Job 30:29
I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls.
Original Language Analysis
אָ֭ח
I am a brother
H251
אָ֭ח
I am a brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
1 of 6
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
הָיִ֣יתִי
H1961
הָיִ֣יתִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְתַנִּ֑ים
to dragons
H8577
לְתַנִּ֑ים
to dragons
Strong's:
H8577
Word #:
3 of 6
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern texts use animal imagery to express extreme states. Job's self-description as kin to jackals and owls indicates total social marginalization. In honor/shame cultures, this is existential death—loss of community standing. Lepers experienced similar ostracism (Leviticus 13:45-46), living "outside the camp." Job, though righteous, experiences the outcast status reserved for the unclean.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's identification with outcasts (Matthew 11:19, friend of sinners) transform social marginalization?
- What comfort does Job 30:29 offer to believers experiencing social isolation?
- How should the church respond to those who feel like spiritual outcasts?
Analysis & Commentary
I am a brother to dragons (אָח הָיִיתִי לְתַנִּים, ach hayiti le-tannim)—The noun tannim (תַּנִּים) likely refers to jackals (so ESV, NIV), desert scavengers, though some interpret as sea dragons/serpents. The word ach (אָח, brother) indicates kinship or companionship. Job identifies with wild, mournful creatures of desolate places. The phrase companion to owls (וְרֵעַ לִבְנוֹת יַעֲנָה) uses rea' (רֵעַ, friend, companion). Owls (ya'anah, likely referring to ostriches or owls) inhabit ruins, their cry symbolizing desolation (Isaiah 13:21, Micah 1:8).
This is social alienation imagery. Job, once community leader (Job 29), now identifies with outcasts of wilderness. Isaiah 34:13-14 describes Edom's judgment as becoming habitation of dragons and owls—a place of divine curse. Job experiences curse-level desolation. This anticipates Christ "numbered with the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12), forsaken, despised, rejected (Isaiah 53:3). The gospel's paradox: the Holy One became companion to sinners so they could become children of God (John 1:12).