Job 17:6

KJV

He hath made me also a byword of the people; and aforetime I was as a tabret.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath made {H3322} me also a byword {H4914} of the people {H5971}; and aforetime {H6440} I was as a tabret {H8611}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"He has made me a byword among the peoples, a creature in whose face they spit.

Berean Standard Bible

He has made me a byword among the people, a man in whose face they spit.

American Standard Version

But he hath made me a byword of the people; And they spit in my face.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 17:6 encapsulates the patriarch's profound despair and public humiliation, articulating his transformation from a figure of honor and joy into an object of scorn and derision. This verse powerfully conveys Job's sense of abandonment by God and society, highlighting the stark contrast between his former esteemed position and his current state of abject misery and public ridicule. It underscores the intense pain of social exclusion and the devastating loss of reputation, even as Job maintains his innocence amidst his inexplicable suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 17:6 is situated within Job's third cycle of speeches, specifically his response to Bildad's second speech (Job 18) and anticipating Zophar's (Job 20). Chapter 17 itself is a continuation of Job's lament, where he expresses a deep sense of hopelessness, the treachery of his friends, and his conviction that God has turned against him. Having already declared his friends "miserable comforters" [Job 16:2](/job/16-2 "Job 16:2 - Job's Lament Against His Friends"), Job now intensifies his plea, feeling that his life is ebbing away and that his only hope is in the grave [Job 17:1](/job/17-1 "Job 17:1 - Job's Despair"). He perceives himself as a spectacle, a subject of public mockery, even by those younger than him [Job 17:2](/job/17-2 "Job 17:2 - Job's Public Scorn"), reinforcing his isolation and the injustice of his suffering. This verse serves as a poignant summary of his public disgrace, a theme that runs throughout his speeches as he grapples with the discrepancy between his righteous life and his calamitous circumstances.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, honor and shame were paramount societal values, deeply intertwined with one's reputation, social standing, and perceived favor from the divine. To be made a "byword" (Hebrew: *mashal*) meant to become a proverb or a common subject of contemptuous talk, signifying the ultimate public disgrace. Such a fate was often associated with divine judgment for egregious sin, as seen in warnings to Israel in the Deuteronomic covenant [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - Israel as a Byword"). Conversely, a "tabret" (Hebrew: *toph*) was a hand drum or tambourine, a common musical instrument used in joyful celebrations, dances, and worship [Exodus 15:20](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20 - Miriam's Song of Triumph"); [Psalm 150:4](/psalms/150-4 "Psalm 150:4 - Praise with Timbrel and Dance"). Job's comparison highlights a dramatic fall from a state of public honor, joy, and perhaps even leadership in communal festivities, to one of utter public humiliation and scorn. His suffering was not merely personal but amplified by the societal interpretation of his calamity as evidence of hidden sin, stripping him of his honor and casting him into public shame.

* **Key Themes:** Job 17:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **public disgrace and social isolation**, as Job laments his transformation into a "byword," a living example of extreme misfortune and derision. His pain is intensified by the public nature of his suffering and the false judgment of others, highlighting the devastating impact of social exclusion and the loss of reputation. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **stark contrast between Job's past prosperity and his present misery**. The imagery of being "as a tabret" evokes his former state of honor, joy, and perhaps public acclaim, setting it against his current abject humiliation. This dramatic reversal of fortune is central to Job's struggle to reconcile his experience with his understanding of divine justice. Finally, underlying Job's lament is the pervasive theme of **unjust suffering**. He consistently maintains his innocence, challenging the conventional wisdom of his friends that suffering is always a direct consequence of sin. His public scorn, therefore, is not a deserved punishment but an inexplicable and deeply painful injustice, pushing the boundaries of traditional theological frameworks.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Byword (Hebrew, _māšāl'_):** This term (מָשָׁל) carries a range of meanings, from a proverb or parable to a taunt, an object of scorn, or a symbol of derision. In this context, it signifies that Job has become a common subject of contemptuous talk, a living proverb of misfortune and a symbol of extreme calamity. He is not merely discussed but is used as an example in a derogatory sense, highlighting the depth of his public shame and the cruelty of societal judgment.
* **Tabret (Hebrew, _tōph'_):** This word (תֹּף) refers to a hand drum or tambourine, an instrument commonly associated with expressions of joy, triumph, celebration, and worship in ancient Israelite culture. The phrase "aforetime I was as a tabret" implies that Job was once a source or participant in gladness, honor, and festive occasions. This imagery serves as a powerful metaphor for his dramatic fall from a state of delight and public esteem to one of profound misery and public scorn, emphasizing the severity of his reversal of fortune.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath made me also a byword of the people":** Job attributes his current state of public disgrace directly to God ("He hath made me"). This reflects his deep conviction that God is the ultimate orchestrator of his suffering, even if the means are human scorn. To be a "byword of the people" means he has become a common topic of contemptuous conversation, a living example of misfortune used in proverbs or taunts. His suffering is not private but public, amplifying his pain and humiliation. This clause highlights the intense social dimension of his affliction, where his reputation is shattered and he is viewed with derision by the community.
* **"and aforetime I was as a tabret":** This clause provides a stark and painful contrast to Job's present condition. The "tabret" (tambourine) symbolizes joy, celebration, and public festivity. By stating he "was as a tabret aforetime," Job recalls a past where he was a figure of honor, perhaps a source of joy for others, or a participant in communal celebrations. This vivid imagery underscores the dramatic and tragic reversal of his fortune, from a position of public esteem and gladness to one of public shame and sorrow. The juxtaposition emphasizes the depth of his fall and the profound sense of loss he experiences.

#### Literary Devices
Job 17:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey Job's anguish. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's impact. Job juxtaposes his former state ("aforetime I was as a tabret") with his current degradation ("He hath made me also a byword of the people"). This stark comparison highlights the radical reversal of his life, from honor and joy to public scorn and misery. The phrase "as a tabret" functions as a **Simile** and a **Metaphor**, comparing Job to a musical instrument associated with celebration. This **Metaphor** vividly portrays his past role as a source or participant in communal delight, making his present humiliation all the more poignant. Furthermore, the declaration "He hath made me" implies **Personification** of God as the direct agent of his suffering, reflecting Job's perception that his ordeal is divinely orchestrated, rather than merely a consequence of natural events or human actions. The entire verse also carries an element of **Hyperbole**, as Job expresses the extremity of his public disgrace, suggesting that his suffering is so profound it has become proverbial.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 17:6 profoundly speaks to the theological problem of innocent suffering and the devastating impact of public shame. It challenges the simplistic retribution theology prevalent in Job's time, where suffering was automatically equated with sin. Job's lament forces a confrontation with the reality that righteous individuals can endure immense, unmerited pain and public scorn, often perceived as divine judgment. This verse highlights the vulnerability of human reputation and the deep psychological wounds inflicted by social ostracism and false accusation. Theologically, it prompts reflection on God's mysterious ways, the limits of human understanding, and the ultimate source of vindication. Job's cry is a testament to the human spirit's yearning for justice and recognition, even when earthly circumstances offer none. It underscores that true worth is not derived from public opinion or outward prosperity, but from one's relationship with God, a truth Job desperately clings to even as he questions God's actions.

* [Jeremiah 24:9](/jeremiah/24-9 "Jeremiah 24:9 - Judah as a Byword")
* [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - Israel as a Byword")
* [Psalm 69:10-12](/psalms/69-10 "Psalm 69:10-12 - The Psalmist's Reproach")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's lament in Job 17:6 resonates deeply with the human experience of public shame, misunderstanding, and the dramatic loss of reputation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of our standing in the eyes of the world and the profound pain that accompanies social exclusion. In a world often quick to judge and condemn, Job's cry calls us to cultivate empathy and compassion for those who are marginalized, falsely accused, or whose lives have taken an unexpected turn from honor to humiliation. It encourages perseverance in the face of adversity, reminding us that life can bring unforeseen reversals of fortune, transforming moments of joy and public acclaim into seasons of sorrow and scorn. Ultimately, Job's experience points beyond human opinion to a higher court of appeal. His hope, though faint, lies in a future vindication by God, prompting believers to trust in God's ultimate justice and truth, even when earthly circumstances are grim and reputations are tarnished. This verse challenges us to consider where we place our ultimate hope and validation: in the fleeting approval of others or in the enduring truth of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when you or someone you know experiences public shame or false accusation?**
* **What does Job's shift from "tabret" to "byword" teach us about the transient nature of worldly honor and the importance of inner character?**
* **In what ways might our own understanding of suffering be challenged by Job's experience of unmerited public scorn?**
* **Where do you primarily seek your validation and sense of worth—from others, or from God?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Job to be "as a tabret" in his former life, and why is the contrast with being a "byword" so significant?**

Answer: For Job to have been "as a tabret" (or timbrel/tambourine) in his former life signifies a state of joy, celebration, and public esteem. In ancient Israelite culture, the tabret was an instrument used in festive occasions, dances, and worship, symbolizing gladness and triumph (e.g., [Exodus 15:20](/exodus/15-20 "Exodus 15:20 - Miriam's Song of Triumph") after the Red Sea crossing, or [Psalm 150:4](/psalms/150-4 "Psalm 150:4 - Praise with Timbrel and Dance") in praise). This imagery paints a picture of Job as a person of honor, perhaps even a leader in communal celebrations, someone associated with happiness and public approval. The contrast with being a "byword" is profoundly significant because a "byword" (Hebrew: *mashal*) means to be an object of scorn, a proverb of misfortune, or a subject of contemptuous talk. This dramatic shift highlights the complete reversal of Job's fortune: from a respected, joyful figure to one who is publicly ridiculed and despised. It underscores the depth of his humiliation, the loss of his reputation, and the profound pain of social ostracism, which in that culture was often seen as a sign of divine disfavor due to hidden sin. The contrast emphasizes the inexplicable nature of his suffering and the injustice he feels.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's lament in Job 17:6, depicting his descent from honor to public scorn and becoming a "byword," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While Job suffered innocently, his experience foreshadows the perfect and unparalleled suffering of the Messiah. Jesus, though perfectly righteous and the very Son of God, willingly emptied Himself and became a "byword" of the people, enduring public ridicule, false accusations, and the ultimate shame of crucifixion [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation"). He was mocked, spat upon, and scorned by the crowds He came to save [Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27 "Matthew 27:27-31 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus"), fulfilling prophecies that spoke of Him as "despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain" [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant"). Unlike Job, who was "as a tabret" in his past, Jesus was always the source of true joy and life, yet He embraced the ultimate humiliation for the sake of humanity. His public disgrace on the cross, where He was counted among criminals [Luke 23:32-33](/luke/23-32 "Luke 23:32-33 - The Crucifixion"), was not due to any sin of His own but was the Lamb of God taking away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His willing endurance of shame and suffering, Christ transformed the "byword" of human sin into the "byword" of divine grace, offering vindication and eternal honor to all who believe in Him [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated").

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

Job 30:9

And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.

Psalms 44:14

Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.

Genesis 31:27

Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?

1 Kings 9:7

Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:

Isaiah 5:12

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.