King James Version

What Does Job 30:1 Mean?

Job 30:1 in the King James Version says “But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs...” — study this verse from Job chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock. younger: Heb. of fewer days than I”

Job 30:1 · KJV

Context

1

But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock. younger: Heb. of fewer days than I

2

Yea, whereto might the strength of their hands profit me, in whom old age was perished?

3

For want and famine they were solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste. solitary: or, dark as the night in: Heb. yesternight

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job's contrast: 'But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.' The social reversal is complete - those Job once scorned now mock him. Suffering inverts social order.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient honor-shame cultures made such reversal particularly devastating. Job experiences maximum humiliation from minimum persons.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain dignity when social status is reversed?
  2. What does Job's humiliation teach about worldly honor?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְעַתָּ֤ה׀1 of 13
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

שָֽׂחֲק֣וּ2 of 13

“than I have me in derision”

H7832

to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play

עָלַי֮3 of 13
H5921

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

צְעִירִ֥ים4 of 13

“But now they that are younger”

H6810

little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble

מִמֶּ֗נִּי5 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

לְיָ֫מִ֥ים6 of 13
H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁר7 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מָאַ֥סְתִּי8 of 13

“I would have disdained”

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

אֲבוֹתָ֑ם9 of 13

“whose fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לָ֝שִׁ֗ית10 of 13

“to have set”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

עִם11 of 13
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כַּלְבֵ֥י12 of 13

“with the dogs”

H3611

a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute

צֹאנִֽי׃13 of 13

“of my flock”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

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 30:1 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 30:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 12:4Psalms 35:15-16Luke 23:35Psalms 69:122 Kings 2:23Job 29:8-10

Test Your Knowledge

Job 30 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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