King James Version

What Does Job 24:4 Mean?

Job 24:4 in the King James Version says “They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.” — study this verse from Job chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.”

Job 24:4 · KJV

Context

2

Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof. feed: or, feed them

3

They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge.

4

They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.

5

Behold, as wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness yieldeth food for them and for their children.

6

They reap every one his corn in the field: and they gather the vintage of the wicked. corn: Heb. mingled corn, or, dredge they gather: Heb. the wicked gather the vintage

Read Job 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They turn the needy out of the way (יַטּוּ אֶבְיוֹנִים מִדָּרֶךְ, yattú evyoním middarékh)—The verb natah (נָטָה) means to thrust aside, push off course, or pervert. The evyoním (needy/poor) are literally shoved off the path, denied access to public roads, markets, and justice. This describes systematic marginalization—the poor become invisible, forced to hide to survive. The 'way' (דֶּרֶךְ, derek) often symbolizes the path of justice and righteousness in wisdom literature.

The poor of the earth hide themselves together (יַחַד חֻבְּאוּ עֲנִיֵּי־אָרֶץ, yáchad chub'ú aniyyéi-árets)—The verb chaba (חָבָא) means to hide or conceal oneself, used of fugitives seeking refuge (1 Samuel 13:6). The poor aren't scattered but banded together (יַחַד, yachad—unitedly) for mutual protection, driven underground by oppression. This poignant image anticipates Jesus's concern for 'the least of these' (Matthew 25:40) and His pronouncement that the gospel is preached to the poor (Luke 4:18). The prophets repeatedly condemned societies where the poor must hide (Isaiah 10:1-2, Amos 5:11-12).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient agrarian economies, access to common areas—roads, wells, markets, city gates (courts)—was essential for survival. Powerful landowners could effectively banish the poor by denying access or creating hostile environments. Job describes a society where the vulnerable have lost all social standing, forced to exist on the margins. This pattern repeats throughout history when justice systems serve the powerful rather than protecting the weak.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the 'hidden poor' in your community—those pushed to society's margins, invisible to comfortable citizens?
  2. How does Job's description challenge the narrative that poverty results from laziness rather than systemic oppression?
  3. What practical steps can believers take to ensure the poor have access to justice, opportunity, and dignity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יַטּ֣וּ1 of 7

“They turn”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֶבְיֹנִ֣ים2 of 7

“the needy”

H34

destitute

מִדָּ֑רֶךְ3 of 7

“out of the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

יַ֥חַד4 of 7

“themselves together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

חֻ֝בְּא֗וּ5 of 7

“hide”

H2244

to secrete

עֲנִיֵּי6 of 7
H6035

depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)

אָֽרֶץ׃7 of 7

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 24:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 24:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 28:28Job 24:14Ezekiel 22:29Amos 2:7Ezekiel 18:12Job 30:25

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