Job 18:3

KJV

Wherefore are we counted as beasts, [and] reputed vile in your sight?

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore are we counted {H2803} as beasts {H929}, and reputed vile {H2933} in your sight {H5869}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Why are we thought of as cattle, stupid in your view?

Berean Standard Bible

Why are we regarded as cattle, as stupid in your sight?

American Standard Version

Wherefore are we counted as beasts, Andare become unclean in your sight?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 18:3 captures the indignant and deeply offended reaction of Bildad the Shuhite to Job's persistent self-defense and critiques of his friends' wisdom. In this verse, Bildad expresses his profound frustration, feeling that Job has utterly dismissed him and his companions, regarding them as irrational, contemptible, and devoid of human understanding, essentially reducing them to the level of animals and viewing them as morally repugnant. It marks an escalation of the verbal conflict, highlighting the widening chasm of misunderstanding between Job and his counselors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 18:3 initiates Bildad's second and most aggressive speech in the book of Job, following Job's bitter and sarcastic retorts in chapters 16-17. In those chapters, Job had accused his friends of being "miserable comforters" and mocked their conventional, rigid wisdom. Bildad's words in this verse are a direct, indignant reaction to Job's perceived arrogance and dismissiveness. His speech in chapter 18 is a sustained, unyielding condemnation of the wicked, implicitly but unmistakably aimed at Job. Bildad feels personally insulted and intellectually dismissed, particularly by Job's earlier rhetorical question in [Job 12:7](/job/12-7 "Job 12:7 - Ask the Beasts"), where Job suggested asking "the beasts" for wisdom, which Bildad interprets as Job treating his friends as less than human. This verse sets the tone for Bildad's harsh condemnation, as he perceives Job's self-justification as an affront to their dignity and counsel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wisdom was highly esteemed, often associated with age, experience, and adherence to established traditions. To be considered wise was to hold a position of respect and authority within the community. Conversely, to be "counted as beasts" or "reputed vile" was a profound insult, stripping an individual of their intellectual capacity, moral standing, and human dignity. Animals were typically viewed as lacking reason and moral discernment, while "vile" (related to ritual impurity) implied a state of defilement or worthlessness. Bildad and his friends, as respected elders, would have been deeply offended by any suggestion that their counsel was irrational or that they themselves were impure. Their worldview was firmly rooted in the retribution principle—that righteousness leads to blessing and wickedness to suffering—a widely held belief that Job's inexplicable suffering severely challenged.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job. It underscores the theme of **misunderstanding and miscommunication**, as both Job and his friends fail to truly comprehend each other's perspectives and pain, leading to escalating bitterness. It highlights the **nature of wisdom**—whether it is solely found in rigid traditional dogma or if there are deeper, more complex truths about suffering that transcend conventional explanations. The verse also speaks to **human dignity versus degradation**, as Bildad protests the perceived stripping of his and his friends' intellectual and moral standing. Furthermore, it exemplifies the **escalation of accusation and retort** that characterizes the dialogue, moving from initial comfort to increasingly sharp exchanges, as seen in Job's earlier lament in [Job 16:2](/job/16-2 "Job 16:2 - Job's Rebuke of His Comforters") and his challenge to their wisdom in [Job 12](/job/12 "Job 12 - Job's Response to Eliphaz").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beasts (Hebrew, _behemah'_):** This term (בְּהֵמָה) commonly refers to domesticated animals or cattle, implying creatures that lack human reason, moral understanding, or the capacity for complex thought and speech. To be "counted as beasts" is to be stripped of one's rational faculties and human dignity, reduced to a sub-human level. Bildad feels that Job is dismissing their carefully considered arguments as mere animalistic noises, devoid of intellectual merit or moral weight, thereby dehumanizing them.
* **Vile (Hebrew, _ṭāmēʾ'_):** The KJV "reputed vile" translates the Hebrew וְנִṭמֵינוּ (_wəniṭmêynû_), derived from the root טָמֵא (_ṭāmēʾ_), which means to be unclean, defiled, or impure. This term often carries significant ritual or moral connotations of defilement. For Bildad to say they are "reputed vile" in Job's sight suggests that Job not only considers them irrational but also morally repugnant, worthless, or polluted. This goes beyond a simple intellectual disagreement to a profound insult to their character and standing before God and man.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore are we counted as beasts,"**: This opening clause is a rhetorical question expressing Bildad's deep indignation and sense of dehumanization. He perceives Job's arguments and dismissive attitude as a deliberate act of stripping them of their rational faculties. By implying they are "counted as beasts," Bildad suggests Job views them as irrational, mindless creatures incapable of offering meaningful counsel or understanding the complexities of the situation, thus protesting the degradation of their intellectual and human dignity.
* **"[and] reputed vile in your sight?"**: This second clause intensifies the accusation, moving from intellectual dismissal to moral condemnation. The term "reputed vile" (from the Hebrew root for "unclean" or "defiled") indicates that Job not only sees them as irrational but also as morally contemptible, impure, or worthless. This goes beyond a mere intellectual slight to a profound personal and moral insult. Bildad feels that Job holds them in utter scorn, viewing their very presence and counsel as something abhorrent or defiling. The phrase "in your sight" emphasizes that this degradation is Job's subjective judgment, a direct affront from him.

#### Literary Devices
Job 18:3 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey Bildad's fury and frustration. The most prominent is the **rhetorical question**, "Wherefore are we counted as beasts, [and] reputed vile in your sight?" This question is not seeking an answer but is an emphatic expression of indignation, challenging Job's perceived arrogance and dismissiveness. **Hyperbole** is also evident, as Bildad exaggerates Job's perceived contempt by claiming they are "counted as beasts" and "reputed vile," intensifying the emotional impact of his complaint. The verse also uses **parallelism**, linking "counted as beasts" with "reputed vile," creating a reinforcing effect that underscores the dual nature of the insult—intellectual degradation and moral defilement. Finally, the **imagery** of "beasts" vividly portrays the perceived stripping of human reason and dignity, while "vile" evokes a sense of impurity and utter contempt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 18:3 powerfully illustrates the human tendency to react defensively and accusatorily when feeling misunderstood or personally attacked, especially when one's wisdom or integrity is challenged. Bildad's outburst reveals a deep-seated belief in the inherent dignity of human reason and moral standing, which he feels Job has violated. Theologically, it touches upon the nature of true wisdom, contrasting the friends' rigid adherence to traditional retribution theology with Job's desperate plea for understanding beyond conventional frameworks. It also highlights the profound difficulty of empathetic communication in the face of suffering, where the accuser and the accused often speak past each other, leading to escalating bitterness rather than genuine comfort or insight. This verse serves as a stark reminder of how easily dialogue can devolve into mutual recrimination when dignity is perceived to be under assault.

* [Job 16:2](/job/16-2 "Job 16:2 - Job's Rebuke of His Comforters")
* [Proverbs 26:12](/proverbs/26-12 "Proverbs 26:12 - The Danger of Self-Perceived Wisdom")
* [Romans 12:3](/romans/12-3 "Romans 12:3 - Humility in Self-Assessment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 18:3 serves as a poignant mirror reflecting the complexities of human interaction, particularly in moments of conflict or distress. It reminds us of the profound pain that can arise from feeling dismissed, misunderstood, or devalued by others. Bildad's reaction, though harsh, is rooted in a universal human need to be seen, heard, and respected. In our own lives, how often do we, like Job, inadvertently or intentionally make others feel "counted as beasts" or "reputed vile" through our words, our dismissive attitudes, or our unwillingness to genuinely listen? Conversely, how do we react when we feel similarly devalued? This verse challenges us to cultivate greater empathy, to approach disagreements with humility, and to prioritize the dignity of others, even when we strongly disagree with their perspectives. True wisdom, it suggests, is not merely about possessing correct doctrine but about exercising compassion and respect in our relationships, fostering an environment where all parties feel their humanity and insights are valued.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt "counted as beasts" or "reputed vile" by someone, and how did that experience impact you?**
* **In what ways might we inadvertently make others feel devalued or dismissed in our conversations, especially during disagreements?**
* **How can we cultivate a posture of humility and empathy that allows for respectful dialogue, even when we hold strong convictions?**
* **What role does our perception of another's dignity play in our ability to truly listen and offer comfort?**

### FAQ
**Why does Bildad feel "counted as beasts" and "reputed vile"?**

Answer: Bildad feels this way because he perceives Job's recent speeches as a complete dismissal of his and his friends' wisdom, counsel, and even their humanity. Job had previously used rhetorical questions, like asking his friends to "ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee" in [Job 12:7](/job/12-7 "Job 12:7 - Asking the Animals for Wisdom"), which Bildad likely interpreted as Job equating their traditional wisdom with the unreasoning instincts of animals. Furthermore, by calling them "miserable comforters" in [Job 16:2](/job/16-2 "Job 16:2 - Job's Rebuke of His Comforters") and continually asserting his own innocence, Job effectively accused his friends of being wrong, foolish, and perhaps even morally corrupt in their judgment. To be "counted as beasts" means to be considered irrational and lacking in understanding, while "reputed vile" means to be seen as unclean, contemptible, or morally repugnant. Bildad's words are an indignant protest against this perceived intellectual and moral degradation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 18:3, though a cry of human indignation, resonates deeply with the experience of Christ, who was truly "counted as beasts" and "reputed vile" in the sight of humanity. Jesus, the embodiment of divine wisdom and purity, was constantly misunderstood and dismissed by those who clung to their own traditions and self-righteousness. He was called a "glutton and a drunkard" ([Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Jesus Accused of Being a Glutton and Drunkard")), accused of being demon-possessed ([Mark 3:22](/mark/3-22 "Mark 3:22 - Accused of Being Possessed by Beelzebul")), and ultimately "numbered with the transgressors" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant"); [Luke 22:37](/luke/22-37 "Luke 22:37 - Jesus Fulfils Prophecy")). He willingly bore the ultimate degradation, being made "sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")) and becoming a curse on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")), though He knew no sin. Where Bildad protested being wrongly accused, Christ silently endured the ultimate false accusations and defilement, not for His own sin, but to cleanse humanity from its true vileness. His suffering and humiliation, being "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant Despised")), reveal the depth of His redemptive love, transforming the very concept of being "reputed vile" into the means of our salvation.

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 73:22

So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee.

Job 17:4

For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt [them].

Job 17:10

¶ But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find [one] wise [man] among you.

Job 12:7

But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:

Job 12:8

Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.

Ecclesiastes 3:18

I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.

Romans 12:10

[Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;