Job 30:5 - They are driven out from among men. They cry after them as after a thief;

Generated Verse: Job 30:5

What does "Job 30:5" mean?


Job 30:5 is part of Job's lament about the low regard in which he is now held, contrasting sharply with his former position of respect and influence. Let's break down the verse:

"They are driven out from among men." This refers to a group of people, whom Job has been describing in the preceding verses (Job 30:3-4). These are people who are destitute, hungry, and have been forced to live on the fringes of society. They have no standing or respect within the community; they are outcasts. Their desperation and lawlessness have led to them being banished, likely because they were considered a threat or nuisance.

"They cry after them as after a thief." This indicates the intense hostility and suspicion directed towards these outcasts. "Crying after them" suggests a loud, angry pursuit, as if they had committed a crime. People are reacting to them with fear, anger, and accusations, as if they were thieves who had stolen something of value. This could be literal, implying they were suspected of theft to survive, or metaphorical, suggesting they were perceived as stealing the peace or well-being of the community.

In essence, the verse depicts:

Social Outcasts: People relegated to the margins of society due to poverty, desperation, and perhaps questionable behavior.
Rejection and Hostility: The community treats them with fear and contempt, driving them away as if they were dangerous criminals.
Dehumanization: The treatment they receive dehumanizes them, reducing them to the level of despised criminals.

Context in Job's Complaint:

Job uses this description of the lowest members of society to highlight how far he has fallen. He, who was once a respected leader and benefactor to the needy, is now despised and mocked, even by people who are themselves at the bottom of the social ladder. It emphasizes the depths of his humiliation and suffering. It reinforces how arbitrary and unfair he feels his current situation is since he has striven to act with righteousness.

What categories does "Job 30:5" have?