Job 30 1

Job 30:1 kjv

But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.

Job 30:1 nkjv

"But now they mock at me, men younger than I, Whose fathers I disdained to put with the dogs of my flock.

Job 30:1 niv

"But now they mock me, men younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to put with my sheep dogs.

Job 30:1 esv

"But now they laugh at me, men who are younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to set with the dogs of my flock.

Job 30:1 nlt

"But now I am mocked by people younger than I,
by young men whose fathers are not worthy to run with my sheepdogs.

Job 30 verses

Job 30 1 Meaning

Job laments the extreme reversal of his fortune, now being scorned and ridiculed by individuals far younger and from families so socially inferior that he would not have even considered their fathers fit to associate with his working dogs. This starkly contrasts his former status and underscores his profound degradation and humiliation.

Job 30 1 Context

Job 30 represents a severe emotional downturn in Job's lament, a stark and bitter contrast to his previous speech in Job 29 where he recalled his past glory, dignity, and widespread respect. In that former state, elders rose and nobles were silent in his presence; he was a revered dispenser of justice and a patron to the needy. Chapter 30, starting with this verse, brutally describes his present humiliation. He recounts his physical suffering and abandonment, but crucially, he points to the profound social degradation he experiences. Historically and culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies, including that of the patriarchs, placed immense value on age, wisdom, and social standing. To be mocked by "younger" individuals, and specifically by those from the lowest strata of society whom he previously held in utter contempt, was a devastating affront to Job's honor and an unbearable burden in his already tragic circumstances.

Job 30 1 Word analysis

• "But now" (וְעַתָּה, vĕ‘attâ): This powerful transitional phrase marks an abrupt and dramatic shift from the remembrance of Job's past eminence to the harsh, painful reality of his present degradation. It signals an immediate and agonizing contrast, emphasizing the suddenness and inexplicability of his reversed circumstances.

• "they that are younger than I" (צָעִיר מִמֶּנִּי, tsa‘îr mimmennî): In a cultural context where deference and respect for elders were fundamental (Lev 19:32, Prov 16:31), this detail highlights the extreme indignity Job suffers. His tormentors are not his peers but those who, by societal norms, should display humility and honor toward him, underscoring the profound inversion of his social order.

• "have me in derision" (קַלּוּנִי, qallûnî, from qālâ): This verb means "to make light of," "despise," "hold in contempt," or "revile." It conveys more than simple mockery; it signifies public humiliation and the active belittling of Job's very being. This directly attacks his personal honor and social standing, crucial aspects of identity in the ancient world.

• "whose fathers I would have disdained" (אֲשֶׁר אֲבֹותָם מָאַסְתִּי, ’ăšer ’ăḇôṯām mā’astî): Mā’as is a strong term signifying "to reject," "scorn," "abhor," or "loathe." Job implies that in his previous high position, he would have utterly rejected these families due to their low social standing or objectionable character, considering them unworthy of any consideration or contact. This accentuates the severity of his current plight—he is now scorned by those whom he previously disdained.

• "to have set with the dogs of my flock" (עִם כַּלְבֵי צֹאנִי, ‘im kalbê tsonî): In the ancient Near East, dogs were often seen as scavenging animals or useful but lowly working animals, generally viewed with disdain, not as companions (e.g., Matt 15:26; Phil 3:2). Even shepherd dogs, though important for protecting livestock, were typically not valued as companions, holding a significantly lower status than humans. To compare someone's father to the dogs of one's flock implies the lowest possible social stratum—they were considered unfit even for the most basic and undignified forms of association or service within Job’s prosperous household. This phrase powerfully illustrates the immense social gulf that has been inverted, highlighting Job's utter fall from grace.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "But now they that are younger than I have me in derision": This phrase captures the shocking and painful reversal of Job's social standing. The irony is deeply felt: the venerable elder, revered and respected in Job 29, is now the object of open contempt and ridicule from the very youth who should have shown him deference. It signifies the complete breakdown of his social world and dignity.
  • "whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock": This specific comparison amplifies the depth of Job's current humiliation. It highlights that his tormentors come from families he formerly held in such utter contempt that he deemed them lower than the lowliest workers—lower even than animals generally considered ignoble. This illustrates the total inversion of his status, from highest esteem to lowest scorn, magnifying his suffering through extreme public indignity.

Job 30 1 Bonus section

This verse keenly highlights the ancient Near Eastern concept of honor and shame. Job's suffering is not just physical or material; it is a profound assault on his social honor, a central aspect of self and communal identity. His status is not merely lowered; it is catastrophically inverted by those from whom he least expects scorn. This public shame for a righteous man was considered a greater agony than physical pain for some. Furthermore, Job's desperate cry exposes the failure of conventional retribution theology which states that prosperity signifies righteousness and suffering indicates sin. Job’s predicament defies this paradigm, showing a righteous man utterly debased without apparent cause, intensifying his plea for divine justice.

Job 30 1 Commentary

Job 30:1 serves as a profoundly agonizing lament from a man stripped not only of his possessions and health but also, perhaps most cuttingly, of his honor and dignity. Having described his once exalted position in chapter 29, Job now plunges into the abyss of public scorn. The cruel irony is multifaceted: his mockers are "younger" – a direct transgression of societal respect for elders – and their "fathers" were so utterly despised by Job in his prime that he wouldn't even deem them worthy of association with the working dogs of his flock. Dogs, often viewed as unclean scavengers in this culture, represent the lowest possible social standing. Thus, the very people whom Job would have held in absolute contempt, considered utterly beneath his regard, are now the ones publicly ridiculing him. This highlights the injustice of his suffering not just in the divine realm, but in the most tangible, human sphere, as a righteous man is shamed by the ignoble, in stark contrast to God's intended order where the righteous are honored and the wicked brought low. This humiliation adds a bitter dimension to his pain, deepening his perceived abandonment by both God and humanity.