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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 24:21 They prey on the barren and childless, and show no kindness to the widow.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/24-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/18_Job_24_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 24:21 - Job: Judgment for the Wicked" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They prey on the barren and childless, and show no kindness to the widow." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/24-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/24-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/24-20.htm" title="Job 24:20">◄</a> Job 24:21 <a href="/job/24-22.htm" title="Job 24:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They prey on the barren and childless woman, and to the widow they show no kindness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They cheat the woman who has no son to help her. They refuse to help the needy widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“They wrong the barren, childless woman, and do no good to the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They prey on the barren and childless, and show no kindness to the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He evil entreateth the barren <i>that</i> beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For he preys on the barren <i>who</i> do not bear, And does no good for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“He wrongs the infertile woman, And does no good for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220He wrongs the barren woman And does no good for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“He wrongs the barren woman, And does no good for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He feeds on the barren woman who does not give birth And does no good for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“He preys on the barren (childless) woman And does no good for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They prey on the childless woman who is unable to conceive, and do not deal kindly with the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They prey on the childless woman who is unable to conceive, and do not deal kindly with the widow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He devoureth the barren that beareth not, And doeth not good to the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Sinners take advantage of widows and other helpless women. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He devoureth the barren that beareth not; and doeth not good to the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />These men take advantage of childless women. These men show no kindness to widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />That happens because they mistreated widows and showed no kindness to childless women. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"They prey on the barren woman, and do no favors for widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They prey on the barren and childless, and show no kindness to the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He preys on the barren and childless woman, and does not treat the widow well. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He devours the barren who do not bear. He shows no kindness to the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He oppresseth the barren that beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He devours the barren who don’t bear. He shows no kindness to the widow. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Treating evil the barren [who] does not bear, "" And he does no good [to] the widow,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Treating evil the barren who beareth not, And to the widow he doth no good,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He did evil to the barren; she will not bear: and he will not do good to the widow.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For he hath fed the barren that beareth not, and to the widow he hath done no good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For he has fed on the barren, who does not bear fruit, and he has not done good to the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />May his companion be barren, unable to give birth, may his widow not prosper! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“They harm the childless woman, and do no good to the widow.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />An evil barren woman shall never bear; they do not good to the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The barren evil woman shall not bear; they have not done good to the widow<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He devoureth the barren that beareth not; And doeth not good to the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For he has not treated the barren woman well, and has had no pity on a feeble woman.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/24-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=3785" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/24.htm">Job: Judgment for the Wicked</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>The womb forgets them; the worm feeds on them; they are remembered no more. So injustice is like a broken tree. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: rō·‘eh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">They prey</a> <a href="/hebrew/6135.htm" title="6135: ‘ă·qā·rāh (Adj-fs) -- Barren. From aqar; sterile.">on the barren</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and childless,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: ṯê·lêḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and show no</a> <a href="/hebrew/3190.htm" title="3190: yə·yê·ṭîḇ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be good, well, glad, or pleasing. A primitive root; to be make well, literally or figuratively.">kindness</a> <a href="/hebrew/490.htm" title="490: wə·’al·mā·nāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- A widow. Fem of 'alman; a widow; also a desolate place.">to the widow.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Yet by His power, God drags away the mighty; though rising up, they have no assurance of life.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3-4</a></span><br />Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8-9</a></span><br />Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. / Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Isaiah 10:1-2</a></span><br />Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, / to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-28.htm">Jeremiah 5:28</a></span><br />They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-7.htm">Ezekiel 22:7</a></span><br />Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/7-9.htm">Zechariah 7:9-10</a></span><br />“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. / Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/27-19.htm">Deuteronomy 27:19</a></span><br />‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22-24</a></span><br />You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. / If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. / My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a></span><br />“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1-8</a></span><br />Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: / “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. / And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3-4</a></span><br />Honor the widows who are truly widows. / But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Psalm 68:5</a></span><br />A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He evil entreats the barren that bears not: and does not good to the widow.</p><p class="hdg">evil</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">1 Samuel 1:6,7</a></b></br> And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb… </p><p class="hdg">doeth not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/24-3.htm">Job 24:3</a></b></br> They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/29-13.htm">Job 29:13</a></b></br> The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16-18</a></b></br> If I have withheld the poor from <i>their</i> desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/15-34.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/job/24-10.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/job/16-8.htm">Beareth</a> <a href="/job/24-9.htm">Child</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-32.htm">Childless</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-36.htm">Despoileth</a> <a href="/job/18-13.htm">Devoureth</a> <a href="/job/22-20.htm">Devours</a> <a href="/job/24-20.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/job/24-20.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/job/22-21.htm">Good</a> <a href="/job/20-10.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/job/10-12.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/16-10.htm">Oppresseth</a> <a href="/job/20-13.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/job/24-5.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/job/18-2.htm">Show</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm">Shows</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-17.htm">Treating</a> <a href="/job/24-3.htm">Widow</a> <a href="/job/13-23.htm">Wrongs</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/39-6.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/job/34-31.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/psalms/24-5.htm">Beareth</a> <a href="/job/29-12.htm">Child</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-21.htm">Childless</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-36.htm">Despoileth</a> <a href="/psalms/50-3.htm">Devoureth</a> <a href="/psalms/50-3.htm">Devours</a> <a href="/job/27-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/28-9.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/job/30-2.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/18-25.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/job/37-13.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/job/40-23.htm">Oppresseth</a> <a href="/job/27-22.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/job/28-7.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/job/24-25.htm">Show</a> <a href="/job/34-19.htm">Shows</a> <a href="/luke/23-11.htm">Treating</a> <a href="/job/29-13.htm">Widow</a> <a href="/psalms/58-2.htm">Wrongs</a><div class="vheading2">Job 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/24-1.htm">Wickedness often goes unpunished</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/24-17.htm">There is a secret judgment for the wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They prey on the barren and childless</b><br>This phrase highlights the exploitation of the most vulnerable in society. In ancient Near Eastern culture, being barren or childless was often seen as a sign of divine disfavor or personal failure, leaving women in such situations particularly vulnerable to mistreatment. The lack of children meant a lack of protection and support, making them easy targets for exploitation. This reflects a broader biblical theme of God's concern for the marginalized, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Psalm 68:5</a>, where God is described as a "father to the fatherless" and a "defender of widows." The predatory behavior condemned here is a direct violation of the biblical mandate to care for the weak and defenseless.<p><b>and show no kindness to the widow</b><br>Widows in biblical times were often left without financial support or social standing, making them another group vulnerable to exploitation. The Mosaic Law included specific provisions to protect widows, such as in <a href="/deuteronomy/24-17.htm">Deuteronomy 24:17-21</a>, which commands the Israelites not to pervert justice for the widow and to leave gleanings in the field for them. The lack of kindness shown to widows in this verse is a direct affront to these divine commands. This phrase also connects to the New Testament, where <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a> defines pure religion as looking after orphans and widows in their distress. The failure to show kindness to widows is indicative of a broader moral and spiritual failure, contrasting with the character of Jesus Christ, who showed compassion to widows, as seen in <a href="/luke/7-11.htm">Luke 7:11-15</a>, where He raises the widow's son at Nain.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure of the Book of Job, a man of great faith who undergoes severe trials and suffering. Job is known for his patience and endurance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/barren_and_childless_woman.htm">Barren and Childless Woman</a></b><br>Represents those who are vulnerable and marginalized in society, often facing social stigma and economic hardship in ancient times.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/widow.htm">Widow</a></b><br>Another symbol of vulnerability, widows in biblical times were often left without protection or provision, making them susceptible to exploitation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_oppressors.htm">The Oppressors</a></b><br>Those who take advantage of the weak and vulnerable, showing a lack of compassion and justice.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_setting_of_job.htm">The Setting of Job</a></b><br>The land of Uz, where Job lived, is a place of both prosperity and suffering, reflecting the dual nature of human existence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/compassion_for_the_vulnerable.htm">Compassion for the Vulnerable</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to show kindness and support to those who are marginalized, such as widows and the childless, reflecting God's heart for justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/condemnation_of_exploitation.htm">Condemnation of Exploitation</a></b><br>The verse highlights the sin of exploiting the weak. Christians are urged to stand against such injustices and advocate for the oppressed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice.htm">God's Justice</a></b><br>While the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, God's justice will ultimately prevail. This should encourage believers to trust in God's timing and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_church.htm">Role of the Church</a></b><br>The church is called to be a refuge for the vulnerable, providing support and advocacy for those in need, following the example of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_reflection.htm">Personal Reflection</a></b><br>Consider how you can personally contribute to alleviating the suffering of the vulnerable in your community, whether through direct action or support of charitable organizations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_brimstone_align_with_historical_records.htm">Job 18:15: Does the image of brimstone on a dwelling align with any archaeological or historical records of sulfur-based punishment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_infertility_orphans_if_kids_are_god's_gift.htm">(Psalm 127:3) How do we explain infertility and countless orphans if children are solely presented as a 'heritage' or gift from God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god_silent_in_job_24_12.htm">In Job 24:12, why does it seem like God remains silent in the face of rampant oppression, clashing with other biblical passages where God intervenes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_zechariah,_elizabeth_have_john.htm">How did Zechariah and Elizabeth become parents of John?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He evil entreateth the barren that beareth not</span>. Oppressors of another class are perhaps here spoken of, or perhaps there is a mere return to the idea with which Job's enumeration opened (ver. 3), which was the oppression of the weaker and more defenceless classes. As barrenness in women was considered the greatest possible misfortune (<a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">1 Samuel 1:5-8</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/3-1.htm">1 Samuel 3:1-10</a>), so oppressing one that was barren indicated extreme cruelty<span class="cmt_word">. And doeth not good to the widow</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> neglects to vindicate her cause - an admitted part of man's duty (see <a href="/job/22-9.htm">Job 22:9</a>; <a href="/job/29-13.htm">Job 29:13</a>; <a href="/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/24-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They prey</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹעֶ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(rō·‘eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on the barren</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲ֭קָרָה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·qā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6135.htm">Strong's 6135: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sterile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and childless,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and show no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kindness</span><br /><span class="heb">יְיֵטִֽיב׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·yê·ṭîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3190.htm">Strong's 3190: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be good, well, glad, or pleasing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the widow.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝אַלְמָנָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’al·mā·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_490.htm">Strong's 490: </a> </span><span class="str2">A widow, a desolate place</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/24-21.htm">Job 24:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/24-21.htm">Job 24:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/24-21.htm">Job 24:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/24-21.htm">Job 24:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/24-21.htm">Job 24:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/24-21.htm">Job 24:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/24-21.htm">Job 24:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/24-21.htm">Job 24:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/24-21.htm">Job 24:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/24-21.htm">Job 24:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/24-21.htm">OT Poetry: Job 24:21 He devours the barren who don't bear (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/24-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 24:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 24:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/24-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 24:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 24:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>