We evaluate the static $qqbar{q}bar{q}$ and $qqqqbar{q}$ potentials in the quenched theory at $beta=5.8$ and $beta=6.0$ on a lattice of size $16^3times 32$. We compare the static potentials to the sum of two meson potentials for the tetraquark system and to the sum of the baryonic and mesonic potentials for the pentaquark state, as well as, with the confining potential obtained in the strong coupling expansion.