Job 30:12
Upon my right hand rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יָמִין֮
Upon my right
H3225
יָמִין֮
Upon my right
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
2 of 10
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
יָ֫ק֥וּמוּ
hand rise
H6965
יָ֫ק֥וּמוּ
hand rise
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
4 of 10
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
רַגְלַ֥י
my feet
H7272
רַגְלַ֥י
my feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
5 of 10
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
שִׁלֵּ֑חוּ
they push away
H7971
שִׁלֵּ֑חוּ
they push away
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
6 of 10
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וַיָּסֹ֥לּוּ
and they raise up
H5549
וַיָּסֹ֥לּוּ
and they raise up
Strong's:
H5549
Word #:
7 of 10
to mound up (especially a turnpike); figurative, to exalt; reflexively, to oppose (as by a dam)
עָ֝לַ֗י
H5921
עָ֝לַ֗י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture demanded younger generation's deference to elders (Leviticus 19:32). That 'youth'—mere boys—dare assault Job demonstrates complete social inversion. The siege imagery reflects ancient warfare where attackers built earthen ramps to scale city walls. Job experiences social assault using military metaphors—he's under siege from all sides. Wisdom literature consistently condemns youthful arrogance and commands respect for age (Proverbs 20:29), making this violation particularly egregious.
Questions for Reflection
- How does loss of respect and authority compound physical or emotional suffering?
- What does Scripture teach about honoring those who suffer, even when we don't understand their trials?
- How should we respond when we feel 'under siege' from multiple directions simultaneously?
Analysis & Commentary
Upon my right hand rise the youth (עַל־יָמִין פִּרְחַח יָקוּמוּ)—The pirchach (פִּרְחַח) are young shoots, immature men, mere boys. The right hand was the place of honor and authority (Psalm 110:1)—but these upstarts dare rise against Job's authority. The verb qum (קוּם) means to stand up, rise in opposition, or make legal accusation. Youth who should defer to Job's wisdom instead assault his dignity.
They push away my feet (רַגְלַי שִׁלֵּחוּ)—They trip him, remove the ground from under him. They raise up against me the ways of their destruction (וַיָּסֹלּוּ עָלַי אָרְחוֹת אֵידָם)—The verb salal (סָלַל) means to cast up or build siege ramps; orchot (אָרְחוֹת) means paths or roads; eid (אֵיד) means calamity or destruction. Military imagery: they build siege works against Job as if he's a city to be conquered. Those who should respect him instead engineer his ruin.