Job 17:6
He hath made me also a byword of the people; and aforetime I was as a tabret.
Original Language Analysis
עַמִּ֑ים
of the people
H5971
עַמִּ֑ים
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 6
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
In ancient shame-honor culture, becoming a byword or proverb of disaster was profound social death. Job's loss of honor and respect would be devastating, compounding his physical and economic losses.
Questions for Reflection
- How does social shaming compound other forms of suffering?
- What does Job's experience as a byword teach us about Christ's shame-bearing?
Analysis & Commentary
'He hath made me also a byword of the people; and aforetime I was as a tabret.' Job becomes a 'byword' (מָשָׁל, mashal—proverb, object lesson) of 'the people' (עַמִּים, ammim), and 'aforetime' (לְפָנִים, lefanim—formerly) people came 'as a tabret' (כְּתֹף, ketofe—like a drum/tambourine, for joy). The Hebrew is difficult but suggests Job has become a proverbial example of calamity, and people spit in his face (many translations). From respected to reviled, from joy-bringer to object lesson of disaster. This social reversal compounds suffering. Proverbs 3:35 warns that fools inherit shame. Job experiences this despite being righteous. Christ too became a byword (Psalm 69:11). Job's experience anticipates the Suffering Servant who bore reproach.