Job 16:10

KJV

They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have gaped {H6473} upon me with their mouth {H6310}; they have smitten {H5221} me upon the cheek {H3895} reproachfully {H2781}; they have gathered {H4390} themselves together {H3162} against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Wide-mouthed, they gape at me; with scorn, they slap my cheeks; they gather themselves together against me.

Berean Standard Bible

They open their mouths against me and strike my cheeks with contempt; they join together against me.

American Standard Version

They have gaped upon me with their mouth; They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully: They gather themselves together against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 16:10 powerfully articulates Job's profound anguish and public humiliation, stemming not only from his physical afflictions but, more acutely, from the verbal and physical assaults of his supposed comforters. This verse vividly captures the essence of his lament, portraying him as a victim of open mockery, contemptuous physical abuse, and a unified, collective opposition that intensifies his isolation and suffering, pushing him further into despair and a profound sense of betrayal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 16:10 is situated within Job's third response to his friends, immediately following Eliphaz's second speech in [Job 15](/job/15 "Job 15 - Eliphaz's Second Speech"). In this section, Job expresses his profound disappointment and frustration with his companions, whom he sarcastically labels "miserable comforters" in [Job 16:2](/job/16-2 "Job 16:2 - Job's Scorn for His Comforters"). He contrasts their unhelpful words with what true solace should entail, lamenting that their counsel only deepens his pain and offers no relief, as expressed in [Job 16:4-5](/job/16-4-5 "Job 16:4-5 - Job's Critique of His Friends' Words"). This verse, therefore, serves as a vivid articulation of the specific ways his friends' words and actions have become a source of torment, transcending mere verbal accusation to encompass outright public scorn and physical gestures of contempt, thereby rendering his suffering even more unbearable. He perceives their conduct as a profound betrayal, aligning them with the very forces that seem to be afflicting him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concepts of honor and shame were foundational to social structures and individual identity. Public shaming, whether through verbal derision or physical gestures, constituted a devastating blow to one's reputation and standing within the community. To be "gaped upon" (Hebrew: *pâʻar*) with an open mouth was a gesture of extreme mockery or predatory intent, akin to a wild beast ready to devour, signaling utter contempt and dehumanization. Being "smitten upon the cheek reproachfully" was not merely a physical assault but a profound act of humiliation, stripping an individual of their dignity and honor. It was a public declaration of worthlessness, designed to shame and disgrace the recipient. The collective gathering "against me" further amplified Job's isolation, transforming his friends from sympathetic visitors into a hostile mob, intensifying the social ostracism and psychological torment that accompanied his severe physical ailments. This context underscores the multi-layered suffering Job endured, extending far beyond physical pain into the realm of social and emotional devastation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several central themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the pervasive theme of **betrayal and false accusation**, as Job's friends, who should have offered solace, instead become his tormentors, accusing him of hidden sin and contributing to his public disgrace. This directly challenges the conventional wisdom of the time, which posited that suffering was always a direct result of sin, a notion Job vehemently rejects throughout his lament, particularly in passages like [Job 6:24-26](/job/6-24-26 "Job 6:24-26 - Job's Plea for Understanding"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **unjust suffering**, as Job maintains his innocence despite the overwhelming evidence of his suffering and his friends' relentless accusations. His experience here is a poignant example of the righteous enduring undeserved scorn and cruelty. Finally, the verse speaks to the **inadequacy of human wisdom** when confronted with profound, inexplicable suffering. The friends' attempts to apply their rigid theological framework only serve to inflict more pain, demonstrating the limits of human understanding in the face of divine mystery, a theme powerfully echoed in God's later speeches in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches to Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gaped (Hebrew, _pâʻar'_):** From H6473, this primitive root means "to yawn, i.e. open wide (literally or figuratively); gape, open (wide)." In this context, it conveys a sense of open hostility, mockery, or even predatory intent. It's not merely speaking, but an aggressive, scornful opening of the mouth, suggesting a visual and auditory act of derision that aims to humiliate and intimidate. It can imply a readiness to consume or destroy, reflecting the friends' perceived malevolence.
* **Smitten (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), kill, make (slaughter), punish, slay, smite, strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, wound." While it denotes a physical action, its combination with "upon the cheek reproachfully" elevates it beyond mere physical pain. The act of striking the cheek was a profound insult, a gesture of contempt and humiliation in ancient cultures, signifying the stripping away of one's honor and dignity.
* **Reproachfully (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** From H2781, this noun means "contumely, disgrace, the pudenda; rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame." When used as an adverbial modifier ("reproachfully"), it emphasizes the intent behind the action: the blow to the cheek was not accidental or merely punitive, but deliberately aimed at shaming and disgracing Job publicly. It highlights the profound psychological and social dimension of the assault, underscoring the deliberate intent to dishonor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have gaped upon me with their mouth":** This clause vividly portrays the public, scornful mockery Job endures. The "gaping" suggests wide-open mouths, perhaps in sneering laughter, contemptuous jeering, or even a threatening, beast-like posture, indicating utter contempt and derision. It's a visual and audible assault, designed to strip Job of his dignity and make him an object of public spectacle and scorn, embodying a predatory intent to consume his reputation.
* **"they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully":** This describes a direct, physical act of humiliation. Striking someone on the cheek was a deeply insulting gesture in ancient Near Eastern society, signifying contempt, superiority, and a deliberate attempt to shame and dishonor the recipient. The addition of "reproachfully" underscores that the intent was not just physical pain, but a profound public degradation, an assault on Job's very honor and social standing, designed to publicly declare his worthlessness.
* **"they have gathered themselves together against me":** This final clause emphasizes the collective and unified nature of the opposition Job faces. It suggests a concerted effort, a ganging up, which intensifies his sense of isolation and betrayal. It transforms his individual suffering into a public spectacle of condemnation, making him feel utterly alone against a hostile world, even those he once considered friends, who have now formed a unified front against him.

#### Literary Devices
Job 16:10 is rich in **Vivid Imagery**, painting a clear and disturbing picture of Job's suffering. The description of "gaping mouths" evokes a powerful visual of open scorn and derision, almost predatory in its intensity, suggesting a beast ready to devour. The act of being "smitten upon the cheek" is a concrete, visceral image of physical and emotional abuse, immediately conveying the depth of the humiliation and the assault on Job's honor. The phrase "gathered themselves together against me" uses **Synecdoche** by referring to the collective action of his friends, highlighting their unified opposition and the sense of being overwhelmed by a hostile group. The entire verse functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, as Job, in his profound anguish, perceives his friends' words and actions as extreme physical and social violence, even if the literal physical blows were not always present. This heightened language effectively communicates the immense psychological and emotional torment Job experiences, making his lament all the more poignant and relatable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 16:10 profoundly illustrates the agony of righteous suffering compounded by human cruelty and misunderstanding. It challenges the simplistic theological framework that equates suffering directly with sin, forcing the reader to grapple with the mystery of undeserved pain. Job's experience highlights the devastating impact of betrayal and false accusation, especially when it comes from those who should offer comfort. Theologically, it raises crucial questions about the nature of true compassion, the limits of human wisdom in interpreting divine providence, and the deep human need for vindication when unjustly maligned. Job's appeal to a "witness in heaven" in [Job 16:19](/job/16-19 "Job 16:19 - Job's Witness in Heaven") in the very same chapter underscores his conviction that despite human failure, there is a higher court of justice and a divine advocate who understands his plight, offering a glimmer of hope amidst his despair.

* [Psalm 35:15](/psalm/35-15 "Psalm 35:15 - Mockery of the Righteous")
* [Lamentations 3:30](/lamentations/3-30 "Lamentations 3:30 - Enduring Reproach")
* [Jeremiah 20:7](/jeremiah/20-7 "Jeremiah 20:7 - Jeremiah's Derision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 16:10 serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of verbal and emotional abuse, particularly when it emanates from those we expect to be sources of comfort and support. In a world where public shaming, online mockery, and unjust criticism are increasingly prevalent, Job's lament resonates deeply with contemporary experiences of isolation and targeted hostility. This verse calls us to cultivate radical empathy for those who suffer, recognizing that true comfort involves active listening, validating pain, and refraining from judgmental pronouncements or simplistic explanations for complex suffering. It challenges us to examine our own responses to those in distress: do we inadvertently "gape" with unhelpful advice or "smite" with shaming accusations, perhaps even through social media or casual conversation? Furthermore, Job's persistent lament, even amidst such intense scorn, demonstrates a profound resilience and refusal to surrender to despair. It encourages us to find strength in expressing our pain and appealing to a higher power when human sources of comfort fail, trusting that even in our deepest humiliation, there is a divine witness to our suffering who sees and understands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when someone I expect comfort from instead offers judgment or criticism?**
* **In what ways might I inadvertently "gape" or "smite" others with my words or attitudes when they are suffering?**
* **What does Job's response teach me about enduring unjust criticism and public humiliation?**
* **Where do I seek true comfort and vindication when human sources of support fail me?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" in Job 16:10, and why are they treating Job this way?**

Answer: The "they" in Job 16:10 primarily refers to Job's three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—who had initially come to comfort him but instead became his accusers. Throughout the book of Job, particularly from [Job 4](/job/4 "Job 4 - Eliphaz's First Speech") onwards, these friends operate under the traditional theological premise prevalent in their time: that great suffering is always a direct consequence of great sin. Therefore, when they witness Job's extreme afflictions, they conclude that he must have committed some grievous, hidden sin. Their "comfort" quickly devolves into relentless accusations and demands for Job to confess, which he steadfastly refuses to do, maintaining his innocence. Job perceives their words and actions as not merely unhelpful but actively hostile, akin to public mockery and physical assault, intensifying his already unbearable suffering. He feels profoundly betrayed by those who should have offered solace, viewing them as instruments of his torment rather than sources of comfort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 16:10, with its vivid portrayal of unjust suffering, public humiliation, and betrayal by supposed friends, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Job was "gaped upon" with scorn and derision, Jesus endured the mockery of the crowds and the religious leaders during His trial and crucifixion, as recorded in [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Jesus Mocked on the Cross"). The prophecy of the Suffering Servant in [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant") foretold, "I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting." This finds its direct fulfillment in Jesus, who was indeed "smitten upon the cheek reproachfully" by the temple guards ([Matthew 26:67](/matthew/26-67 "Matthew 26:67 - Jesus Struck")) and Roman soldiers ([Mark 14:65](/mark/14-65 "Mark 14:65 - Jesus Mocked and Beaten")), enduring ultimate public shame and physical abuse for humanity's sake. Furthermore, like Job, Jesus experienced collective opposition and profound betrayal, not only from the crowds who cried "Crucify him!" but also from His own disciples, one of whom betrayed Him ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Judas Betrays Jesus")) and others who abandoned Him ([Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Disciples Flee")). Jesus, the truly righteous and innocent one, bore the full weight of human sin and scorn, transforming the profound humiliation into the path of salvation, offering true comfort and vindication to all who suffer unjustly. His suffering, unlike Job's, was not merely for His own sake but a redemptive act that atoned for the sins of humanity, making Him the ultimate sympathetic High Priest who understands our weaknesses and trials ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 35:15

But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: [yea], the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew [it] not; they did tear [me], and ceased not:

Psalms 22:13

They gaped upon me [with] their mouths, [as] a ravening and a roaring lion.

Lamentations 3:30

He giveth [his] cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.

Micah 5:1

¶ Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

Acts 23:2

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Psalms 22:16

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.