Job 19:14

King James Version (KJV)

My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

My kinsfolk have failed - Literally, departed: they have all left my house, now there is no more hope of gain.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

My kinsfolk have failed - My neighbors (קרובי qârôbāy ), those who were near to me. It may refer to “nearness” of affinity, friendship, or residence. The essential idea is that of “nearness” - whether by blood, affection, or vicinity. In Psalm 38:11, it denotes near friends.

And my familiar friends - Those who knew me - מידעי myudā‛ay The allusion is to those who were “intimately” acquainted with him, or who were his bosom friends.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

How doleful are Job's complaints! What is the fire of hell but the wrath of God! Seared consciences will feel it hereafter, but do not fear it now: enlightened consciences fear it now, but shall not feel it hereafter. It is a very common mistake to think that those whom God afflicts he treats as his enemies. Every creature is that to us which God makes it to be; yet this does not excuse Job's relations and friends. How uncertain is the friendship of men! but if God be our Friend, he will not fail us in time of need. What little reason we have to indulge the body, which, after all our care, is consumed by diseases it has in itself. Job recommends himself to the compassion of his friends, and justly blames their harshness. It is very distressing to one who loves God, to be bereaved at once of outward comfort and of inward consolation; yet if this, and more, come upon a believer, it does not weaken the proof of his being a child of God and heir of glory.

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Ellen G. White
Education, 156

“Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard:
I cry for help, but there is no judgment....
He hath stripped me of my glory,
And taken the crown from my head....
My kinsfolk have failed,
And my familiar friends have forgotten me....
They whom I loved are turned against me....
Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends;
For the hand of God hath touched me.” Ed 156.1

“Oh that I knew where I might find Him,
That I might come even to His seat!...
Behold, I go forward, but He is not there;
And backward, but I cannot perceive Him:
On the left hand, where He doth work, but I cannot
behold Him:
He hideth Himself on the right hand, that I cannot see
Him.
But He knoweth the way that I take;
When He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Ed 156.2

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Ed 156.3

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Cross References

kinsfolk

familiar