Job 30:24 in the ESV translates as: "Surely no one would turn his hand against the afflicted when they cry for help in their distress."
This verse is part of Job's lament as he describes his current state of suffering and contrasts it with his former position of respect and authority. In this specific verse, Job is essentially making a rhetorical statement. He's asking:
"However doesn’t one stretch out a hand in his fall?" (or "Surely no one would turn his hand against the afflicted...") This refers to the natural human inclination to help someone who is stumbling, falling, or in trouble. It's a basic act of compassion and decency.
"Or in his calamity therefore cry for help?" (or "...when they cry for help in their distress") This emphasizes that someone in deep distress naturally cries out for assistance. It would be reasonable to expect that people would respond with compassion to that cry.
Therefore, the combined meaning of the verse is:
Job is expressing his bewilderment and disappointment. He is saying that one would expect people to offer help and respond to a cry for help from someone in calamity. However, in Job's situation, this is not happening. Instead of receiving compassion and support, he is being mocked and rejected. This underscores the depth of his isolation and suffering. He can't believe that people he once helped are now treating him so cruelly when he is in desperate need.
In simpler terms:
Job is saying, "Isn't it natural to help someone who is falling? Wouldn't you expect people to help when someone is in trouble and cries out for help? But people aren't helping me. They're kicking me when I'm down."
The verse highlights the contrast between what Job believes is morally right and the harsh reality of his current experience. It is a lament over the lack of compassion he is receiving.
Job 30:24 in the ESV translates as: "Surely no one would turn his hand against the afflicted when they cry for help in their distress."
This verse is part of Job's lament as he describes his current state of suffering and contrasts it with his former position of respect and authority. In this specific verse, Job is essentially making a rhetorical statement. He's asking:
"However doesn’t one stretch out a hand in his fall?" (or "Surely no one would turn his hand against the afflicted...") This refers to the natural human inclination to help someone who is stumbling, falling, or in trouble. It's a basic act of compassion and decency.
"Or in his calamity therefore cry for help?" (or "...when they cry for help in their distress") This emphasizes that someone in deep distress naturally cries out for assistance. It would be reasonable to expect that people would respond with compassion to that cry.
Therefore, the combined meaning of the verse is:
Job is expressing his bewilderment and disappointment. He is saying that one would expect people to offer help and respond to a cry for help from someone in calamity. However, in Job's situation, this is not happening. Instead of receiving compassion and support, he is being mocked and rejected. This underscores the depth of his isolation and suffering. He can't believe that people he once helped are now treating him so cruelly when he is in desperate need.
In simpler terms:
Job is saying, "Isn't it natural to help someone who is falling? Wouldn't you expect people to help when someone is in trouble and cries out for help? But people aren't helping me. They're kicking me when I'm down."
The verse highlights the contrast between what Job believes is morally right and the harsh reality of his current experience. It is a lament over the lack of compassion he is receiving.