Job 19:18

KJV

Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, young children {H5759} despised {H3988} me; I arose {H6965}, and they spake {H1696} against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Even young children despise me -if I stand up, they start jeering at me.

Berean Standard Bible

Even little boys scorn me; when I appear, they deride me.

American Standard Version

Even young children despise me; If I arise, they speak against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 19:18 vividly portrays the profound depths of Job's suffering, extending beyond physical affliction and material loss to encompass extreme social humiliation. This verse highlights the unprecedented and shocking reality that even "young children" – typically taught to respect elders – openly despised and mocked him, underscoring the complete collapse of his social standing and the pervasive nature of his ostracism. It paints a poignant picture of a man utterly stripped of dignity, where even his attempts to assert himself were met with relentless scorn from the most unexpected and vulnerable members of society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 19:18 is situated within Job's third major speech, a passionate lament and defense against the relentless accusations of his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. This chapter marks a pivotal moment where Job, having endured immense physical pain, the loss of his family, and his vast wealth, now articulates the profound social and emotional torment he faces. Preceding verses detail how his closest associates, servants, and even his wife have turned against him ([Job 19:13-17](/job/19-13-17 "Job 19:13-17 - Job's Isolation from Family and Friends")). Verse 18 intensifies this theme by revealing the lowest point of his social degradation: the mockery from children. This specific detail underscores the totality of his abandonment and the complete reversal of his once-esteemed status, setting the stage for his defiant declaration of faith in a living Redeemer in [Job 19:25](/job/19-25 "Job 19:25 - Job's Declaration of the Redeemer")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, respect for elders, particularly those of Job's former stature and wealth, was a cornerstone of social order. Children were typically raised to honor their parents and elders, and any deviation from this norm would be seen as a grave societal transgression. For "young children" to openly "despise" and "speak against" an elder like Job signifies an utterly unprecedented level of social disgrace and ostracism. This public shaming, especially from the least powerful members of society, would have been deeply humiliating and culturally shocking. Furthermore, Job's physical affliction, often interpreted in ancient cultures as a sign of divine curse or severe sin, would have contributed to his isolation, making him an object of fear and contempt rather than pity or respect.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Job. It vividly portrays the theme of **Extreme Humiliation and Isolation**, revealing a man stripped of all dignity and respect, even by those who typically hold no social power. The mockery by children underscores the **Loss of Social Standing**, as Job, once revered and influential ([Job 29:7-11](/job/29-7-11 "Job 29:7-11 - Job's Former Esteem in the City Gate")), now experiences the complete reversal of his fortunes. This specific detail also deepens the theme of the **Pervasive Nature of Suffering**, demonstrating that Job's torment extends far beyond physical pain and material loss to encompass profound emotional and psychological anguish. Finally, it reinforces the central challenge to the prevailing **Retribution Theology** espoused by his friends, as Job's unjust suffering, even at the hands of children, highlights the inadequacy of their simplistic explanations for human affliction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Young children (Hebrew, _ʻăvîyl'_):** from עוּל; a babe; young child, little one. This term specifically refers to infants or very young children, often those still being nursed or recently weaned. The choice of this word is crucial, as it highlights the shocking and unnatural nature of their behavior. It's not just any "children" but the most vulnerable and dependent members of society, who would typically be under the strict control of adults and taught reverence for elders, yet they are the ones openly mocking Job. This underscores the extremity of Job's social degradation.
* **Despised (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** a primitive root; to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear; abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person. The use of this word here emphasizes not just a lack of respect, but active scorn and contempt directed at Job, reducing him to a state of utter worthlessness in the eyes of others.
* **Arose (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** a primitive root; to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative); abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). This word suggests Job's attempt to stand, assert himself, or simply move, highlighting his physical or social effort to escape his predicament, which is immediately met with further scorn.
* **Spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. Combined with the preposition "against" (בְּ, _be_), this indicates hostile or accusatory speech. The imperfect tense suggests a continuous or repeated action. This phrase implies that Job's attempts to "arise" (perhaps to move, to assert himself, or simply to stand up) were met with immediate, persistent, and aggressive verbal abuse or mockery from the children, compounding his misery and reinforcing his helplessness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, young children despised me":** This clause shockingly reveals the extent of Job's social fall. The "young children," the most unlikely source of disrespect, actively held Job in contempt. This signifies a complete breakdown of social order and a profound reversal of Job's former status, where even the most vulnerable felt empowered to scorn him. It underscores the pervasive nature of his isolation and the depth of his humiliation.
* **"I arose, and they spake against me":** This second clause describes Job's attempt to engage or assert himself, perhaps to stand up from his ash heap or to address his tormentors. However, his action is immediately met with continued verbal assault from the children. This highlights his utter powerlessness and the relentless nature of the scorn he faced. Even a simple act of movement or an attempt at dignity was met with further mockery, emphasizing his complete vulnerability and the inescapable nature of his suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Job 19:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of Job's suffering. **Hyperbole** is evident in the claim that "young children despised me," which, while possibly literally true, also serves to exaggerate the extent of his social rejection. It's an extreme example meant to convey the absolute lowest point of his societal standing. The verse also utilizes **Irony**, as it is deeply ironic that those who are typically the most vulnerable and dependent, and who should be taught respect for elders, are the ones inflicting scorn upon Job. This reversal of expected social order highlights the chaotic and unjust nature of Job's world. Furthermore, the verse evokes strong **Pathos**, appealing to the reader's emotions by presenting Job in such a pitiable state, mocked by infants. Finally, the "young children" can be seen as a **Symbol** of society's complete and utter rejection of Job, representing the pervasive nature of his isolation and the universal contempt he faced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 19:18 offers a stark portrayal of the suffering of the righteous, challenging simplistic notions of divine retribution and highlighting the profound pain of social ostracism. Theologically, it underscores that suffering is not always a direct consequence of personal sin, forcing a deeper reflection on the mystery of affliction. It also reveals the human capacity for cruelty and the ease with which society can turn against those perceived as weak or cursed. The verse points to the universal experience of being misunderstood, reviled, or marginalized, even by those who lack full understanding or moral authority. It serves as a poignant reminder that true suffering often extends beyond physical pain to include profound emotional and relational wounds.

* [Psalm 35:15](/psalms/35-15 "Mockery of the Afflicted")
* [Lamentations 3:14](/lamentations/3-14 "Jeremiah's Mockery")
* [Matthew 27:39-40](/matthew/27-39-40 "Mockery of Jesus on the Cross")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 19:18 is a powerful mirror reflecting the human experience of profound humiliation and social rejection. In a world where social media can amplify mockery and ostracism, Job's ancient lament resonates deeply. This verse calls us to cultivate radical empathy for those who are marginalized, ridiculed, or isolated, reminding us that true comfort involves understanding and alleviating their burden, not adding to it through judgment or neglect. It challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances or societal judgments and to see the inherent dignity in every person, especially those enduring trials. For those who have experienced the sting of unjust scorn, Job's resilience, even in the face of such extreme contempt, offers a poignant reminder that one's true worth is not determined by the opinions of others, but by God's unwavering love and ultimate justice. It encourages us to stand firm in our integrity, even when the world, or even the least expected among us, turns against us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the mockery from "young children" in Job 19:18 intensify the emotional impact of Job's suffering, and what does this reveal about the nature of social ostracism?**
* **In what ways might we, perhaps unknowingly, contribute to the social isolation or humiliation of others in our own communities or online spaces?**
* **Considering Job's experience, how can we better cultivate empathy and compassion for those who are unjustly suffering or marginalized, rather than quickly judging their circumstances?**
* **What lessons can Job's perseverance in the face of universal contempt teach us about maintaining our dignity and faith when confronted with widespread disapproval or ridicule?**

### FAQ

**Why is the mockery from "young children" specifically mentioned as significant in Job 19:18?**

Answer: The mention of "young children" (Hebrew, _ʻăvîyl'_) is highly significant because it represents the absolute nadir of Job's social degradation. In ancient Near Eastern culture, respect for elders was paramount, and children were strictly taught to honor their seniors. For even the youngest and most vulnerable members of society to openly "despise" and "speak against" a man of Job's former stature signifies a complete breakdown of social order and his utter loss of dignity. It underscores that his ostracism was not limited to his peers or even his family, but was pervasive, extending to every segment of society, leaving him with no refuge from contempt. This detail highlights the extreme and comprehensive nature of his suffering, as he was stripped of all respect and reduced to an object of universal scorn.

**Does "I arose, and they spake against me" imply Job was physically unable to stand up for himself?**

Answer: While Job's severe physical afflictions (likely a form of leprosy or a similar debilitating skin disease, as implied in [Job 2:7-8](/job/2-7-8 "Job 2:7-8 - Job's Affliction with Boils")) undoubtedly weakened him, the phrase "I arose" in Job 19:18 is more likely metaphorical or indicative of an attempt to assert his dignity or simply to move. It suggests that any attempt by Job to re-engage with society, to stand up for himself, or even just to get up from his position of suffering, was immediately met with renewed verbal assault and mockery from the children. This emphasizes his complete helplessness and the relentless nature of the scorn he faced. It's not just that he was despised when he was down, but that even when he tried to "arise," the contempt continued unabated, reinforcing his profound isolation and the pervasive nature of his torment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's experience in [Job 19:18](/job/19-18 "Job 19:18 - Job's Humiliation by Children") finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the life and passion of Jesus. Job, a righteous man, suffers unjust humiliation, even from the least expected sources, becoming an object of scorn and societal rejection. Similarly, Jesus, the perfectly righteous Son of God, was "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")). During His earthly ministry, He was mocked by religious leaders, scorned by the crowds He came to save, and ultimately subjected to the cruelest public humiliation at His crucifixion. The Gospels recount how He was reviled on the cross, with passersby, chief priests, scribes, and elders all mocking Him ([Matthew 27:39-43](/matthew/27-39-43 "Matthew 27:39-43 - Mockery of Jesus on the Cross")). Like Job, Jesus experienced the depths of human cruelty and social ostracism, yet unlike Job, His suffering was not for His own sin but for the sins of the world. Through His voluntary endurance of such profound contempt, including the mockery that stripped Him of all earthly dignity, Jesus fully identified with the marginalized, the despised, and the unjustly afflicted. His ultimate vindication through resurrection and exaltation ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")) assures us that all who suffer unjustly with Him will also be glorified, transforming the shame of the cross into the triumph of 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

2 Kings 2:23

And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.

Job 30:1

¶ But now [they that are] younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.

Job 30:12

Upon [my] right [hand] rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction.

Isaiah 3:5

And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.