By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.

JOB 35:9KJV
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Job 35:9 (KJV)

What does Job 35:9 mean?

Job 35:9 describes how people cry out for help when they are suffering under many oppressions and the power of those who are strong. The verse points out that the cries of the oppressed are a response to the harsh treatment and strength of those in authority over them.

In this part of the book, Elihu is speaking to Job and his friends, explaining why people call out in distress. Elihu is highlighting that suffering often leads people to cry out, but he is also questioning whether these cries are truly directed toward God or simply a reaction to pain. The verse sets up Elihu’s larger point about human suffering and how people respond to it.

The Hebrew behind Job 35:9

  • "multitude" (רֹב, rov): This word means "great number" or "abundance." Here, it emphasizes that the oppressions are not isolated but widespread and overwhelming.
  • "oppressions" (עָשׁוּק, ashuq): This word refers to acts of cruelty, injustice, or abuse. It highlights the nature of the suffering as being caused by unfair treatment from others.
  • "cry" (זָעַק, za'aq): This word means to cry out or call for help, usually in distress. It shows the intensity and desperation of those who are suffering.
  • "out" (שָׁוַע, shava): This word also means to cry out, but it often carries the sense of a plea for rescue or relief, not just an expression of pain.
  • "arm" (זְרוֹעַ, zeroa): This word means "arm," often symbolizing strength or power. In this verse, it refers to the might or force used by oppressors.
  • "mighty" (רַב, rav): This word means "great" or "powerful." It describes those who are strong enough to oppress others, not just physically but in terms of authority or influence.

Why Job 35:9 matters

  • Job 35:9 clarifies that suffering and oppression are not rare or isolated but can be widespread, affecting many people at once.
  • The verse draws attention to the real pain and desperation of the oppressed, showing that their cries are a natural response to injustice and not just complaints.
  • By focusing on the power of the oppressors, the verse helps set up Elihu’s argument about the nature of suffering and how people respond to it, which is important for understanding the flow of the conversation in Job.

Where else these words appear

“oppressions” Hebrew H6217 · used in 3 verses

  • Ecclesiastes 4:1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
  • Amos 3:9 Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the oppressed in the midst thereof.

“out” Hebrew H7768 · used in 21 verses

  • Job 19:7 Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment.
  • Job 38:41 Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.
  • Psalms 72:12 For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.

“cry” Hebrew H2199 · used in 73 verses

  • Exodus 2:23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
  • 1 Samuel 28:12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
  • Isaiah 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

“arm” Hebrew H2220 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob;(from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
  • Job 40:9 Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?
  • Isaiah 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.