> [[job-29|← Previous]] | [[job-00|TOC]] | [[job-31|Next →]] --- # Job, Chapter 30 ## Chapter 30 1 But now they hold me in derision ^job-30-1 who are younger than I, Whose fathers I should have disdained to rank with the dogs of my flock. 2 Such strength as they had meant nothing to me; ^job-30-2 their vigor had perished. 3 In want and emaciating hunger ^job-30-3 they fled to the parched lands: to the desolate wasteland by night. 4 They plucked saltwort and shrubs; ^job-30-4 the roots of the broom plant were their food. 5 They were banished from the community, ^job-30-5 with an outcry like that against a thief— 6 To dwell on the slopes of the wadies, ^job-30-6 in caves of sand and stone; 7 Among the bushes they brayed; ^job-30-7 under the nettles they huddled together. 8 Irresponsible, of no account, ^job-30-8 they were driven out of the land. 9 Yet now they sing of me in mockery; ^job-30-9 I have become a byword among them. 10 They abhor me, they stand aloof, ^job-30-10 they do not hesitate to spit in my face! 11 Because he has loosened my bowstring and afflicted me, ^job-30-11 they have thrown off restraint in my presence. 12 On my right the young rabble rise up; ^job-30-12 they trip my feet, they build their approaches for my ruin. 13 They tear up my path, ^job-30-13 they promote my ruin, no helper is there against them. 14 As through a wide breach they advance; ^job-30-14 amid the uproar they come on in waves; 15 terrors roll over me. ^job-30-15 My dignity is driven off like the wind, and my well-being vanishes like a cloud. 16 And now my life ebbs away from me, ^job-30-16 days of affliction have taken hold of me. 17 At night he pierces my bones, ^job-30-17 my sinews have no rest. 18 With great difficulty I change my clothes, ^job-30-18 the collar of my tunic fits around my waist. 19 He has cast me into the mire; ^job-30-19 I have become like dust and ashes. 20 I cry to you, but you do not answer me; ^job-30-20 I stand, but you take no notice. 21 You have turned into my tormentor, ^job-30-21 and with your strong hand you attack me. 22 You raise me up and drive me before the wind; ^job-30-22 I am tossed about by the tempest. 23 Indeed I know that you will return me to death ^job-30-23 to the house destined for everyone alive. 24 Yet should not a hand be held out ^job-30-24 to help a wretched person in distress? 25 Did I not weep for the hardships of others; ^job-30-25 was not my soul grieved for the poor? 26 Yet when I looked for good, evil came; ^job-30-26 when I expected light, darkness came. 27 My inward parts seethe and will not be stilled; ^job-30-27 days of affliction have overtaken me. 28 I go about in gloom, without the sun; ^job-30-28 I rise in the assembly and cry for help. 29 I have become a brother to jackals, ^job-30-29 a companion to ostriches. 30 My blackened skin falls away from me; ^job-30-30 my very frame is scorched by the heat. 31 My lyre is tuned to mourning, ^job-30-31 and my reed pipe to sounds of weeping. \* (30:4) Saltwort: found in salt marshes and very sour to the taste; eaten by the extremely poor as a cooked vegetable. Broom plant: the juniper or brushwood; cf. [Ps 120:4]; a figure of bitterness and poverty, because of its bitter-tasting roots which are practically inedible. \* (30:11) God is the subject of the verbs. Loosened my bowstring: i.e., disarmed and disabled me. \* (30:17] – [23) Job here refers to God’s harsh treatment of him. Cf. [16:9] – [17]; [19:6] – [12]. a. (30:1) [Jb 12:4]; [19:18]. b. (30:3] – [8) [Jb 24:5] – [6]. c. (30:9) [Jb 17:6]. d. (30:20) [Jb 19:7]. e. (30:23) [Heb 9:27]. f. (30:25) [Jb 29:12] – [16]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[job-29|← Previous]] | [[job-00|TOC]] | [[job-31|Next →]]