Job 29:12
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
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
אֲ֭מַלֵּט
Because I delivered
H4422
אֲ֭מַלֵּט
Because I delivered
Strong's:
H4422
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
מְשַׁוֵּ֑עַ
that cried
H7768
מְשַׁוֵּ֑עַ
that cried
Strong's:
H7768
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to be free; but used only causatively and reflexively, to halloo (for help, i.e., freedom from some trouble)
וְֽלֹא
H3808
וְֽלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Psalms 72:12For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.Proverbs 21:13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.James 1:27Pure 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.Psalms 68:5A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.Deuteronomy 10:18He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Ur-Nammu) emphasized protecting the vulnerable. Biblical law especially stresses care for widows, orphans, and the poor. Job's conduct reflected wisdom that predated Mosaic law but aligned with it. His righteous works validate his innocence—he doesn't claim sinless perfection but demonstrates the righteous character his friends deny.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's example of caring for the vulnerable challenge our practice of justice and mercy?
- What is the difference between claiming sinless perfection and demonstrating genuine righteousness?
Analysis & Commentary
Job recalls: 'Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.' The verb natsal (נָצַל, delivered) means to rescue or save. Ani (עָנִי, poor) refers to the afflicted or oppressed. Yatom (יָתוֹם, fatherless) denotes orphans. Job's defense includes his righteous conduct—he practiced justice and mercy. The verse demonstrates that Job's claim of innocence wasn't mere protestation but substantiated by righteous living. Job fulfilled what Torah would later command about caring for the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 24:17-21).