Job 30:6
To dwell in the clifts of the valleys, in caves of the earth, and in the rocks.
Original Language Analysis
בַּעֲר֣וּץ
in the clifts
H6178
בַּעֲר֣וּץ
in the clifts
Strong's:
H6178
Word #:
1 of 6
feared, i.e., (concretely) a horrible place or chasm
נְחָלִ֣ים
of the valleys
H5158
נְחָלִ֣ים
of the valleys
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
2 of 6
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
לִשְׁכֹּ֑ן
To dwell
H7931
לִשְׁכֹּ֑ן
To dwell
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
3 of 6
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
The hill country of ancient Israel contained numerous caves and rock shelters, many showing evidence of habitation during various periods. Outlaws, refugees, and the destitute often lived in these marginal spaces. Archaeological excavations reveal cave dwelling as survival strategy during periods of social collapse or persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- How does biblical tradition both recognize caves as degradation and honor them as holy space?
- Where are modern 'caves and rocks' where the marginalized dwell, and how is God present there?
- What does it mean that God repeatedly meets His people in caves while they long for the city?
Analysis & Commentary
To dwell in the clifts of the valleys (בַּעֲרוּץ נְחָלִים לִשְׁכֹּן)—The verb שָׁכַן (shakan, to dwell/settle) ironically describes non-settlement—living in arutz (עֲרוּץ, gorges/ravines), dry stream beds (נְחָלִים, nechalim) that become death traps in flash floods. In caves of the earth, and in the rocks (חֹרֵי עָפָר וְכֵפִים)—They shelter in chorei (חֹרֵי, holes/caves) and kefim (כֵפִים, rock crevices), spaces for animals, not humans.
The vocabulary evokes primordial chaos—humanity reduced to cave dwelling, the opposite of civilization's ordered space. Yet Scripture also honors caves as refuge: David fled to caves (1 Samuel 22:1), Elijah encountered God in one (1 Kings 19:9), and prophets hid in caves during persecution (Hebrews 11:38). The dwelling place doesn't determine dignity—God meets His people even in society's margins.