Job 30:13
They mar my path, they set forward my calamity, they have no helper.
Original Language Analysis
לְהַוָּתִֽי
my calamity
H1942
לְהַוָּתִֽי
my calamity
Strong's:
H1942
Word #:
3 of 7
by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin
יֹעִ֑ילוּ
they set forward
H3276
יֹעִ֑ילוּ
they set forward
Strong's:
H3276
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)
לֹ֖א
H3808
לֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
The path-marring imagery reflects ancient travel along established routes marked by stone cairns or beaten tracks. Destroying these markers left travelers lost in wilderness. Job's enemies don't merely oppose him—they ensure he cannot recover or find his way back to honor. Ancient wisdom literature speaks of the 'path of the righteous' (Proverbs 4:18); Job's opponents obliterate his road entirely. This verse captures the experience of those who've lost everything: not just present suffering but demolished hope of restoration.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you experienced times when recovery seemed impossible because all paths forward were destroyed? How did you persevere?
- What does it mean to help rebuild someone's 'path' after calamity has destroyed their way forward?
- How does Job's description of enemies who need no help to destroy him reflect the experience of depression or despair?
Analysis & Commentary
They mar my path (נָתְסוּ נְתִיבָתִי)—The verb nathats (נָתַץ) means to tear down, break down, or destroy; netivah (נְתִיבָה) means pathway or track. Job's enemies don't just block his way—they demolish the road entirely, ensuring no escape or recovery. This continues the military siege metaphor: cutting off all supply lines and escape routes.
They set forward my calamity (יֹעִילוּ לְהַוָּתִי)—The verb ya'al (יָעַל) means to profit, avail, or promote; havvah (הַוָּה) means ruin, calamity, or destruction. They actively advance his destruction, working to ensure his complete collapse. They have no helper (לֹא עֹזֵר לָמוֹ)—Either Job has no one to help him against them, or ironically, they need no assistance to destroy him—he's so weakened they accomplish it alone. The Hebrew ambiguity intensifies the pathos: total isolation meets effortless destruction.