Job 29:17

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth.

American Standard Version (1901)

And I brake the jaws of the unrighteous, And plucked the prey out of his teeth.

Bible in Basic English

By me the great teeth of the evil-doer were broken, and I made him give up what he had violently taken away.

Free Bible Version

I broke the jaw of the wicked and made them drop their prey from their teeth.

King James (Authorized) Version

And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.

Translation for Translators

My causing wicked people to be unable to continue oppressing others was like [MET] breaking the fangs of fierce wild animals and forcing them to drop from their teeth/mouths the animals that they had caught/seized.

Unlocked Literal Bible

I broke the jaws of the unrighteous man; I plucked the victim out from between his teeth.

Noah Webster Bible

And I broke the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.

World English Bible

I broke the jaws of the unrighteous and plucked the prey out of his teeth.

Young's Literal Translation

And I break the jaw-teeth of the perverse, And from his teeth I cast away prey.

Context

Job’s Former Blessings

¹⁶I was a father to the needy, and I took up the case of the stranger. ¹⁷I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth.

Sermons

Epistle 141

George Fox

Summary

In Job 29:17, Job reflects on his past life, describing how he was respected and honored by his community. He highlights how he was able to help the needy and the fatherless, and how he was a source of justice for those who had none. This verse showcases Job's character and the positive impact he had on those around him, emphasizing the importance of compassion, generosity, and integrity in serving others. Job's words serve as a reminder of the value of using one's blessings and influence to uplift and support those in need, reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

I brake the jaws of the wicked - A metaphor taken from hunting. A beast of prey had entered into the fold, and carried off a sheep. "The huntsman comes, assails the wicked beast, breaks his jaws, and delivers the spoil out of his teeth. See the case Sa1 17:34-37 (note).