Job 17:2
Job 17:2 in Multiple Translations
Surely mockers surround me, and my eyes must gaze at their rebellion.
Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?
Surely there are mockers with me, And mine eye dwelleth upon their provocation.
Truly, those who make sport of me are round about me, and my eyes become dark because of their bitter laughing.
Mockers surround me. I see how bitterly they ridicule me.
There are none but mockers with mee, and mine eye continueth in their bitternesse.
If not — mockeries [are] with me. And in their provocations mine eye lodgeth.
Surely there are mockers with me. My eye dwells on their provocation.
Are there not mockers with me? and doth not my eye continue in their provocation?
I have not sinned, and my eye abideth in bitterness.
Those who are around me are making fun of me; I [SYN] watch them while they ◄taunt/make fun of► me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 17:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 17:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
לֹ֣א
הֲ֭תֻלִים
עִמָּדִ֑/י
וּ֝/בְ/הַמְּרוֹתָ֗/ם
תָּלַ֥ן
עֵינִֽ/י
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הֲ֭תֻלִים
hâthôl
H2049
mockery
N-mp
עִמָּדִ֑/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
with me
Prep | Suff
וּ֝/בְ/הַמְּרוֹתָ֗/ם
mârâh
H4784
to rebel
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
תָּלַ֥ן
lûwn
H3885
to lodge
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עֵינִֽ/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 17:2
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הֲ֭תֻלִים
hâthôl
H2049
"mockery"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means mockery or derision, describing someone who is being scorned or ridiculed, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: mockery, mocker
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: mocker. See also: Job 17:2.
עִמָּדִ֑/י
ʻimmâd
H5978
"with me"
Prep | Suff
Means 'with me', showing accompaniment, like in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in difficult times.
Definition: with A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A) § 1) with
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: against, by, from, [phrase] me, [phrase] mine, of, [phrase] that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.) See also: Genesis 3:12; 1 Samuel 20:28; Psalms 23:4.
וּ֝/בְ/הַמְּרוֹתָ֗/ם
mârâh
H4784
"to rebel"
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
To rebel means to resist or disobey authority, often in a stubborn or defiant way. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's disobedience towards God or their parents.
Definition: 1) to be contentious, be rebellious, be refractory, be disobedient towards, be rebellious against 1a) (Qal) to be disobedient, be rebellious 1a1) towards father 1a2) towards God 1b) (Hiphil) to show rebelliousness, show disobedience, disobey
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bitter, change, be disobedient, disobey, grievously, provocation, provoke(-ing), (be) rebel (against, -lious). See also: Numbers 20:10; Psalms 78:17; Psalms 5:11.
תָּלַ֥ן
lûwn
H3885
"to lodge"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
עֵינִֽ/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Job 17:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 17:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 17:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 17:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 17:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 17:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 17:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 17:2
- Cambridge Bible on Job 17:2
- Barnes' Notes on Job 17:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 17:2
- Sermons on Job 17:2
Context — Job Prepares for Death
1“My spirit is broken; my days are extinguished; the grave awaits me.
2Surely mockers surround me, and my eyes must gaze at their rebellion.
3Give me, I pray, the pledge You demand. Who else will be my guarantor? 4You have closed their minds to understanding; therefore You will not exalt them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 12:4 | I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock. |
| 2 | Job 16:20 | My friends are my scoffers as my eyes pour out tears to God. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 1:6–7 | Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously. And this went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat. |
| 4 | Matthew 27:39–44 | And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him. |
| 5 | Psalms 35:14–16 | I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother. But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing. Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me. |
| 6 | Job 13:9 | Would it be well when He examined you? Could you deceive Him like a man? |
| 7 | Psalms 91:1 | He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. |
| 8 | Psalms 25:13 | His soul will dwell in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. |
| 9 | Job 21:3 | Bear with me while I speak; then, after I have spoken, you may go on mocking. |
Job 17:2 Summary
[In Job 17:2, Job is saying that he feels like he's surrounded by people who are making fun of him and his faith. This can be a really tough and lonely experience, but Job is trusting that God is still in control, even when things seem really bad. As the Bible says in Psalm 23:4, even in the darkest valley, God is with us, and we don't have to be afraid. We can trust that God is working everything out for our good, just like it says in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be surrounded by mockers as described in Job 17:2?
In this context, mockers refer to those who scorn and ridicule Job, likely due to his suffering and faith, similar to what is described in Psalm 22:7-8, where the psalmist is also mocked by his enemies.
How does Job's situation relate to the rebellion he sees in the mockers?
Job is forced to witness the rebellion of those around him, which is a painful reminder of the spiritual battle that is taking place, as seen in Ephesians 6:12, where we are told that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil.
Is Job's experience unique, or can others identify with being surrounded by mockers?
Many believers throughout history have faced similar situations, including the apostle Paul, who wrote about being persecuted and slandered in 2 Corinthians 12:10, yet continued to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.
What can we learn from Job's response to being surrounded by mockers?
Job's response teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of suffering and persecution, as seen in Romans 8:28, where we are told that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you feel like you are being mocked or ridiculed for your faith, and how can you respond in a way that honors God?
- How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when surrounded by those who oppose you?
- What are some ways you can practically apply the principle of loving your enemies, as described in Matthew 5:44, in your daily life?
- How can you use your experiences of being surrounded by mockers as an opportunity to share the gospel and demonstrate the love of Christ to those around you?
Gill's Exposition on Job 17:2
[Are there] not mockers with me?.... Meaning not irreligious persons, such as make a mock at sin, a jest of religion, a laugh at good men, sneer at the doctrines and ordinances of God, and scoff at
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 17:2
Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 17:2
Do not my friends, instead of comforting, mock and abuse me, as if I had made use of religion only as a cloak to my wickedness? Heb. If there be not mockers with me, understand, let God do so or so to me. It is a form of an oath, which is defectively expressed, after the manner of the Hebrews. Assuredly I am in the midst of cruel mockers, which is a sore aggravation of my affliction. Thus he returns to what he had said , and intimates the necessity and justice of his following appeal, which otherwise might be thought too bold. Mine eye; either, 1. The eyes of my body. Do they not continue to provoke me to my face? Or rather, 2.
The eye of my mind. Their provoking scoffs and reproaches do not only molest me in the day-time, when they are with me, but lodge with me in the night, and are continually in my thoughts, and break my sleep, and disturb me in dreams. And therefore if I be a little disordered, I may be excused.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 17:2
Job 17:2 [Are there] not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?Ver. 2. Are there no mockers with me?] Heb. If there be not mockers with me, q.d. despeream, let me be punished, or let me be blamed for wishing to argue it out with God; so some Jewish doctors sense it. Job had before complained about his friends’ jeering and girding at him, Job 16:20. To be mocked in misery is no small aggravation. See what is threatened, Proverbs 1:26. The proverb is, Oculus, fides, et fama non patiuntur iocos, There is no jesting with a man’ s eye, faith, and fame. Junius rendereth the text thus, Forasmuch as there are no mockings with me, I mean honestly, and deal plainly, and yet mine eye continueth in their provocations, neither can I be set right in their opinions, so prejudiced they are against me. And doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?] Heb. Lodge or tarry all night in their provocations, or bitternesses?
Broughton readeth, In these men’ s vexing lodgeth mine eye; that is, I lodge not so much in my bed as in the thoughts of my friends’ unkindness. And indeed, saith one, a man may sleep better upon bare boards than upon hard words. Some refer it to the eye of his mind lifted up to God in prayer; but yet no sweetness coming from him either internally or externally. The former is rather to be followed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 17:2
(2) Mine eye continue in their provocation?—“It sees, and can see nothing else; has nothing else to look upon “: a bitter reproach against his friends.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 17:2
Verse 2. Are there not mockers with me?] This has been variously translated. The VULGATE: "I have not sinned, and yet my eye dwells upon afflictions." SEPTUAGINT: "I conjure you, labouring under afflictions, what evil have I done? Yet strangers have robbed me of my substance." Mr. GOOD: "But are not revilers before me? Alas, mine eye penetrateth their rebukes." CALMET thinks the Hebrew might be translated thus: "If I have not been united in friendship with the wicked, why are my eyes in bitterness?" COVERDALE translates both verses thus: My breth fayleth, my dayes are shortened, I am harde at deathes dore. I have disceaved no man, yet must myne eye continue in hevynesse. Mr. HEATH "Were it not so, I have sarcasms enow in store; and I could spend the whole night unmoved at their aggravations." The general meaning is sufficiently plain, and the reader has got translations enough.
Cambridge Bible on Job 17:2
2. Are there not mockers with me] lit. mockery. The interrogative form is possible, but more likely the verse is a strong asseveration, uttered in a tone of indignant impatience. The connexion indicates that the reference is to the illusory hopes and promises of restoration in this life which the friends held out to Job. He complains that he is beset with such mockeries. This seems also the meaning of the “provocation” on which his eye has to dwell, though in this their offensive exhortations to repentance may also be included. This provocation of theirs his friends were always inflicting upon him, troublesome comforters as they were (Job 16:2). The true state of things Job knows very well (Job 17:1; Job 17:10-16); their delusive hopes are not things he can hope for; and he turns in impatience from them with a greater importunity unto God, and appeals to Him for that which may yet be attained, and which above all things he longs for (Job 17:3).
Barnes' Notes on Job 17:2
And doth not mine eye continue in their provocation? - Margin “lodge.” This is the meaning of the Hebrew word used here - נלן tālan.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 17:2
2. Mockers — Surely mockers are with me, and on their quarrelling mine eye dwells.
Sermons on Job 17:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Prayer in Revival by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and coming to Him with a sense of helplessness and surrender. He shares a story about receivin |
|
Birth of the Last-Days Remnant by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that the last-days remnant, represented by the prophet Samuel, emerges from the ruins of a decaying church, birthed through deep grief and fervent prayer |
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Evil Men in the Plan of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and desiring Jesus above all else. He discusses the upcoming difficult days that the world will face and reminds th |
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(The Life of Jesus) His Crucifixion by Earle Maxwell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of receiving a late-night phone call from a distressed woman whose husband was in the intensive care ward. This experience |
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Silence the Mocking Voices by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the impact of mocking voices that can lead to discouragement and distraction from God's will. It delves into the mocking of Jesus and the importance of surre |
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Destined for the Cross by Paul E. Billheimer | Paul E. Billheimer preaches on the foundational principle of self-sacrifice in the universe, exemplified by Christ's choice to stay on the cross despite temptations to come down an |
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Exposition on Psalm 22 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on Psalm 21, reflecting on the words spoken by Jesus Christ Himself during His resurrection. The psalm portrays the suffering and humility of Christ, from be |