Job 20:19
Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רִ֭צַּץ
Because he hath oppressed
H7533
רִ֭צַּץ
Because he hath oppressed
Strong's:
H7533
Word #:
2 of 8
to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively
דַּלִּ֑ים
the poor
H1800
דַּלִּ֑ים
the poor
Strong's:
H1800
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
בַּ֥יִת
an house
H1004
בַּ֥יִת
an house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 8
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
גָּ֝זַ֗ל
because he hath violently taken away
H1497
גָּ֝זַ֗ל
because he hath violently taken away
Strong's:
H1497
Word #:
6 of 8
to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law and prophetic literature strongly condemned oppression of the poor and property theft (Exodus 22:21-27, Amos 2:6-7). Zophar leverages these serious charges against Job without evidence, showing how theology can justify slander.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we avoid falsely accusing others to make their suffering fit our theological framework?
- What responsibility do we have when we've wrongly accused someone?
- How does the Gospel address both actual injustice and false accusation?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked oppress the poor: 'Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not.' Zophar accuses Job of oppressing the poor and seizing houses—serious moral charges. These accusations are false (Job 29-31 shows his generosity). Zophar invents specific sins to explain Job's suffering, demonstrating how theodicy can become slander when it assumes suffering always indicates specific wickedness.