Job 30 14

Job 30:14 kjv

They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters: in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me.

Job 30:14 nkjv

They come as broad breakers; Under the ruinous storm they roll along.

Job 30:14 niv

They advance as through a gaping breach; amid the ruins they come rolling in.

Job 30:14 esv

As through a wide breach they come; amid the crash they roll on.

Job 30:14 nlt

They come at me from all directions.
They jump on me when I am down.

Job 30 verses

Job 30 14 Meaning

Job 30:14 expresses Job’s profound despair, lamenting the relentless, overwhelming, and utterly destructive onslaught of his tormentors. He describes their attacks as an unhindered military invasion that breaches all his defenses and subjects him to complete humiliation and trampling within his already ruined state.

Job 30 14 Context

Job 30 serves as a dramatic counterpoint to chapter 29, which described Job's former eminence, widespread respect, and acts of benevolence. Here, Job's status has plummeted. He laments the severe degradation of his condition and the cruel contempt he now endures from society's lowest—young men, scoundrels, and outcasts (Job 30:1-8). These individuals, whom Job would previously have disdained, now mock him, physically abuse him, and openly disrespect him (Job 30:9-13). Verse 14 intensifies this suffering, transforming the taunts and physical assaults into the imagery of an invading army. Job views this as a direct, unrestrained assault on his very being, compounding his existing state of ruin and desolation. His speech throughout this chapter is a deep expression of physical and emotional agony, driven by a perception that God Himself has allowed him to be abandoned and delivered into the hands of these relentless tormentors.

Job 30 14 Word analysis

• They came upon me: This refers to his tormentors mentioned in preceding verses. The Hebrew verb יֶאֱתָיוּ (ye’eṯā·yū), derived from אָתָה (athah), "to come," is in the imperfect tense, suggesting an ongoing, relentless, and deliberate approach, emphasizing the continuous and determined nature of their harassment.
• as through a wide breach: The Hebrew is כְּפֶרֶץ רָחָב (kə·p̄e·reṣ rā·ḥāḇ).
  • כְּ (kə-): Functions as a simile, meaning "as" or "like." It likens the method of his tormentors' attack to a significant break in a protective barrier.
  • פֶרֶץ (peres): Meaning "breach," "breakthrough," or "gap." In the context of ancient warfare, a breach in a city wall signified the complete collapse of defenses, allowing unrestrained enemy entry, leading to total conquest and vulnerability.
  • רָחָב (rā·ḥāḇ): Means "wide" or "broad." This intensifies the image of the breach, indicating it was not a small hole but a massive, unhindered opening, implying the absolute absence of any remaining defense or containment for Job.
  • Significance: This phrase indicates that all Job's former protective barriers—whether social status, physical health, or perceived divine favor—have been shattered, leaving him utterly exposed and susceptible to unlimited harm.
• they rolled over me: The Hebrew is יִתְגַּלְגָּלוּ עָלָי (yiṯ·gal·gā·lū ‘ā·lāy).
  • יִתְגַּלְגָּלוּ (yiṯ·gal·gā·lū): This is the Hithpael imperfect form of the verb גָּלַל (galal), meaning "to roll," "to tumble," or "to wallow." The Hithpael stem often conveys a reflexive, reciprocal, or intensive action. Here, it suggests an uncontrolled, surging, contemptuous, and aggressive trampling. It's more than merely passing by; it’s an active, overwhelming surge over him, utterly dominating and perhaps crushing him underfoot.
  • עָלָי (‘ā·lāy): Meaning "upon me" or "over me." This preposition emphasizes the directness and personal nature of the assault, highlighting that Job is the direct object of this destructive force.
  • Significance: This imagery portrays not just an attack but a complete subjugation and undignified trampling, where Job is entirely overwhelmed and treated as nothing more than debris.
• among the ruins: The Hebrew is בַּשׁוֹאָה (baš·šō·’āh).
  • בַּ (ba-): This prefix means "in," "among," or "amidst."
  • שׁוֹאָה (sho’ah): A strong and evocative word meaning "ruin," "desolation," "destruction," or "devastation." It denotes a state of complete obliteration, often accompanied by chaos or tumult.
  • Significance: This phrase indicates that Job's attackers are assailing him while he is already in a state of complete desolation or devastation. He is not merely being led to ruin, but he is tormented within the very midst of his shattered existence, reinforcing the sense of hopelessness and utter collapse.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "as through a wide breach they came upon me": This vivid military metaphor likens Job's assailants to an invading army that has successfully penetrated a city's defenses through a massive opening, symbolizing the utter collapse of Job's previous protective boundaries and security, leaving him fully exposed and defenseless.
  • "they rolled over me among the ruins": This depicts not merely the breaking of defenses but the ensuing ruthless and contemptuous trampling of Job while he is already in a state of profound destruction. It signifies complete dominance, further humiliation, and a compounding of his misery, where his attackers are taking full advantage of his shattered state.

Job 30 14 Bonus section

• Imagery of Devastation: The verse uses extreme language to describe the totality of Job's experience—a destroyed city's broken walls and invaders trampling over the rubble—reflecting the completeness of his personal physical and psychological breakdown.
• Inversion of Power and Dignity: This imagery becomes even more poignant when contrasted with Job 29. The mighty Job, once the protector and judge, is now utterly defenseless, overrun by those he would have disdained, further amplifying his humiliation and the cruel reversal of his fortunes.
• Job's Perceived Divine Abandonment: While Job directly describes human attackers, his larger discourse often frames his suffering as having been permitted or orchestrated by God. Thus, this onslaught, likened to an uncontrollable force, also subtly points to God's seeming abandonment and allowing such devastation upon him.
• Beyond Physical Harm: The "rolling over" goes beyond mere physical injury; it speaks to the destruction of dignity, reputation, and emotional well-being, symbolizing an active, contemptuous dismantling of his very identity.

Job 30 14 Commentary

Job 30:14 profoundly illustrates Job's sense of being utterly overpowered, violated, and debased. His tormentors, who he views as society's refuse, unleash an assault on him with the force and relentlessness of an invading army. The "wide breach" signifies a total collapse of all his former defenses, whether physical, social, or spiritual, leaving him completely exposed and without refuge. This image profoundly contrasts with his past state of protection and respect. The act of "rolling over me" portrays not just a casual or superficial assault, but a contemptuous, aggressive, and continuous trampling. Furthermore, this oppressive action occurs "among the ruins," emphasizing that Job is already devastated; his enemies are exploiting and adding to his pre-existing condition of utter ruin and desolation. This verse underscores the pervasive nature of his suffering and humiliation, intensifying the irony that one so revered now lies helpless, a target for the lowest in society, his very being akin to a plundered city.