Job 12:21

He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.

He poureth {H8210} contempt {H937} upon princes {H5081}, and weakeneth {H7503} the strength {H4206} of the mighty {H650}.

He pours contempt on princes and loosens the belt of the strong.

He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty.

He poureth contempt upon princes, And looseth the belt of the strong.

Job 12:21 KJV declares God's absolute sovereignty over human authority and power, stating, "He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty." This verse is part of Job's profound discourse on the unsearchable wisdom and omnipotence of God, delivered in response to his friends' limited understanding of divine justice.

Context of Job 12:21

In Job chapter 12, Job refutes the simplistic theology of his friends, who attribute his immense suffering solely to sin. Instead, Job emphasizes God's supreme and often mysterious control over all creation, including the destinies of nations and their leaders. He argues that God's power is not bound by human logic or conventional notions of justice. Verses 13-25 of this chapter vividly illustrate God's ability to humble the wise, disarm the strong, and bring down those in authority, demonstrating that no human power can stand against His will. This particular verse highlights God's dominion over the most powerful figures in society, underscoring His ultimate authority.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Control: The primary message is God's unquestionable and ultimate control over all earthly powers. He is the one who "poureth contempt" and "weakeneth strength," revealing that human leaders, no matter how influential, are subject to His divine will. This theme resonates with Daniel 2:21, which states God "removeth kings, and setteth up kings."
  • Humbling the Proud: God has the power to bring down the arrogant and those who rely on their own might or position. "Princes" (n’divim) and "the mighty" (eitanim) represent the pinnacle of human power and influence. God's ability to pour contempt upon them signifies His capacity to expose their vulnerabilities, strip them of their dignity, and diminish their influence. This echoes the sentiment found in Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:7-8, where she proclaims, "The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up."
  • God's Unchallengeable Power: No human strength, strategic planning, or political authority can ultimately thwart God's purposes. The "strength" (ezor, literally a girdle or belt, symbolizing power and readiness) of the mighty is loosened and weakened by divine intervention, demonstrating that all human power is fleeting and dependent on God's allowance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "contempt" is buz (בּוּז), signifying disdain, scorn, or disgrace, emphasizing the public humiliation God can inflict. "Princes" translates n’divim (נְדִיבִים), referring to nobles or those of high rank, highlighting the extent of God's reach. The verb "weakeneth" is mazziach (מַזִּיחַ), meaning to loosen, strip, or disarm, vividly portraying the removal of power. The "strength" is ezor (אֵזוֹר), a girdle or belt, which in ancient times symbolized readiness for action and power; to loosen it meant to disarm or incapacitate.

Practical Application

Job 12:21 offers a crucial perspective for believers today. It reminds us not to place ultimate trust or fear in human leaders, governments, or powerful institutions, for their authority is ultimately subject to God's will. It encourages humility, recognizing that all power and influence are gifts from God and can be withdrawn by Him. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is truly sovereign over all earthly affairs, offering comfort to the oppressed and a call to humility for those in positions of power. It prompts us to seek God's wisdom and guidance above all human strategies, knowing that His plans cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 107:40

    He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, [where there is] no way.

  • Daniel 2:21

    And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

  • Daniel 2:22

    He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what [is] in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

  • Isaiah 24:21

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones [that are] on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.

  • Isaiah 24:22

    And they shall be gathered together, [as] prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.

  • Exodus 16:24

    And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.

  • Daniel 4:32

    And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling [shall be] with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

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