King James Version

What Does Job 24:9 Mean?

Job 24:9 in the King James Version says “They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor.” — study this verse from Job chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor.”

Job 24:9 · KJV

Context

7

They cause the naked to lodge without clothing, that they have no covering in the cold.

8

They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.

9

They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor.

10

They cause him to go naked without clothing, and they take away the sheaf from the hungry;

11

Which make oil within their walls, and tread their winepresses, and suffer thirst.

Read Job 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They pluck the fatherless from the breast (יִגְזְלוּ מִשַּׁד יָתוֹם, yigzelú mishád yatóm)—The verb gazal (גָזַל) means to tear away violently or rob, the same word used in verse 2 for seizing flocks. The shad (שַׁד, breast) indicates a nursing infant. This horrific image depicts creditors seizing even nursing babies as payment for debt—the ultimate cruelty, separating mother and child at the most vulnerable life stage. Whether literal or hyperbolic, it represents the complete ruthlessness of oppression that respects no human bond.

And take a pledge of the poor (וְעַל־עָנִי יַחְבְּלוּ, ve'al-aní yachbélu)—The verb chabal (חָבַל) means to take as security or pledge. The preposition 'al (עַל) can mean 'upon' or 'against,' suggesting the pledge falls upon or oppresses the poor person. Mosaic law prohibited taking necessities as pledge—millstones (Deuteronomy 24:6), cloaks overnight (Exodus 22:26-27). Here the pledge taken is human—children themselves become collateral. This practice, though condemned, occurred in Israel (2 Kings 4:1, Nehemiah 5:5). Leviticus 25:39-43 specifically forbids treating Israelites as slaves, yet debt-slavery persisted when covenant law was ignored.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Debt-bondage was widespread in the ancient Near East. Children could be sold to pay family debts, becoming servants until jubilee year (Leviticus 25:39-43) or until debt was repaid. The Mosaic law attempted to limit this practice, but Job describes its abuse—creditors seizing children as collateral, tearing nursing infants from mothers. This violated both the letter and spirit of covenant law. Nehemiah later confronted this exact abuse (Nehemiah 5:1-13), forcing creditors to return seized property and children.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse expose the cruelty of economic systems that treat humans, especially children, as commodities?
  2. What modern equivalents exist—child labor, human trafficking, family separation due to incarceration or deportation?
  3. How can believers work to ensure that economic pressures never justify separating families or exploiting children?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יִ֭גְזְלוּ1 of 6

“They pluck”

H1497

to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

מִשֹּׁ֣ד2 of 6

“from the breast”

H7699

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

יָת֑וֹם3 of 6

“the fatherless”

H3490

a bereaved person

וְֽעַל4 of 6
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עָנִ֥י5 of 6

“of the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

יַחְבֹּֽלוּ׃6 of 6

“and take a pledge”

H2254

to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e., to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of partur

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 24:9 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 24:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 5:52 Kings 4:1

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