Job 29:13
The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
Original Language Analysis
אֹ֭בֵד
of him that was ready to perish
H6
אֹ֭בֵד
of him that was ready to perish
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
עָלַ֣י
H5921
עָלַ֣י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְלֵ֖ב
heart
H3820
וְלֵ֖ב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
5 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Cross References
Isaiah 27:13And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.Job 22:9Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.Philemon 1:7For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern widows faced severe economic vulnerability. Without inheritance rights and unable to work most professions, widows depended on family or community charity. Israelite law specifically protected widows (Exodus 22:22, Deuteronomy 24:17-21), and prophets condemned their exploitation (Isaiah 1:23, 10:2). Job's care for widows predated Mosaic law yet embodied its spirit, demonstrating universal moral law written on human hearts (Romans 2:14-15). His generosity created a social safety net in his community, making his own subsequent abandonment by former friends particularly bitter.
Questions for Reflection
- How actively do you seek out opportunities to help those 'ready to perish' who have no claim on you?
- What does Job's care for widows teach about measuring righteousness by treatment of the powerless rather than the powerful?
- How does Job's experience of blessing the vulnerable yet receiving suffering challenge simplistic views of divine justice?
Analysis & Commentary
The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me (birkat obed בִּרְכַּת אֹבֵד, blessing of the perishing)—those on death's doorstep blessed Job because his intervention saved them. Obed (אֹבֵד) means perishing, dying, being destroyed—desperate people at the extremity. Job's justice and generosity literally kept them alive, and their grateful blessings returned to him. And I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy (leb almanah לֵב אַלְמָנָה, heart of widow; ranan רָנַן, to sing, cry out, shout for joy)—Job brought joy to the most vulnerable.
Widows epitomized powerlessness in ancient society, lacking male protection and economic support. The verb ranan depicts exuberant celebration, not quiet contentment—Job's care transformed grief into joy. This theme runs throughout Scripture: God defends widows and orphans (Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 68:5, 146:9), and true religion involves caring for them (James 1:27). Job's defense of the vulnerable demonstrates righteousness that pleased God, yet this very righteousness intensifies his theological crisis—why would God afflict one who so faithfully reflected divine character? The widow's singing contrasts sharply with Job's later lament and his wife's counsel to 'curse God and die' (Job 2:9). Job gave others reason to sing; now he finds none himself.