Job 18:3
Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed vile in your sight?
Original Language Analysis
מַ֭דּוּעַ
H4069
מַ֭דּוּעַ
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
1 of 5
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
נֶחְשַׁ֣בְנוּ
Wherefore are we counted
H2803
נֶחְשַׁ֣בְנוּ
Wherefore are we counted
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
כַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
as beasts
H929
כַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
as beasts
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern honor-shame culture made accusations of intellectual inferiority deeply offensive. Wisdom teachers commanded respect; to call them 'beasts' attacked their professional credibility and social status. Bildad's defensive posture reveals that Job's criticism struck home—the friends' traditional answers fail to explain innocent suffering, exposing limitations of retribution theology. Pride prevents them from admitting inadequacy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does pride prevent you from admitting when your theological explanations fail to address real suffering?
- In what ways do religious leaders sometimes prioritize defending their authority over listening to legitimate pain?
- How can you distinguish between Job's righteous protest against inadequate answers and sinful contempt for godly counsel?
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore are we counted as beasts (maddûa' neḥšaḇnû kaḇěhēmāh, מַדּוּעַ נֶחְשַׁבְנוּ כַבְּהֵמָה)—Bildad protests Job's alleged contempt for the friends' counsel. The verb ḥāšaḇ (to count, reckon, regard) combined with běhēmāh (beast, animal, cattle) accuses Job of treating them as intellectually inferior, lacking rational capacity. This charge references Job 12:7-12, where Job sarcastically told them to learn from beasts and birds. Bildad misses Job's point—creation testifies to divine sovereignty while the friends parrot empty platitudes.
And reputed vile in your sight (niṭmînû bě'ênêkem, נִטְמִינוּ בְּעֵינֵיכֶם)—The verb ṭāmē' means to be unclean, defiled, or vile. Bildad feels insulted and despised. The phrase 'in your sight' (literally 'in your eyes') indicates perceived contempt. Ironically, the friends are 'vile' not because Job devalues them but because their theology pollutes truth with falsehood (Job 42:7-8). They represent religious authorities whose orthodoxy fails under trial's pressure. Their wounded pride blinds them to Job's legitimate complaints against their inadequate counsel.