King James Version

What Does Job 29:15 Mean?

Job 29:15 in the King James Version says “I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.” — study this verse from Job chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.”

Job 29:15 · KJV

Context

13

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

14

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.

15

I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.

16

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

17

And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth. the jaws: Heb. the jawteeth, or, the grinders plucked: Heb. cast

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame—Job employs vivid metaphorical language for comprehensive care of the disabled. Einayim (עֵינַיִם, eyes) represents guidance and direction; Job became the sight for those who couldn't see. Raglayim (רַגְלַיִם, feet) symbolizes mobility and agency; Job enabled the lame to accomplish what their disability prevented. This metaphor goes beyond mere charity—Job became the missing faculties themselves, personally substituting for their disabilities.

The language anticipates messianic prophecy. Isaiah 35:5-6 promises: 'Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart.' Jesus applied this language to His ministry (Luke 7:22, Matthew 11:5), literally healing blind and lame while spiritually opening eyes and enabling the spiritually crippled to walk. Job's metaphorical service to the disabled foreshadows Christ's literal healing ministry. The verse also echoes Paul's body-of-Christ theology where members supply what others lack (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Job embodied Christ-like service centuries before the incarnation, demonstrating that God's character has always demanded compassionate justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern societies offered little systematic support for persons with disabilities. The blind and lame faced severe economic hardship, often reduced to begging (Mark 10:46). Mosaic law prohibited cursing the deaf or putting stumbling blocks before the blind (Leviticus 19:14), showing divine concern for the vulnerable. Job's active service to the disabled went far beyond mere non-exploitation—he personally compensated for their limitations. This radical compassion distinguished Job from contemporaries and demonstrated why God called him 'perfect and upright' (Job 1:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you actively serve those whose disabilities or limitations prevent them from helping themselves?
  2. In what ways does Job's example challenge us to move beyond non-harm to active compensation for others' vulnerabilities?
  3. How does Job's metaphorical service to the blind and lame point forward to Christ's ministry and the church's calling?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
עֵינַ֣יִם1 of 6

“I was eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הָ֭יִיתִי2 of 6
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לַֽעִוֵּ֑ר3 of 6

“to the blind”

H5787

blind (literally or figuratively)

וְרַגְלַ֖יִם4 of 6

“and feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

לַפִּסֵּ֣חַ5 of 6

“was I to the lame”

H6455

lame

אָֽנִי׃6 of 6
H589

i

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 29:15 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 29:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 10:31Matthew 11:51 Corinthians 12:12-31

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