Because God has loosed my cord and humbled me, they have cast off restraint in my presence.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job laments that the disrespect he faces from others isn't just about him—it's a direct consequence of God's actions. When God "loosened his cord," implying He unstrung Job's bow and removed his strength and defense, it signaled to others that Job was no longer protected and could be attacked with impunity. This removal of divine defense emboldened the insolent crowd, who then "cast off restraint," behaving with utter disregard for him.
Because God has loosed my cord and humbled me, they have cast off restraint in my presence.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job is describing how the lowest of the low, worthless characters, have turned on him with absolute contempt. He sees this not just as human cruelty, but as a direct consequence of God loosening his strength and authority, symbolized by unstringing a bow or loosening reins. Because God has stripped him of his power and prestige, these people now feel free to mock and insult him openly, without any restraint.
Job feels utterly exposed and vulnerable. But why? He points to God’s action – a 'loosed cord' – that seems to invite the cruelty he now faces.
Job uses a powerful metaphor here, drawing from archery. When a bowstring is 'loosed' or relaxed, the bow is unstrung and useless; it can no longer launch an arrow.
As soon as God’s hand seemingly loosens its grip on Job, a torrent of insults is unleashed. What does this say about human nature when 'restraint' is gone?
Job describes a disturbing shift in how people treat him. The moment God's hand of protection or authority is perceived to be withdrawn, the 'cord' holding back Job's tormentors is snapped.
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Understand the original words
'Ĕlôah · Hebrew Noun
In the Bible, this refers to the Creator and Sovereign Sustainer of all things, who holds ultimate authority over human suffering, prosperity, and cosmic order. It signifies the One to whom all humanity is accountable and who acts according to His own perfect, though often inscrutable, will.
'ānâ · Hebrew Verb
A state of being brought low, often used in Scripture to describe a condition of affliction, poverty, or the breaking of human pride. It indicates a position of submission, either voluntary before God or forced by external circumstances or divine discipline.
This Psalm expresses a similar sentiment of self-restraint that is now being abandoned, as the Psalmist resolved not to sin with his tongue when wicked people were near, a contrast to Job's situation where the wicked now speak freely.
Job 29:20This verse directly contrasts Job's former strength and vitality ('my bow is renewed in my hand') with his current helplessness, illustrating the 'loosened cord' that leaves him vulnerable.
Proverbs 26:3This proverb speaks to the futility of punishing fools, likening it to a whip for a horse or a bridle for a donkey, mirroring the lack of control and restraint Job's tormentors now exhibit.
Lamentations 1:14This verse describes God binding the 'yoke' of transgression, implying a loss of control and a resulting burden, which resonates with the 'loosened cord' and 'bridle' imagery of Job's downfall and the ensuing contempt.
clarkeJob 30:11: "Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me."
Because he hath loosed my cord - Instead of יתרי yithri, my cord, which is the keri or marginal reading, יתרו yithro, his cord, is the reading of the text in many copies; and this reading directs us to a metaphor taken from an archer, who, observing his butt, sets his arrow on the string, draws it to a proper degree of tension, levels, and then loosing his hold, the arrow flies at the…
ellicottJob 30:11: "Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me."
(11) Because he hath loosed my cord. —Better, his: i.e. , “God hath loosed the cord of his bow and they have cast off all restraint before me.”
Job laments that the disrespect he faces from others isn't just about him—it's a direct consequence of God's actions. When God "loosened his cord," implying He unstrung Job's bow and removed his strength and defense, it signaled to others that Job was no longer protected and could be attacked with impunity. This removal of divine defense emboldened the insolent crowd, who then "cast off restraint," behaving with utter disregard for him.
Job is describing how the lowest of the low, worthless characters, have turned on him with absolute contempt. He sees this not just as human cruelty, but as a direct consequence of God loosening his strength and authority, symbolized by unstringing a bow or loosening reins. Because God has stripped him of his power and prestige, these people now feel free to mock and insult him openly, without any restraint.
Job is describing how the lowest of the low, worthless characters, have turned on him with absolute contempt. He sees this not just as human cruelty, but as a direct consequence of God loosening his strength and authority, symbolized by unstringing a bow or loosening reins. Because God has stripped him of his power and prestige, these people now feel free to mock and insult him openly, without any restraint.
"Because God has loosed my cord and humbled me, they have cast off restraint in my presence." — Job laments that the disrespect he faces from others isn't just about him—it's a direct consequence of God's actions. When God "loosened his cord," implying He unstrung Job's bow and removed his stre…
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Last reviewed October 2026