Job 19:18
Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אָ֝ק֗וּמָה
me I arose
H6965
אָ֝ק֗וּמָה
me I arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
5 of 7
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
Cross References
2 Kings 2:23And he went up from thence unto Beth-el: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.Job 30:1But 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 30:12Upon my right hand rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture valued respect for elders highly. Children mocking adults represented social breakdown and severe disrespect. That Job, formerly honored, now faces children's contempt shows his complete fall from social status.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's experience of mockery and contempt transform our understanding of humiliation?
- What does it mean that suffering can invert all normal social hierarchies?
- How do we maintain dignity when treated with contempt?
Analysis & Commentary
Children mock Job: 'Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me.' Being mocked by children represents ultimate humiliation—those who should respect elders instead despise him. The Hebrew 'bazah' (despise) suggests contempt, not mere disrespect. This anticipates Christ's humiliation, mocked by those He came to save. Job's experience of comprehensive rejection prefigures the Suffering Servant.