Job 30:7

KJV

Among the bushes they brayed; under the nettles they were gathered together.

KJV (with Strong's)

Among the bushes {H7880} they brayed {H5101}; under the nettles {H2738} they were gathered together {H5596}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Among the bushes they howl like beasts and huddle among the nettles,

Berean Standard Bible

They cried out among the shrubs and huddled beneath the nettles.

American Standard Version

Among the bushes they bray; Under the nettles they are gathered together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 30:7 is a profoundly evocative verse within Job's lament, starkly portraying his abject humiliation by individuals of the lowest societal standing. It paints a vivid picture of these outcasts dwelling in desolate, wild places, characterized by their animalistic cries and primitive existence, thereby intensifying the psychological torment Job endures as he is scorned by those he once considered beneath even his sheepdogs. This imagery powerfully underscores the radical reversal of Job's fortunes and the depth of his suffering, not merely physically, but socially and psychologically.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 30:7 is strategically placed within Job's extended lament, specifically in a section (Job 30:1-15) where he draws a sharp contrast between his former esteemed status, eloquently detailed in [Job 29](/job/29 "Job 29 - Job's Former Glory"), and his current profound humiliation. Having described himself as a respected elder, a benevolent leader, and a source of wisdom and justice, Job now confronts the unthinkable: he is mocked and scorned by individuals so marginalized and debased that he would have considered them unfit to associate with his dogs ([Job 30:1](/job/30-1 "Job 30:1 - Job's Contempt for his Mockers")). This verse, therefore, serves to underscore the radical reversal of Job's fortunes and the depth of his suffering, not just physically, but socially and psychologically. It emphasizes the profound indignity of being ridiculed by the most despised members of society, highlighting the complete collapse of his social standing and the cruel irony of his circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, social hierarchy was rigid, and honor and shame were paramount. To be an outcast, dwelling in the wilderness, was the epitome of degradation. Such individuals were often those without land, tribal affiliation, or family support, reduced to scavenging, begging, or even banditry. They were typically seen as wild, uncivilized, and dangerous, residing in places like "bushes" and "nettles"—areas that were uncultivated, inhospitable, and often associated with wild animals or spirits, reinforcing their marginalization. For a man of Job's former stature, who sat at the city gate and was revered by all ([Job 29:7-10](/job/29-7-10 "Job 29:7-10 - Job's Esteemed Public Role")), to be scorned by such people represented the absolute nadir of social disgrace. This fate was often perceived as worse than physical suffering for someone whose identity was so intertwined with his public honor and reputation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Firstly, it amplifies the theme of **Extreme Degradation**, portraying Job's tormentors as the lowest of the low, existing in a primitive, animalistic state, which in turn highlights the severity of Job's own fall. Secondly, it underscores **Profound Humiliation**, as Job, a man of immense honor and wisdom, is now subjected to ridicule by those he once disdained, emphasizing the psychological pain that accompanies his physical suffering. The imagery of "bushes" and "nettles" reinforces the theme of **Wildness and Desolation**, symbolizing the barren, neglected, and inhospitable environments associated with these outcasts, and by extension, Job's own desolate state. Finally, it exemplifies **Social Reversal**, a dramatic demonstration of how quickly and completely one's status can change, echoing the broader biblical truth that God "brings low and lifts up" ([1 Samuel 2:7](/1_samuel/2-7 "1 Samuel 2:7 - God's Sovereignty Over Status")) and that the first shall be last ([Matthew 20:16](/matthew/20-16 "Matthew 20:16 - The Last Shall Be First")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bushes (Hebrew, _sîyach'_):** From H7880, meaning "a shoot (as if uttered or put forth), i.e. (generally) shrubbery; bush, plant, shrub." This term refers to wild, uncultivated shrubbery or thickets, indicating a desolate and untamed environment. Its use here places Job's tormentors in a setting far removed from civilized habitation, emphasizing their wild, uncivilized nature and their marginalization from society.
* **Brayed (Hebrew, _nâhaq'_):** From H5101, meaning "a primitive root; to bray (as an ass), scream (from hunger); bray." This verb specifically describes the harsh, guttural cry of a donkey or other wild animal. Its application to human beings is deeply dehumanizing, reducing Job's mockers to an animalistic state. This not only conveys their crude, uncivilized nature but also suggests the derisive, contemptuous noises they direct at Job, amplifying his profound humiliation.
* **Nettles (Hebrew, _chârûwl'_):** From H2738, meaning "apparently, a passive participle of an unused root probably meaning to be prickly; properly, pointed, i.e. a bramble or other thorny weed; nettle." This term denotes thorny weeds, thistles, or brambles that typically grow in desolate, uncultivated, and unproductive areas. The presence of "nettles" reinforces the picture of a wild, untamed, and inhospitable environment, symbolizing the neglected, scorned, and barren nature of these outcasts' existence. It suggests a place of discomfort, pain, and utter societal rejection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Among the bushes they brayed":** This clause vividly places Job's mockers in wild, uncultivated terrain, far from human habitation or order. The "bushes" (H7880, _sîyach'_) refer to thorny shrubs or thickets, indicating a desolate and perhaps dangerous environment. The verb "brayed" (H5101, _nâhaq'_) immediately dehumanizes them, likening their vocalizations to the crude, animalistic cries of donkeys or wild asses. This imagery conveys their savage, uncivilized nature and the contemptuous, perhaps mocking, sounds they direct at Job, further deepening his humiliation.
* **"under the nettles they were gathered together":** This second clause reinforces the extreme marginalization and degradation of these individuals. "Nettles" (H2738, _chârûwl'_) signifies thorny, noxious weeds, indicating a place of discomfort, pain, and utter neglect. The act of "gathering together" (H5596, _çâphach'_) "under" these nettles suggests a huddled, desperate existence, seeking what little shelter or concealment these inhospitable plants might offer. It underscores their status as outcasts, forced to live in the most undesirable and uncomfortable places, emphasizing their absolute destitution and the profound indignity of being scorned by such a wretched company.

#### Literary Devices
Job 30:7 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of the desolate environment and the degraded state of Job's tormentors. The "bushes" and "nettles" evoke a sense of wildness, discomfort, and barrenness, physically embodying the social and spiritual wasteland these individuals inhabit. **Symbolism** is also at play, as these thorny plants and untamed places symbolize the societal rejection, moral decay, and primitive existence associated with Job's mockers. The use of "brayed" is a potent example of **Dehumanization**, reducing the tormentors to animalistic creatures, which serves to amplify the profound **Contrast** between Job's former exalted status and his current abasement at the hands of the lowest of society. This stark contrast emphasizes the depth of his suffering and the complete reversal of his fortunes, making his lament all the more poignant and highlighting the utter indignity of his situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 30:7 profoundly illustrates the theme of radical reversal of fortune and the depth of human suffering, not merely physical but social and psychological. It speaks to the fragility of earthly status and the unexpected ways in which God, in His inscrutable sovereignty, can permit the righteous to be brought low, even to the point of being scorned by the most despised. This verse challenges our understanding of justice and prosperity, forcing us to confront the reality that suffering can come from unexpected sources and involve profound indignity, testing the very core of one's identity and faith. It reminds us that true worth is not derived from social standing or the approval of others, but from one's relationship with God, even when that relationship feels strained or incomprehensible. It underscores the biblical truth that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His justice often unfolds in patterns that defy human expectations.

* [Psalm 75:7](/psalms/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God's Sovereignty in Exaltation and Abasement")
* [Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52 - Mary's Magnificat: God Exalts the Humble")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-28](/1_corinthians/1-27-28 "1 Corinthians 1:27-28 - God Chooses the Lowly and Despised")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 30:7 serves as a powerful mirror for self-reflection, urging us to consider the transient nature of earthly honor and the potential for profound shifts in circumstance. Job, once revered, experiences the ultimate social downfall, being scorned even by those he would have considered beneath his notice. This challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards those less fortunate, marginalized, or those we might deem "beneath" us, reminding us that true worth is not determined by social standing or material possessions. Job's intense emotional and psychological pain, caused not just by physical suffering but by profound social rejection and contempt, resonates with anyone who has felt unfairly marginalized or scorned by others. It calls us to cultivate humility, compassion, and an understanding that human dignity is inherent, not contingent on societal status. In a world often obsessed with status and appearance, this verse grounds us in the raw reality of human vulnerability and the importance of empathy for all, regardless of their social standing. It invites us to consider how we might extend grace and respect to those whom society often overlooks or dismisses.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I react when my social standing or reputation is challenged, especially by those I might consider "lesser" than myself?**
* **What does Job's experience in this verse teach me about the true sources of dignity and worth, beyond societal approval?**
* **In what ways might I be inadvertently contributing to the marginalization or dehumanization of others in my own community or society?**
* **How does this verse challenge my assumptions about who deserves respect and who does not, prompting me to see all people through God's eyes?**

### FAQ
**Who are these "bushes" and "nettles" people, and why are they mocking Job?**

Answer: The individuals described in Job 30:7 are depicted as the absolute lowest stratum of society in ancient Israel—outcasts, vagrants, and those without land, family, or social standing. Job refers to them as "men of no name" ([Job 30:8](/job/30-8 "Job 30:8 - Men of No Name")), suggesting they were the dregs of society, perhaps even criminals, the destitute, or those with severe physical or mental disabilities, who had been driven from settled communities into the wilderness. They are mocking Job because his dramatic fall from grace has made him an object of scorn and derision, even for those who were once beneath his notice. In their eyes, Job's suffering is proof of his sin, and his former status makes his current humiliation all the more satisfying for them to witness, perhaps fueled by resentment, a perverse sense of justice, or a desire to elevate themselves by debasing another. Their mockery underscores the completeness of Job's social degradation and the profound psychological torment he endures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's profound humiliation by the lowest of society, depicted in Job 30:7, finds its ultimate and most redemptive fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While Job suffered unjustly at the hands of those he disdained, Jesus, the eternal Son of God, willingly emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant and being born in the likeness of men ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He was not just mocked by the marginalized, but by the religious elite, the political authorities, and the common people alike, enduring scorn, spitting, and physical abuse ([Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27-31 "Matthew 27:27-31 - Jesus Mocked by Soldiers")). He was "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")), experiencing a depth of social ostracization far beyond Job's. The very ones who would have been considered "outcasts" by society—tax collectors, sinners, the sick, and the demon-possessed—were the ones Jesus embraced and ministered to, yet He was ultimately rejected by the very people He came to save ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). His crucifixion, a death reserved for criminals and the lowest of the low, was the ultimate act of public humiliation and degradation, yet through this profound abasement, He accomplished the greatest redemption. He transformed utter degradation into glorious triumph, conquering sin and death. Thus, Job's experience foreshadows the perfect and redemptive suffering of the Lamb of God, who, though utterly debased and made low, was ultimately exalted to the highest place, a name above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Lordship")), becoming the source of eternal dignity for all who believe.

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 6:5

Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?

Job 11:12

For vain man would be wise, though man be born [like] a wild ass's colt.

Genesis 16:12

And he will be a wild man; his hand [will be] against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.