Job 24:21
Job 24:21 in Multiple Translations
They prey on the barren and childless, and show no kindness to the widow.
He evil entreateth the barren that beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.
He devoureth the barren that beareth not, And doeth not good to the widow.
He is not kind to the widow, and he has no pity for her child.
They mistreat childless women and are mean to widows.
He doth euil intreat ye barren, that doeth not beare, neither doeth he good to the widowe.
Treating evil the barren [who] beareth not, And [to] the widow he doth no good,
He devours the barren who don’t bear. He shows no kindness to the widow.
He oppresseth the barren that beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.
For he hath fed the barren that beareth not, and to the widow he hath done no good.
They mistreat women who have been unable to give birth to children and women who no longer have children to take care of them, and they never do good things for widows.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 24:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Job 24:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רֹעֶ֣ה
עֲ֭קָרָה
לֹ֣א
תֵלֵ֑ד
וְ֝/אַלְמָנָ֗ה
לֹ֣א
יְיֵטִֽיב
רֹעֶ֣ה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
עֲ֭קָרָה
ʻâqâr
H6135
barren
Adj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֵלֵ֑ד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וְ֝/אַלְמָנָ֗ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
widow
Conj | N-fs
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְיֵטִֽיב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 24:21
רֹעֶ֣ה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
עֲ֭קָרָה
ʻâqâr
H6135
"barren"
Adj
Means sterile or barren, describing someone unable to have children, as seen in the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:6-8. This word is used to describe a woman who cannot bear children. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of longing for a child.
Definition: barren, sterile
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] male or female) barren (woman). See also: Genesis 11:30; Judges 13:2; Psalms 113:9.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֵלֵ֑ד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
וְ֝/אַלְמָנָ֗ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
"widow"
Conj | N-fs
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, often left alone and vulnerable. The Bible teaches care and compassion for widows, as seen in the stories of Ruth and Naomi. God commands his people to look out for them.
Definition: widow
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: desolate house (palace), widow. See also: Genesis 38:11; Job 29:13; Psalms 68:6.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְיֵטִֽיב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
Study Notes — Job 24:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 24:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 24:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 24:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 24:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 24:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 24:21
- Cambridge Bible on Job 24:21
- Barnes' Notes on Job 24:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 24:21
- Sermons on Job 24:21
Context — Job: Judgment for the Wicked
19As drought and heat consume the melting snow, so Sheol steals those who have sinned.
20The womb forgets them; the worm feeds on them; they are remembered no more. So injustice is broken like a tree.
21They prey on the barren and childless, and show no kindness to the widow.
22Yet by His power, God drags away the mighty; though rising up, they have no assurance of life. 23He gives them a sense of security, but His eyes are on their ways.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 1:6–7 | Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously. And this went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat. |
| 2 | Job 22:9 | You sent widows away empty-handed, and the strength of the fatherless was crushed. |
| 3 | Job 29:13 | The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. |
| 4 | Job 24:3 | They drive away the donkey of the fatherless and take the widow’s ox in pledge. |
| 5 | Job 31:16–18 | If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless— though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow— |
Job 24:21 Summary
This verse is talking about people who take advantage of those who are weak and can't defend themselves, like women who can't have children or those who have lost their husbands. The Bible teaches us to be kind and care for people who are in need, like it says in Galatians 2:10, and to remember that God sees all the injustices in the world and will ultimately bring about justice, as promised in Psalm 82:3-4. We can show God's love by being kind to those around us who are hurting, and by standing up for what is right, just like God does. By doing so, we can reflect the heart of God and bring hope to those who are struggling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'prey on the barren and childless' in Job 24:21?
This phrase means to take advantage of those who are vulnerable and unable to defend themselves, much like the Israelites were instructed not to mistreat widows and orphans in Exodus 22:22, as they were considered especially vulnerable in ancient society.
Why does the verse mention showing 'no kindness to the widow'?
The Bible often uses the example of a widow to illustrate someone who is particularly in need of care and compassion, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18, and this verse is highlighting the cruel treatment of such individuals.
Is this verse talking about a specific group of people or a general attitude?
While the verse does not specify a particular group, it seems to be condemning a general attitude of callousness and exploitation towards those who are weak and defenseless, which is in contrast to the teachings of Scripture, such as in Proverbs 31:8-9.
How does this verse relate to the character of God?
This verse, in the context of the book of Job, serves as a reminder that God is aware of the injustices and cruelties of the world, and it contrasts with the power and justice of God, as seen in the following verse, Job 24:22, where God is described as dragging away the mighty.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I show kindness to those around me who may be feeling vulnerable or alone, such as the widow or the barren?
- How can I reflect the heart of God in my interactions with those who are hurting or in need?
- What are some practical ways I can care for the orphans and widows in my community, as instructed in James 1:27?
- How can I balance the reality of injustice in the world with the knowledge of God's power and justice, as described in Psalm 37:28?
Gill's Exposition on Job 24:21
He evil entreateth the barren, [that] beareth not,.... Here Job returns, to give some further account of the sins of some wicked men, who prosper in this world, and go through it with impunity; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 24:21
He is swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards. In these verses Job quotes the opinion of his adversaries, ironically: he quoted them so before (Job 21:17-21).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 24:21
He; either, 1. God, who is oft understood, who having cut off his person, and brought him to his grave, continues his judgments upon his wife or widow, and family. Or rather, 2. The oppressor, who is the principal subject of almost all that is said in this chapter; whose great and manifold wickedness Job described from , where he proceeds to relate the judgments of God upon him for his sins; which having done, , he here returns to the declaration of his further wickednesses, the cause of these judgments. Evil entreateth; or feedeth upon, or devoureth, or breaketh in pieces; for all these the word signifieth, and all come to one and the same thing. The barren that beareth not: barrenness was esteemed a curse and reproach; and so he added affliction to the afflicted, whom he should have pitied and helped; but because such had no children, and the widows no husbands, to defend or avenge their cause, he exercised cruelty upon them. Doeth not good: either, 1. He did her much wrong and harm, it being usual in Scripture under such negative expressions to contain the affirmation of the contrary; as 28:21. And so this branch answers to the former, of evil entreating. Or, 2.
He afforded her no help, or advice, or comfort in her distresses; and so he intimateth the greatness of omission sins, and that the common neglect or contempt of plain and positive duties, whether of piety to God, or of charity to men, is to be reckoned among high and heinous crimes.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 24:21
Job 24:21 He evil entreateth the barren [that] beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.Ver. 21. He evil entreateth the barren that beareth not] Who had more need to be comforted than further afflicted. But homo homini daemon. Jacob and Elkanah loved and comforted their wives under this cross. The Vulgate rendereth it, He hath fed the barren, whereupon some expound it of wicked men’ s feeding whores, and maintaining them for their pleasure; keeping them barren, that they may keep their beauty. And doeth not good to the widow] i.e. Doth her much hurt; for not to do good is to do evil, Mark 3:4. He hath afflicted his barren wife, and evilly intreated the poor desolate widow, his mother. What marvel than if the womb forget him, &c., if his wife bewail not so unkind a husband, nor his mother so unnatural a son, as Mark 3:30 : thus Beza here.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 24:21
Verse 21. He evil entreateth the barren] I believe the original word ולה should be translated he feedeth, and so the Vulgate understood the word: Pavit enim sterilem. He has been kind to the barren woman; but he has done no good to the widow. He has shown no mercy to large families; he has been an enemy to the procreation of children. Though he may, for particular reasons, have provided for a barren woman; yet the widow he has not comforted, she being old or infirm, or such as might not suit his purpose.
Cambridge Bible on Job 24:21
21. This verse is closely connected with the last clause of the preceding. And wickedness shall be broken like a tree— Even he that devoureth the barren that beareth not, And doeth not good unto the widow. The “tree” is a frequent object of comparison, e.g. ch. Job 19:10, “removed or plucked up like a tree,” here “broken” like a tree. The “barren that beareth not” is she that is lonely, having no sons to uphold her right, Psalms 127:3, cf. Isaiah 51:18. Pleading for, or upholding the cause of the widow is often enjoined, as in Isaiah 1:17, and the Lord Himself is said to be her “judge,” Psalms 68:5. The broad and somewhat exaggerated colours of the preceding picture (Job 24:18-21) indicate that it is either actually in part the work of a popular hand, or that it is a parody after the popular manner by Job himself.
Barnes' Notes on Job 24:21
He evil entreateth the barren - The woman who has no children to comfort or support her. He increases her calamity by acts of cruelty and oppression.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 24:21
21. He evil entreateth — Better, He who evil entreated. The sterile woman, having no son to defend her, is taken for a type of feebleness.
Sermons on Job 24:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Prayer in Revival by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and coming to Him with a sense of helplessness and surrender. He shares a story about receivin |
|
Birth of the Last-Days Remnant by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that the last-days remnant, represented by the prophet Samuel, emerges from the ruins of a decaying church, birthed through deep grief and fervent prayer |
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Luke 14:12-14. Christ Advises His Host to Invite the Poor. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the importance of hospitality and the true spirit behind inviting guests to feasts. He emphasizes the significance of inviting the poor and affli |