Job 30:11
Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִתְרִ֣ו
my cord
H3499
יִתְרִ֣ו
my cord
Strong's:
H3499
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
פִ֭תַּח
Because he hath loosed
H6605
פִ֭תַּח
Because he hath loosed
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
3 of 7
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
וַיְעַנֵּ֑נִי
and afflicted
H6031
וַיְעַנֵּ֑נִי
and afflicted
Strong's:
H6031
Word #:
4 of 7
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
וְ֝רֶ֗סֶן
the bridle
H7448
וְ֝רֶ֗סֶן
the bridle
Strong's:
H7448
Word #:
5 of 7
a halter (as restraining); by implication, the jaw
Historical Context
The tent cord imagery reflects nomadic life in ancient Uz. A loosened tent cord meant immediate structural failure and exposure to elements. The bridle metaphor comes from animal husbandry—a horse without bridle runs wild. Job's accusers interpret his suffering as proof of divine rejection, which in honor-shame culture meant he's lost all social protections. Ancient Near Eastern thought directly connected blessing with righteousness, suffering with sin—making Job's protestations of innocence incomprehensible to observers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's sovereignty over suffering affect how we interpret our trials?
- Why do people often intensify their attacks on those already suffering? How should Christians respond differently?
- What does Job's honesty about feeling attacked by both God and man teach us about prayer during dark seasons?
Analysis & Commentary
Because he hath loosed my cord (כִּי־יִתְרִי פִתַּח)—The Hebrew yether (יֶתֶר) means tent cord or bowstring, either image suggesting structural collapse. God has loosened what held Job's life taut and functional—the tent of his prosperity has collapsed, or his strength is unbent like a slack bow. The verb pitach (פָּתַח) means to open, loose, or untie. Job recognizes divine agency in his unraveling.
Afflicted me (וַיְעַנֵּנִי)—The verb anah (עָנָה) means to oppress, humble, or bring low, the same term for Israel's Egyptian bondage (Exodus 1:11-12). Job frames his suffering theologically: God is the primary actor. They have also let loose the bridle before me (וְרֶסֶן מִפָּנַי שִׁלֵּחוּ)—Seeing God's hand against Job, his mockers throw off all restraint (resen, רֶסֶן, meaning bridle or restraint). Divine discipline emboldens human cruelty—when people perceive someone under God's judgment, they feel licensed to join the attack.