He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.

JOB 36:15KJV
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Job 36:15 (KJV)

What does Job 36:15 mean?

Job 36:15 says that God helps those who are suffering, especially the poor, by delivering them during their troubles and by helping them understand or learn through their hardship. The verse highlights that God is attentive to people when they are oppressed, using difficult times to reach them in a special way.

In this part of the book, Elihu is speaking to Job and his friends, explaining how God deals with suffering. Elihu suggests that affliction is not always a punishment but can be a way for God to teach or rescue people. The verse reassures listeners that God is not distant from the suffering but is actively involved, using hardship as a means to communicate and deliver.

The Hebrew behind Job 36:15

  • The word "delivereth" (חָלַץ, chalats) often means to rescue or draw out, especially from danger or distress. Here, it emphasizes God's active role in bringing relief to those in trouble.
  • The word "poor" (עָנִי, ‘ani) refers to someone who is afflicted, humble, or oppressed, not just financially but in any kind of hardship. This broadens the verse to include anyone suffering, not only those lacking money.
  • The phrase "openeth their ears" uses the word (גָּלָה, galah), which means to uncover or reveal. In this context, it suggests that God helps people understand or become receptive to important truths during their oppression.
  • The word "oppression" (לַחַץ, lachats) refers to pressure, distress, or being squeezed by difficult circumstances. This highlights that God’s communication often comes during the most intense struggles.

Why Job 36:15 matters

  • Job 36:15 clarifies that suffering is not always a sign of God’s rejection; it can be a time when God is especially present and working for a person’s good.
  • The verse shows that hardship can have a purpose beyond pain, serving as a way for God to teach, guide, or rescue people.
  • In the context of Elihu’s speech, this verse challenges the idea that all suffering is punishment and instead points to God’s compassion and desire to communicate with those in distress.

Where else these words appear

“oppression” Hebrew H3906 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 3:9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
  • 2 Kings 13:4 And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.
  • Psalms 43:2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

“affliction” Hebrew H6040 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.
  • Psalms 107:10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;

“delivereth” Hebrew H2502 · used in 44 verses

  • Leviticus 14:40 Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:
  • Joshua 4:13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
  • Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

“poor” 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?