Lexical Summary agam: Pool, marsh, pond Original Word: עָגַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance grieve A primitive root; to be sad -- grieve. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to be grieved NASB Translation grieved (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עָגַם] verb be grieved (Late Hebrew id; Aramaic עֲגַם, and  (in Lexicons) id; compare perhaps also Assyrian agâmu, be vexed DlHWB 16 (rare; cited under אגם)); — Qal Perfect3feminine singular אִםלֹֿא ֗֗֗ עָֽגְמָה נַפְשַׁי לָאֶבְיוֺן Job 30:25 was not my soul grieved for the poor ? ("" בָּכִיתִי). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Job 30:25 is the sole appearance of the verb, rendered in the Berean Standard Bible: “Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has my soul not grieved for the needy?” Contextual Overview The statement belongs to Job’s self-defense (Job 29–31). Formerly honored, Job now rehearses his earlier compassion to highlight the disparity between his past righteousness and his present humiliation. The verb depicts a deep, visceral stirring of his soul on behalf of sufferers—an inner sorrow that once propelled him to merciful action. Emotional and Spiritual Nuance The word carries the sense of inward wrenching, fusing empathy, pity, and anguish. It is not detached sympathy but shared pain. In Job it underscores three realities: 1. Compassion is inseparable from righteousness. Historical and Cultural Insights Ancient Near Eastern society valued patrons who defended and supported the vulnerable. Job’s claim to have “grieved for the needy” signals his conformity to that expectation, confirming his role as a civic benefactor whose authority rested on tangible mercy. Public weeping and personal sorrow for the afflicted upheld communal bonds and embodied justice. Theological Significance • Reflection of the Divine Heart – Scripture repeatedly pictures the LORD “hearing the cry of the afflicted” (Psalm 34:17); Job’s grief mirrors this attribute. Related Themes in Scripture Compassionate lament: Psalm 119:136; Lamentations 3:48-49 Shared sorrow within the body: Romans 12:15; 1 Corinthians 12:26 Advocacy for the needy: Proverbs 31:8-9; Isaiah 1:17 Practical Ministry Applications 1. Pastoral Presence – Leaders must engage sufferers with felt empathy rather than detached counsel, echoing Job’s former practice. Christological Perspective Job’s anguished compassion foreshadows the incarnate Christ, who “was moved with compassion” (Matthew 14:14) and ultimately “bore our griefs” (Isaiah 53:4). The unique Old Testament usage finds its fullest expression in Jesus, whose redemptive mission required entering humanity’s suffering to secure eternal comfort. Summary Though appearing only once, the verb characterizes authentic righteousness as soul-deep identification with the afflicted. It frames Job’s moral plea, reinforces the scriptural call to mercy, and anticipates the perfect compassion fulfilled in Christ. Forms and Transliterations עָֽגְמָ֥ה עגמה ‘ā·ḡə·māh ‘āḡəmāh ageMahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 30:25 HEB: לִקְשֵׁה־ י֑וֹם עָֽגְמָ֥ה נַ֝פְשִׁ֗י לָאֶבְיֽוֹן׃ NAS: Was not my soul grieved for the needy? KJV: was [not] my soul grieved for the poor? INT: churlish life grieved any to the poor 1 Occurrence |
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