Job 29:16

Job 29:16 Meaning and Explanation

I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.

King James Version (KJV)

Read this verse in context with translation switching:

Read Full Chapter →

Job acted as a father to the needy and carefully investigated cases he did not understand before judging them.

What Does Job 29:16 Mean?

Job describes two kinds of care. To the poor he was as a father, providing and protecting; and when a legal cause was unfamiliar to him, he searched it out rather than judging in haste or ignorance. His mercy was matched by diligence.

Here compassion joins integrity. Job would not pronounce on a matter he did not understand; he investigated until truth was clear, especially for those too powerless to plead well for themselves. This is justice that takes pains for the vulnerable, reflecting the God who searches every heart and judges with perfect, patient righteousness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Job 29:16

What does Job 29:16 mean?

Job acted as a father to the needy and carefully investigated cases he did not understand before judging them.

Keep Studying Job 29

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.