphan, but he feels as helpless and exploited as one. The second part of the verse, "and ye dig [a pit] for your friend," employs another potent **Metaphor** for setting a trap or plotting harm. This imagery suggests malicious intent and deceit, implying that the friends are not merely misguided but actively seeking Job's ruin. The inherent **Irony** of this statement—that "friends" are digging a pit for their "friend"—underscores the profound breach of trust and the perversion of the friendship bond, making Job's accusation all the more poignant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly challenges our understanding of compassion, justice, and true friendship. Theologically, it highlights the biblical emphasis on the care for the vulnerable, reminding us that God identifies with the oppressed and condemns those who exploit weakness. Job's lament exposes the danger of self-righteous judgment, where conventional theology can become a weapon to inflict further harm rather than a source of comfort. It underscores that true wisdom often lies in empathetic presence rather than ready answers, especially in the face of inexplicable suffering. The verse also foreshadows the universal human experience of betrayal, even by those closest to us, and the profound pain that accompanies such a breach of trust.

* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - The Pit Digger Falls In")
* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Even My Close Friend")
* [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure and Undefiled Religion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 6:27 serves as a stark and challenging reminder of the profound impact our words and actions have on those who are suffering. It compels us to examine our own responses to the pain of others, urging us to prioritize empathy, compassion, and humble understanding over quick judgments or simplistic theological explanations. When confronted with someone in distress, our primary calling is to be a source of comfort and support, to "weep with those who weep" ([Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice and Weep Together")), rather than adding to their burdens through accusation or insensitivity. This verse calls us to guard against the human tendency to assume we know the reasons for another's affliction and to instead extend grace and active listening, recognizing that true friendship is demonstrated in steadfast loyalty and protective care, especially when one is at their most vulnerable. It challenges us to be protectors of the weak, not exploiters, reflecting God's own heart for the fatherless and the afflicted.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when a friend or loved one is experiencing deep suffering? Am I quick to offer solutions, or do I prioritize empathetic presence?**
* **In what ways might my words or actions, even with good intentions, inadvertently "overwhelm the fatherless" or "dig a pit" for someone who is already vulnerable?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the nature of true friendship and the responsibility we have to those in our care?**

### FAQ
**Why does Job compare himself to "the fatherless" in this verse?**

Answer: Job compares himself to "the fatherless" (_yatom_ in Hebrew) to emphasize his extreme vulnerability and defenselessness. In ancient Israelite society, the fatherless were archetypes of the most unprotected and easily exploited individuals. By using this comparison, Job powerfully communicates that he feels utterly exposed and without a protector, much like an orphan, and that his friends are taking advantage of his desperate state rather than offering the support he desperately needs. It's a hyperbolic way of expressing his profound sense of abandonment and the injustice of their accusations.

**What does "dig a pit for your friend" mean metaphorically?**

Answer: "Digging a pit" is a common biblical metaphor for setting a trap, plotting harm, or devising ruin for someone. It implies malicious intent, deceit, and a premeditated act of treachery. When Job says his friends "dig a pit for your friend," he is accusing them of actively seeking his downfall or ensnaring him with their judgmental words and false accusations, rather than offering genuine help. This metaphor highlights the profound betrayal Job feels from those who should be his allies, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Pit He Digs").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 6:27, with its poignant portrayal of betrayal and the exploitation of the vulnerable, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job, though innocent, is overwhelmed and has a pit dug for him by his friends, symbolizing the unjust suffering of the righteous. Jesus, the perfectly righteous one, was truly "overwhelmed" by the sins of humanity, becoming the ultimate vulnerable one who was "numbered with the transgressors" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Numbered with Transgressors")). While Job's friends dug a pit for him, humanity, in its sin, dug a pit for the Son of God, leading Him to the cross. Yet, unlike Job's friends who offered no true comfort, Jesus willingly entered the pit of human suffering and death, not to exploit, but to redeem. He is the true friend who "lays down his life for his friends" ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One")), and who, far from overwhelming the fatherless, became the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort" ([2 Corinthians 1:3](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort")), adopting us into His eternal family. The pit dug for Him became the means of our salvation, and His resurrection ensures that those who trust in Him will never be truly overwhelmed or fall into the pit of eternal destruction ([Romans 8:37-39](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37-39 - More Than Conquerors")).

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

Nahum 3:10

Yet [was] she carried away, she went into captivity: her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets: and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains.

Psalms 7:15

He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made.

Job 24:9

They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor.

Job 22:9

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

James 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Job 24:3

They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge.