King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots [for] their meat.
Complete Jewish Bible:
They pluck saltwort and bitter leaves; these, with broom tree roots, are their food.
Berean Standard Bible:
They plucked mallow among the shrubs, and the roots of the broom tree were their food.
American Standard Version:
They pluck salt-wort by the bushes; And the roots of the broom are their food.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Who cut up{H6998} mallows{H4408} by the bushes{H7880}, and juniper{H7574} roots{H8328} for their meat{H3899}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Luke 15:16
- And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
Amos 7:14
- Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I [was] no prophet, neither [was] I a prophet's son; but I [was] an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:
2 Kings 4:38
- ¶ And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and [there was] a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets [were] sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.
2 Kings 4:39
- And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred [them] into the pot of pottage: for they knew [them] not.
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Commentary for Job 30:4
Job 30:4, "Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots [for] their meat," is a verse from the Book of Job, which is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. This book is named after its central character, Job, a man known for his righteousness and prosperity. The narrative revolves around the theological question of why the righteous suffer, a theme that resonates throughout the text.
In the verse, Job is in the midst of a poignant lament about his current state of misery, contrasting it with his former dignity and respect. The "mallows by the bushes" and "juniper roots" are references to bitter and worthless plants that grow in the wilderness. In the historical context, these plants would be considered food only for the extremely poor or desperate, as they are tough and have little nutritional value. The act of cutting up these plants for meat underscores the depth of Job's despair and the extent of his loss. It symbolizes the stark reversal of his fortunes, as he has been reduced to scavenging for food that is not only unpleasant but also typically reserved for animals or those in the most dire of circumstances.
The themes present in this verse include the harsh reality of human suffering, the loss of social status, and the bitterness of life's unfairness. Job, once wealthy and honored, now finds himself an outcast, scraping for sustenance in the most undignified way. This verse reflects the broader narrative's exploration of theodicy—the vindication of divine providence in the face of evil and suffering. It also highlights the physical and emotional torment that Job endures, which is central to the book's exploration of faith, justice, and the human condition.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H6998
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָטַף
Transliteration: qâṭaph
Pronunciation: kaw-taf'
Description: a primitive root; to strip off; crop off, cut down (up), pluck. - Strong's Number: H4408
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַלּוּחַ
Transliteration: mallûwach
Pronunciation: mal-loo'-akh
Description: lemma מַלוּחַ missing dagesh, corrected to מַלּוּחַ; from מָלַח; sea-purslain (from its saltness); mallows. - Strong's Number: H7880
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שִׂיחַ
Transliteration: sîyach
Pronunciation: see'-akh
Description: from שִׂיחַ; a shoot (as if uttered or put forth), i.e. (generally) shrubbery; bush, plant, shrub. - Strong's Number: H7574
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רֶתֶם
Transliteration: rethem
Pronunciation: reh'-them
Description: or רֹתֶם; from רָתַם; the Spanish broom (from its pole-like stems); juniper (tree). - Strong's Number: H8328
There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֶׁרֶשׁ
Transliteration: sheresh
Pronunciation: sheh'-resh
Description: from שָׁרַשׁ; a root (literally or figuratively); bottom, deep, heel, root. - Strong's Number: H3899
There are 277 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לֶחֶם
Transliteration: lechem
Pronunciation: lekh'-em
Description: from לָחַם; See also בֵּית לְעַפְרָה; food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it); (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals.