Job 30:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Upon my right {H3225} hand rise {H6965} the youth {H6526}; they push away {H7971} my feet {H7272}, and they raise up {H5549} against me the ways {H734} of their destruction {H343}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At my right the street urchins attack, pushing me from place to place, besieging me with their ways of destruction,

Berean Standard Bible

The rabble arises at my right; they lay snares for my feet and build siege ramps against me.

American Standard Version

Upon my right hand rise the rabble; They thrust aside my feet, And they cast up against me their ways of destruction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 30:12 captures a moment of profound despair and humiliation in Job's lament, where he describes being actively assailed and undermined by young men. This verse vividly portrays his complete loss of social standing and dignity, as those who should show deference instead display aggressive contempt, intensifying his physical and emotional suffering and highlighting the shocking reversal of his once-esteemed position.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 30:12 is situated within Job's third and final extended discourse, a deeply personal and emotional lament that spans [Job 29](/job/29 "Job 29 - Job's Former Prosperity") through [Job 31](/job/31 "Job 31 - Job's Oath of Innocence"). Following the relentless and often accusatory speeches of his three friends, Job shifts from defending his righteousness to vividly contrasting his past glory (as detailed in [Job 29](/job/29 "Job 29 - Job's Former Prosperity"), where he was a revered and influential patriarch) with his present abject misery. [Job 30](/job/30 "Job 30 - Job's Present Misery") specifically details the depth of his physical suffering, his social ostracization, and the profound contempt he now faces, even from those of lower social status. Verse 12 specifically highlights the shocking reversal of social order, where the young, who should show deference, actively disrespect and harm him, amplifying his sense of injustice and isolation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, respect for elders and those in positions of authority was a cornerstone of societal structure. The "right hand" symbolized strength, honor, and a place of prominence, making the youth rising "upon my right hand" a deliberate act of insolent challenge and usurpation of Job's authority. Young men, particularly those described as "youth" (often implying a lower social standing or even vagrants, as suggested by the broader context of [Job 30](/job/30 "Job 30 - Job's Present Misery")), would typically be expected to show reverence, not aggression, towards a patriarch like Job. Their actions of "pushing away his feet" (destabilizing him) and "raising up against him the ways of their destruction" (plotting his ruin) are not mere pranks but acts of profound disrespect and active malice, underscoring the extent of Job's social degradation and the breakdown of established societal norms.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **unjust suffering**, as Job, a righteous man, experiences not only physical agony but also profound social degradation and humiliation from unexpected sources. Secondly, it highlights the **loss of dignity and social standing**, showing how calamity can strip away not just wealth and health but also honor and respect, reducing a once-esteemed figure to an object of scorn. Thirdly, it touches upon the **reversal of order**, where the natural hierarchy of respect for elders is violently overturned, emphasizing the chaotic and bewildering nature of Job's trials. This contributes to Job's central lament concerning the apparent breakdown of divine justice and the inexplicable nature of his affliction, a theme that runs throughout his dialogues, particularly as he grapples with the accusations of his friends who insist on a direct correlation between sin and suffering, as seen in [Eliphaz's arguments](/job/4 "Job 4 - Eliphaz's First Speech").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Youth (Hebrew, _na'ar'_):** While often translated simply as "youth" or "young men," in the broader context of [Job 30](/job/30 "Job 30 - Job's Present Misery"), this term can refer to those of lower social status, servants, or even vagrants and outcasts. The shocking element here is not merely their age but their social standing relative to Job's former eminence. Their aggressive actions against him are a profound reversal of the deference expected towards an elder and a respected figure, highlighting the depth of Job's fall.
* **Push away (Hebrew, _hādap_):** This verb implies a forceful, violent shove or thrust, often with the intent to destabilize, overthrow, or expel. When applied to "feet," it suggests tripping, causing one to stumble, or removing one's foundation. It's an active, physical assault on Job's stability and ability to stand firm, both literally and metaphorically, signifying an attempt to completely dislodge him from any remaining position of strength or dignity.
* **Destruction (Hebrew, _eidām_):** This word carries a strong connotation of calamity, disaster, ruin, or even an appointed time of destruction. It suggests more than mere annoyance or disrespect; it implies a deliberate, malicious intent to bring about Job's utter downfall and ruin. The "ways of their destruction" indicates a concerted effort or a planned course of action aimed at his complete undoing, amplifying the malevolence of their actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Upon [my] right [hand] rise the youth":** This clause describes an act of aggressive insolence and usurpation. The "right hand" was the place of honor, strength, and authority. For young men, typically of lower status, to "rise upon" Job's right hand signifies a direct, confrontational challenge to his authority, dignity, and very presence. It implies they are not merely present but are actively asserting themselves in a place that is not theirs, demonstrating utter contempt for his former status and current vulnerability.
* **"they push away my feet":** This phrase depicts a physical assault aimed at destabilizing Job. "Pushing away feet" means causing him to stumble, lose his balance, or even fall. Metaphorically, it represents an attempt to undermine his stability, his standing, and his very ability to navigate life. It underscores his profound physical and social vulnerability, as even the weakest elements of society can now threaten his equilibrium.
* **"and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction":** This final clause reveals the malicious intent behind their actions. "Ways of their destruction" suggests not just random acts of disrespect but a deliberate, concerted effort or a planned course of action aimed at bringing about Job's ruin or calamity. It implies active plotting and a desire to see him utterly destroyed, highlighting the depth of the animosity and the calculated nature of the humiliation he endures.

#### Literary Devices
Job 30:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey Job's anguish. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the youth's actions; while actual physical assault might be implied, the language emphasizes the *extreme* nature of their disrespect and the profound reversal of social order. This exaggeration underscores Job's sense of utter degradation. **Metonymy** is present in "right hand," which stands for Job's authority, honor, and strength, making the youth's rising "upon" it a direct assault on his very identity and standing. The phrase "push away my feet" functions as a powerful **metaphor** for undermining Job's stability and foundation, both literally and figuratively. Furthermore, the entire verse is steeped in **pathos**, evoking deep sympathy for Job's plight as he describes the unjust and humiliating treatment he receives, amplifying the emotional impact of his lament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 30:12 powerfully illustrates the multi-faceted nature of suffering, extending beyond physical pain to encompass profound social and emotional humiliation. It highlights how trials can strip away not only possessions and health but also dignity, respect, and social standing, even from unexpected sources like the "youth." The verse underscores the theme of unjust suffering, as Job, a righteous man, is subjected to contempt and active malice without apparent cause. This degradation contributes to Job's central theological struggle: understanding why a just God would permit such overwhelming and seemingly arbitrary affliction upon a blameless servant, challenging the conventional wisdom of his time that linked suffering directly to sin.

* [Leviticus 19:32](/leviticus/19-32 "Leviticus 19:32 - Respect for Elders")
* [Psalm 35:15](/psalms/35-15 "Psalm 35:15 - Enemies Mocking the Righteous")
* [Lamentations 3:59-60](/lamentations/3-59 "Lamentations 3:59-60 - Appeal for Justice Against Enemies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 30:12 offers a stark and poignant reminder that suffering often extends beyond physical pain to include profound social and emotional humiliation. In a world that often values status, strength, and outward appearances, Job's experience of being actively disrespected and undermined by those of lower standing resonates deeply. This verse challenges us to consider the hidden dimensions of suffering, recognizing that loss of dignity, social ostracization, and the contempt of others can be as debilitating as any physical ailment. It calls us to cultivate empathy for those who feel marginalized, overlooked, or actively targeted, especially when their suffering seems unjust or inexplicable. Furthermore, Job's raw honesty in expressing his pain, even his indignation, provides a model for lament, reminding us that it is permissible to voice our deepest anguish to God without pretense. Ultimately, Job's perseverance through this intense degradation, though marked by profound questioning, serves as a testament to enduring faith in the midst of incomprehensible suffering, encouraging us to hold onto hope even when our world is turned upside down.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we respond when our dignity or social standing is unjustly attacked, especially by those we might expect to show deference?**
* **In what ways might we inadvertently "push away the feet" of others through disrespect, gossip, or undermining actions?**
* **How can Job's lament in this verse inform our prayers when we feel utterly humiliated or abandoned?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that "the youth" are the ones attacking Job?**

Answer: The significance lies in the profound reversal of ancient Near Eastern societal norms. In Job's culture, elders, especially respected patriarchs like Job, were to be honored and deferred to. [Leviticus 19:32](/leviticus/19-32 "Leviticus 19:32 - Respect for the Aged") explicitly commands reverence for the aged. For "the youth," often implying those of lower social status or even vagrants (as suggested by the broader context of [Job 30](/job/30 "Job 30 - Job's Present Misery")), to actively assault and plot against Job ("push away my feet," "raise up against me the ways of their destruction") is a shocking demonstration of his complete loss of status, dignity, and social protection. It highlights the depth of his humiliation and the chaotic nature of his suffering, where even the natural order of respect has broken down.

**What does "push away my feet" mean metaphorically?**

Answer: While it can imply a literal physical act of tripping or destabilizing, metaphorically, "push away my feet" signifies an attempt to undermine Job's stability, foundation, and ability to stand firm. It speaks to the active efforts to dislodge him from any position of strength, dignity, or social standing he might still possess. It represents a complete assault on his equilibrium, making him vulnerable and unable to maintain his footing in life, both physically and socially. This action contributes to the overall theme of Job's profound degradation and the stripping away of all that once supported him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 30:12, with its raw depiction of unjust humiliation and active contempt from those of lower status, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the suffering of Jesus. Just as Job, a righteous man, was scorned and assaulted by those who should have shown deference, so too was Christ, the perfectly righteous Son of God, subjected to unimaginable indignity and contempt. He was mocked by soldiers ([Mark 15:16-20](/mark/15-16 "Mark 15:16-20 - Soldiers Mock Jesus")), spat upon ([Matthew 27:30](/matthew/27-30 "Matthew 27:30 - Jesus is Mocked")), and ultimately crucified between criminals, a death reserved for the lowest of society ([Luke 23:32-33](/luke/23-32 "Luke 23:32-33 - Jesus Crucified with Criminals")). The "youth" rising against Job foreshadows the crowds and even the religious authorities who "pushed away" Jesus's feet, seeking to destabilize His ministry and bring about His "destruction" through false accusations and unjust judgment ([John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - 'Crucify Him!'")). Yet, unlike Job, whose suffering was for his own testing and ultimate vindication, Christ's humiliation was a deliberate, redemptive act. He willingly endured the ultimate indignity and social ostracism to bear the sin of the world, becoming the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His suffering, therefore, transforms Job's lament of unjust humiliation into the glorious triumph of divine love and sacrifice, offering hope and redemption to all who are scorned or suffer unjustly.

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 19:12

His troops come together, and raise up their way against me, and encamp round about my tabernacle.

Job 19:18

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

Psalms 140:4

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

Psalms 140:5

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

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.