So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.

JOB 34:28KJV
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Job 34:28 (KJV)

What does Job 34:28 mean?

Job 34:28 says that when people mistreat the poor, their cries reach God, and God hears the cries of those who are suffering. This verse highlights that God is attentive to the voices of the oppressed and does not ignore their pain.

In this part of the book of Job, Elihu is speaking to Job and the others, explaining how God responds to injustice. Elihu is making the point that God is aware of wrongdoing, especially when it harms vulnerable people, and that God listens to those who are afflicted. The verse fits into Elihu’s larger argument that God is just and pays attention to what happens to every person, especially those who are wronged.

The Hebrew behind Job 34:28

  • The word for "cry" is צַעֲקָה (tsa‘aqah), which often means a loud call for help or protest. This word emphasizes the desperation and urgency in the voices of the poor.
  • The word for "poor" is דַּל (dal), which refers to someone who is weak, powerless, or lacking resources. This highlights that the people being mistreated are especially vulnerable.
  • The word for "afflicted" is עָנִי (‘ani), which means someone who is oppressed or suffering. This adds another layer, showing that God is attentive not just to poverty but to all kinds of suffering.
  • The word for "heareth" is שָׁמַע (shama‘), which means to listen attentively or respond. This suggests that God is not just passively hearing but is actively aware and responsive to the cries of the afflicted.

Why Job 34:28 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God is distant or unconcerned with human suffering; instead, it stresses that God is deeply aware of injustice.
  • The verse emphasizes that mistreating the poor is not a small matter—God notices and cares about how the vulnerable are treated.
  • In the context of Elihu’s speech, this verse supports the argument that God’s justice is active and that no cry for help goes unheard, which challenges the idea that God is indifferent to suffering.

Where else these words appear

“cry” Hebrew H6818 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
  • Exodus 12:30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.
  • Psalms 9:12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

“poor” Hebrew H1800 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 23:3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.
  • Psalms 72:13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
  • Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

“afflicted” Hebrew H6041 · used in 78 verses

  • Exodus 22:25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
  • Psalms 35:10 All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
  • Ecclesiastes 6:8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?