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

JOB 30:25KJV
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Job 30:25 (KJV)

What does Job 30:25 mean?

Job 30:25 describes Job’s past compassion for those who suffered, saying he wept for people in trouble and felt deep sorrow for the poor. Job is reminding his listeners that he cared for others in their distress, highlighting the contrast with how he is now being treated in his own suffering.

In this verse, Job is speaking to his friends, defending his character as he laments his current misery. He points out that, unlike those who now scorn him, he once showed empathy and grief for those in hardship. This statement is part of Job’s larger complaint about his changed circumstances and the lack of understanding from those around him.

The Hebrew behind Job 30:25

  • "Weep" (בָּכָה, bakah): This word means to cry or mourn, often out of genuine sorrow. Job emphasizes that his response to others’ pain was heartfelt, not just outward sympathy.
  • "Trouble" (קָשֶׁה, qasheh): This word often refers to hardship or distress. Job is saying he was moved by those facing real difficulties, not just minor problems.
  • "Soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): This term refers to the inner self or life. Job’s grief for the poor came from deep within, not just a surface-level reaction.
  • "Grieved" (חָנַן, chanan): This word can mean to show favor or be moved with compassion. Here, it highlights Job’s emotional involvement and kindness toward the poor.
  • "Poor" (אֶבְיוֹן, evyon): This word refers to someone in need or lacking basic necessities. Job’s concern was especially for those most vulnerable.

Why Job 30:25 matters

  • Job 30:25 clears up any idea that Job was indifferent or self-centered before his suffering; he was known for his compassion and empathy.
  • The verse highlights the irony and pain Job feels, as he who once comforted others now finds himself abandoned and misunderstood.
  • This statement connects to the wider theme of the book, where Job’s integrity and character are central to the debate between him and his friends about the reasons for suffering.

Where else these words appear

“trouble” Hebrew H7186 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 42:7 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
  • Deuteronomy 26:6 And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:
  • 2 Chronicles 10:4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.

“poor” Hebrew H34 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 23:6 Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
  • Psalms 49:2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together.
  • Proverbs 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

“weep” Hebrew H1058 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 21:16 And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
  • Judges 20:26 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
  • Nehemiah 8:9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.