King James Version

What Does Job 29:17 Mean?

Job 29:17 in the King James Version says “And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth. the jaws: Heb. the jawteeth, or, the grinder...” — study this verse from Job chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth. the jaws: Heb. the jawteeth, or, the grinders plucked: Heb. cast”

Job 29:17 · KJV

Context

15

I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.

16

I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.

17

And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth. the jaws: Heb. the jawteeth, or, the grinders plucked: Heb. cast

18

Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.

19

My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch. spread: Heb. opened

Read Job 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I brake the jaws of the wicked (malt'ot rasha מַלְתְּעוֹת רָשָׁע, jaws/fangs of the wicked; shavar שָׁבַר, to break, shatter)—Job violently intervened against oppressors. Malt'ot refers to jaw-teeth or fangs, depicting the wicked as predatory beasts devouring victims. Shavar implies decisive, forceful breaking—not gentle persuasion but aggressive justice. And plucked the spoil out of his teeth (shalak teref שָׁלַךְ טֶרֶף, to cast out prey/spoil; shen שֵׁן, tooth)—Job rescued victims from oppressors' very mouths, recovering what was seized unjustly.

This vivid animal imagery appears throughout Scripture depicting wicked oppressors: lions tearing prey (Psalm 7:2, 22:13), bears robbing (Proverbs 17:12), wolves ravaging (Ezekiel 22:27). Job's intervention fulfills the righteous ruler's mandate to 'deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor' (Jeremiah 21:12). The verse balances Job's gentleness toward the vulnerable (vv. 12-16) with fierce opposition to exploiters—biblical compassion always includes justice against wickedness. This anticipates Christ who showed tender mercy to repentant sinners while pronouncing withering condemnation on hypocritical oppressors (Matthew 23). Job's dual character—nurturing father to the poor, jaw-breaking destroyer of oppressors—reflects God's own nature as both merciful and just.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern legal systems often favored the powerful, allowing the wealthy to exploit the poor through predatory lending, unjust seizure of property, or manipulation of courts. The 'spoil' Job recovered likely included unjustly seized property, extorted payments, or persons sold into debt slavery. Job's willingness to confront powerful wrongdoers at personal risk demonstrates exceptional courage—such interventions could create dangerous enemies. His dual role as advocate for victims and aggressive opponent of oppressors established just governance in his region, fulfilling the righteous judge's calling.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your pursuit of justice include active confrontation of oppression, or only passive sympathy for victims?
  2. How do you balance Christ-like gentleness toward the weak with righteous anger toward those who exploit them?
  3. What 'spoil' might you need to help recover from the 'teeth' of modern oppressors—unjust systems, exploitative practices, or predatory relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וָֽ֭אֲשַׁבְּרָה1 of 6

“And I brake”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

מְתַלְּע֣וֹת2 of 6

“the jaws”

H4973

properly, a biter, i.e., a tooth

עַוָּ֑ל3 of 6

“of the wicked”

H5767

evil (morally)

וּ֝מִשִּׁנָּ֗יו4 of 6

“out of his teeth”

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

אַשְׁלִ֥יךְ5 of 6

“and plucked”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

טָֽרֶף׃6 of 6

“the spoil”

H2964

something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food

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 29:17 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 29:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 3:7Proverbs 30:141 Samuel 17:35Psalms 124:6Psalms 58:8Psalms 124:3

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