Job 30:1
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֤ה׀
H6258
שָֽׂחֲק֣וּ
than I have me in derision
H7832
שָֽׂחֲק֣וּ
than I have me in derision
Strong's:
H7832
Word #:
2 of 13
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
עָלַי֮
H5921
עָלַי֮
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צְעִירִ֥ים
But now they that are younger
H6810
צְעִירִ֥ים
But now they that are younger
Strong's:
H6810
Word #:
4 of 13
little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble
מִמֶּ֗נִּי
H4480
מִמֶּ֗נִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
לְיָ֫מִ֥ים
H3117
לְיָ֫מִ֥ים
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מָאַ֥סְתִּי
I would have disdained
H3988
מָאַ֥סְתִּי
I would have disdained
Strong's:
H3988
Word #:
8 of 13
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
אֲבוֹתָ֑ם
whose fathers
H1
אֲבוֹתָ֑ם
whose fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
9 of 13
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
11 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Job 12:4I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn.Luke 23:35And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.Psalms 69:12They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures made such reversal particularly devastating. Job experiences maximum humiliation from minimum persons.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain dignity when social status is reversed?
- What does Job's humiliation teach about worldly honor?
Analysis & Commentary
Job's contrast: '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.' The social reversal is complete - those Job once scorned now mock him. Suffering inverts social order.