Job 24:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, the wicked man ‘feeds the barren’ and neglects ‘doing good to the widow’ because, succumbing to the cravings of the flesh, he shows scant regard for the soul and its vitality. For he focuses intently on satisfying even the unnecessary desires of the flesh, which is destined to perish, while remaining indifferent to the soul's existence, which, whether in torment or in bliss, is assuredly eternal.

Further, when it states that “He feedeth the barren,” it immediately adds, “and that which hath not given birth.” Some women, as revealed in sacred history, were referred to as ‘barren,’ yet they ultimately bore children. However, the flesh is not only labeled barren but also as one that has not borne, for in its contemplation, even in its final moments, it is incapable of generating good thoughts. Though it remains in its natural strength, even as it nears departure from this world, it continues to yearn for transient matters and, through its misguided endeavors, strives to obtain temporal gains. Even when it can no longer act upon evil, it does not cease to fantasize about actions it can no longer perform. Therefore, it is aptly designated not merely as ‘barren,’ but also as ‘not begotten,’ for its own thoughts, as stated, cannot produce the fruits of good intentions, even when it is weakened and unable to perform evil.

The same can be applied to heretical preachers. Each preacher of falsehood, while leading people away from the solid unity of the Church, undoubtedly ‘feeds the barren and unborn,’ since he invests his efforts in those who will never yield spiritual fruits. Thus, he provides no benefit to the widow, which represents the Holy Universal Church, whose Husband suffered and died, as he neglects to nurture and serve her. To ‘do good to the widow’ involves embracing her anguish and providing solace to one who mourns for her deceased Husband. Accordingly, the widow, symbolizing the Holy Church, laments, saying, “I sought comforters, but I found none” (Psalm 68:21). Nevertheless, she does indeed find comforters when, through the death her Husband endured, she witnesses many coming to life within her.

It is common for erroneous preachers to align themselves with the worldly wealthy, who, driven by their relentless pursuit of earthly gain, remain too blind to discern the deceitful allure of false doctrines. By merely appearing strong, they fall prey to the deceptive snare of misleading preaching. Consequently, it is also noted:

When he rises, he finds no assurance for his life (Job 24:22 LXX). Thus, the wicked, who rise each day, remains uncertain of his existence, enveloped in fear and trepidation. As the wise Solomon defines it, fear simply results from the absence of rational support (Prem. 17:11). Should he fall ill, he ought not to expect recovery, but instead should succumb to his afflictions (Job 24:23 LXX). For physical ailments are consequences of sin. To say he ought not to hope indicates that, tormented by a guilty conscience, he has relinquished all hope. And when it is said he shall fall by affliction, it means he will be stricken by hardships. Many have been brought low due to his pride (Job 24:24 LXX). Therefore, he will fall, for he has exalted himself at the expense of many. He withers like grain in the scorching sun, or like an ear of corn that has detached itself from its stalk (Job 24:24 LXX). Other accounts describe it as ‘like grass.’ The esteemed psalmist echoed this sentiment: For they, like grass, shall quickly wither, and like verdant grain, shall soon fade away (Psalms 36:2). Job poignantly noted that he fell away by his own doing, for each individual's sin becomes his own penalty.

Some, in a demonstration of the darkness enveloping their deeds, conceal them under the cover of night (13-17); upon these individuals, as well as the oppressors, a grave curse and misfortune ought to descend (18-24). Yet, do we see this justice enacted? Therefore, Job firmly believes, contrary to his friends’ assertions, that his reflections on the discord between virtue and prosperity are just (25).