King James Version

What Does Job 16:10 Mean?

Job 16:10 in the King James Version says “They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselv...” — study this verse from Job chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.”

Job 16:10 · KJV

Context

8

And thou hast filled me with wrinkles, which is a witness against me: and my leanness rising up in me beareth witness to my face.

9

He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.

10

They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.

11

God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked. hath: Heb. hath shut me up

12

I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.

Read Job 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They have gaped upon me with their mouth (פָּעֲרוּ עָלַי בְּפִיהֶם, pa'aru 'alay befihem)—The verb פָּעַר (pa'ar) means 'to open wide, gape' like a predator's maw. This same imagery appears in Psalm 22:13 ('they gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion')—the messianic psalm Jesus quoted on the cross.

They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully (בְּחֶרְפָּה הִכּוּ לְחָיָי, becherpa hikku lechayai)—Striking the cheek (לְחִי, lechi) was the ultimate insult in ancient Near Eastern culture, denying someone's dignity and honor. The servant in Isaiah 50:6 receives this same abuse: 'I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair.' Job's humiliation prefigures Christ's.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'smiting of the cheek' appears in multiple biblical contexts as supreme mockery. When the high priest's servant struck Jesus (John 18:22), and when soldiers struck Him (Mark 14:65), they enacted the same degradation Job experienced. Ancient honor-shame cultures considered this assault worse than physical harm—it destroyed social standing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Job's descriptions of mockery and violence illuminate Christ's passion?
  2. What forms of 'smiting the cheek' occur in modern contexts where honor and dignity are stripped?
  3. Why does God allow His innocent servants to endure public humiliation and shame?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
פָּעֲר֬וּ1 of 9

“They have gaped”

H6473

to yawn, i.e., open wide (literally or figuratively)

עָלַ֨י׀2 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּפִיהֶ֗ם3 of 9

“upon me with their mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

בְּ֭חֶרְפָּה4 of 9

“reproachfully”

H2781

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

הִכּ֣וּ5 of 9

“they have smitten”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

לְחָיָ֑י6 of 9

“me upon the cheek”

H3895

the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone

יַ֝֗חַד7 of 9

“themselves together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

עָלַ֥י8 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִתְמַלָּאֽוּן׃9 of 9

“they have gathered”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 16:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 16:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 35:15Psalms 22:13Isaiah 50:6Lamentations 3:30Micah 5:1Psalms 22:16-17

Test Your Knowledge

Job 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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