Job 30:10

They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face.

They abhor {H8581} me, they flee far {H7368} from me, and spare {H2820} not to spit {H7536} in my face {H6440}.

They loathe me, they stand aloof from me; they don't hesitate to spit in my face!

They abhor me and keep far from me; they do not hesitate to spit in my face.

They abhor me, they stand aloof from me, And spare not to spit in my face.

Context

Job 30:10 is a poignant expression of Job's deep despair and profound humiliation, marking a stark contrast to his former respected status as described in Job chapter 29. Having lost his wealth, children, and health, Job now recounts how even those of the lowest social standing, whom he would have previously scorned or employed, now treat him with utter contempt. This verse, part of Job's lament in chapters 29-31, highlights the complete reversal of his fortune and the cruel disdain he faces from society, underscoring the intensity of his suffering and isolation.

Key Themes

  • Profound Humiliation: The verse vividly portrays Job's complete degradation. He is not merely ignored but actively "abhorred" and subjected to the ultimate insult of being "spat in my face," a public act of extreme contempt.
  • Social Rejection and Isolation: People "flee far from" him, indicating an active avoidance and ostracization. This highlights the painful reality of being abandoned and reviled by one's community, even by those who might have once depended on his benevolence.
  • Unjust Suffering: For a man of Job's previous righteousness and standing, this level of contempt is deeply unjust, emphasizing the core theological problem of the book: why do the righteous suffer so intensely?
  • The Nature of Disgrace: The passage reveals how suffering can strip away not just material possessions but also dignity, honor, and social standing, leaving one utterly exposed to cruelty.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "They abhor me" translates the Hebrew word ta'avu (תָּעַבוּ), which signifies a strong sense of loathing, disgust, or detestation. It's a powerful word indicating not just dislike but a profound revulsion.

The act of "spit in my face" (Hebrew: וּמִפָּנַי לֹא חָשְׂכוּ רֹק) was an ancient Near Eastern gesture of supreme insult, contempt, and public shaming. It was a deliberate act meant to dishonor and defile the recipient. This specific action is found in other biblical contexts as a sign of deep disgrace, such as in Numbers 12:14 regarding Miriam's shame, and tragically, as part of the humiliation endured by Jesus Christ during His passion.

Practical Application

Job 30:10 reminds us of the extreme vulnerability of human dignity in the face of intense suffering and societal rejection. For contemporary readers, it serves as a powerful call to:

  • Empathy and Compassion: Recognize and respond with compassion to those who are marginalized, ostracized, or treated with contempt, regardless of their perceived status or circumstances.
  • Understanding Unjust Suffering: Acknowledge that righteous people can indeed face profound, undeserved suffering, including social humiliation. This challenges simplistic views that link suffering directly to personal sin.
  • Resilience in Adversity: While Job's lament is raw, his eventual restoration offers a long-term perspective. The verse highlights the depth of human despair but also implicitly points to the need for enduring faith even when dignity is stripped away.
  • Self-Examination: Consider how we treat those who are "down and out." Do we contribute to their isolation or offer a hand of mercy and respect?
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.

  • 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.

  • Matthew 26:67

    Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote [him] with the palms of their hands,

  • Psalms 88:8

    Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: [I am] shut up, and I cannot come forth.

  • Numbers 12:14

    And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in [again].

  • Deuteronomy 25:9

    Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.

  • Matthew 27:30

    And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

  • Job 42:6

    Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes.

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