  We evaluate the static $qq\bar{q}\bar{q}$ and $qqqq\bar{q}$ potentials in the
quenched theory at $\beta=5.8$ and $\beta=6.0$ on a lattice of size $16^3\times
32$. 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.
