Job 16:10
Men have gaped at me with their mouth; they have struck me insolently on the cheek; they mass themselves together against me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Job isn't just describing physical violence; "gaped" and "smitten on the cheek" are gestures of extreme contempt and scorn. His friends didn't just disagree; they united in their derision, turning a supposed visit of comfort into a combined assault on his dignity and character.
Job is describing the intense hostility and scorn he's facing, not just from his perceived enemies, but specifically from his closest friends who have come to "comfort" him. They've opened their mouths wide to mock and accuse him, even striking him with insults and contempt, as if forming a unified front against him. This comes right after he’s described God’s hand being against him, showing how even his supposed support system has joined the attack.
When friends turn into foes, their words can feel like a physical assault. Job describes his friends' accusations with a vivid image of mouths gaping wide.
Job uses the imagery of "gaping mouths" to describe the cruel words of his friends. This isn't just casual chatter; it's a hostile act.
Two Sides of the "Gape"
This dual meaning shows the depth of betrayal Job feels – his supposed comforters are acting like ravenous beasts.
Beyond mere words, Job describes a physical act of insult – being struck on the cheek. What does this gesture signify in the face of his immense suffering?
Being "smitten on the cheek reproachfully" is more than just a physical blow; it's a profound expression of contempt and public humiliation.
The Weight of Reproach
Job's friends, who came to comfort him, instead treated him with the utmost disdain, adding a layer of deep personal offense to his already unbearable pain.
Understand the original words
mar'eh nibzeh · Hebrew Adverb/Adjective phrase
An attitude of pride, presumption, or contemptuous arrogance. It reflects an improper exaltation of self over others or against God.
This psalm vividly describes suffering with imagery of enemies gaping like lions, a direct parallel to Job's experience and a prophecy of Christ's anguish.
Lamentations 3:30This verse speaks of enduring shame and insult, specifically offering a cheek to be struck, highlighting the deep humiliation Job and others have faced.
Micah 5:1This prophecy foretells the smiting of the ruler of Israel on the cheek, directly connecting Job's personal suffering to a Messianic prediction.
Matthew 26:67This passage shows the literal fulfillment of the prophecy where Jesus was struck on the cheek in a scene of mockery and condemnation, echoing Job's humiliation.
Acts 23:2This shows the apostle Paul being struck on the mouth by a religious leader, demonstrating that such contemptuous and unjust treatment was a recurring theme for faithful servants.
bensonJob 16:10: "They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me."
Job 16:10 . They — My friends, the instruments of God’s anger; have gaped upon me with their mouth — Have opened their mouths wide against me; either, 1st, To devour and destroy me, as a lion which falls upon its pray with open mouth: see Psalm 22:13-14 , where these very expressions are used in the prediction of Christ’s sufferings, of who…
pooleJob 16:10: "They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me."
They; the instruments of God’s anger, my friends, as they are falsely called. Gaped upon me with their mouth; opened their mouths wide against me; either, 1. To devour and destroy me; as a lion which falls upon his prey with open mouth, as this phrase is used, Psalm 22:13,14 . And this they did aggravating and increasing his sorrows, whereb…
Job isn't just describing physical violence; "gaped" and "smitten on the cheek" are gestures of extreme contempt and scorn. His friends didn't just disagree; they united in their derision, turning a supposed visit of comfort into a combined assault on his dignity and character.
Job is describing the intense hostility and scorn he's facing, not just from his perceived enemies, but specifically from his closest friends who have come to "comfort" him. They've opened their mouths wide to mock and accuse him, even striking him with insults and contempt, as if forming a unified front against him. This comes right after he’s described God’s hand being against him, showing how even his supposed support system has joined the attack.
Job is describing the intense hostility and scorn he's facing, not just from his perceived enemies, but specifically from his closest friends who have come to "comfort" him. They've opened their mouths wide to mock and accuse him, even striking him with insults and contempt, as if forming a unified front against him. This comes right after he’s described God’s hand being against him, showing how even his supposed support system has joined the attack.
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Job's friends didn't just attack him individually; they "gathered themselves together." What's the terrifying power of a group united against one person?
The phrase "gathered themselves together against me" speaks to a unified, concerted attack. It's the terrifying force of a mob descending upon an individual.
The Mob Mentality
"Men have gaped at me with their mouth; they have struck me insolently on the cheek; they mass themselves together against me." — Job isn't just describing physical violence; "gaped" and "smitten on the cheek" are gestures of extreme contempt and scorn. His friends didn't just disagree; they united in their derision, turning a…
