King James Version

What Does Job 17:2 Mean?

Job 17:2 in the King James Version says “Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation? continue: Heb. lodge” — study this verse from Job chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation? continue: Heb. lodge”

Job 17:2 · KJV

Context

1

My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me. breath: or, spirit is spent

2

Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation? continue: Heb. lodge

3

Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me?

4

For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation? Job's rhetorical questions express his anguish over the relentless taunting he endures from his so-called friends. The Hebrew hatulim (הֲתֻלִים, "mockers") denotes scoffers who ridicule and belittle—not merely those who disagree but those who deride with contempt. Job's companions, who should have comforted him, instead accused him of secret sin and hypocrisy, making his suffering unbearable.

The phrase "mine eye continue in their provocation" (uvehamerotam talin eini, וּבְהַמְּרוֹתָם תָּלִן עֵינִי) is vivid: Job's eyes—representing his consciousness and perception—must dwell constantly upon their bitter provocations. The verb talin (תָּלִן) means "to lodge" or "remain overnight," suggesting unceasing exposure to antagonism. The noun merotam (הַמְּרוֹתָם) comes from marah (מָרָה), meaning rebellion or bitter provocation—the same word used for Israel's rebellion against God.

Job's lament reveals profound psychological torment: physical suffering compounded by social isolation and theological assault. His friends' accusations that suffering always results from personal sin represented a simplistic theology that failed to account for God's mysterious purposes. Job's experience prefigures Christ, the righteous Sufferer who endured mockery from religious accusers while innocent (Matthew 27:41-44). This verse validates that suffering believers may honestly express their anguish to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The book of Job is set in the patriarchal period (pre-Mosaic era), likely around 2000-1800 BCE, though its composition date is debated. Job lived in Uz, possibly in northern Arabia or Edom. The cultural context emphasizes honor-shame dynamics: Job's loss of wealth, family, and health resulted in social disgrace and isolation.

Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature addressed theodicy—explaining suffering and divine justice. Job's friends represented conventional retribution theology: prosperity rewards righteousness; suffering punishes sin. This theology dominated ancient thought, making Job's undeserved suffering intellectually and socially scandalous. His friends' mockery wasn't mere cruelty but reflected their theological conviction that Job must be guilty.

The Hebrew concept of corporate solidarity meant suffering brought communal shame. Job's friends initially sat in silent sympathy (2:13), but their speeches became increasingly accusatory. Archaeological discoveries of Mesopotamian wisdom texts like "Ludlul Bel Nemeqi" ("I Will Praise the Lord of Wisdom") show parallel concerns about innocent suffering, but Job uniquely maintains faith while demanding answers from God. This historical-theological tension prepares readers for the gospel's revelation: the perfectly righteous One suffers for the guilty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Job's honest laments to God model faithful suffering without either denial or despair?
  2. When have you experienced spiritual 'friends' whose advice compounded rather than comforted your pain?
  3. What does this passage teach about the inadequacy of simplistic answers to complex suffering?
  4. How does Job's experience of mockery while innocent point forward to Christ's suffering?
  5. In what ways might we inadvertently become 'mockers' to fellow believers who are suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אִם1 of 7
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א2 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֲ֭תֻלִים3 of 7

“Are there not mockers”

H2049

a derision

עִמָּדִ֑י4 of 7
H5978

along with

וּ֝בְהַמְּרוֹתָ֗ם5 of 7

“in their provocation”

H4784

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

תָּלַ֥ן6 of 7

“continue”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

עֵינִֽי׃7 of 7

“with me and doth not mine eye”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 17:2 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 17:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 12:41 Samuel 1:6-7Job 16:20Matthew 27:39-44Job 21:3Psalms 91:1

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