Old Testament
Job 29:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And I broke the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.
Compare translations
And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.
What Job 29:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job reflects on his past actions when he was in a position of power and influence. He describes how he defended the oppressed and fought against evil. The imagery of breaking the jaws of the wicked symbolizes Job's strength in confronting injustice and protecting the vulnerable. By plucking the spoil from their teeth, he indicates that he not only defended the innocent but also took away the gains of the wicked, ensuring that they could not exploit others. This verse highlights Job's sense of justice and his commitment to righteousness, showcasing his role as a protector of the weak. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against wrongdoing and advocating for those who cannot defend themselves. Job's recollection of these deeds emphasizes his integrity and moral fortitude, contrasting sharply with his current suffering and the accusations against him. Overall, this verse encapsulates themes of justice, protection, and the moral responsibility to confront evil.
How to apply Job 29:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to stand up against injustice in our communities. We should actively protect those who are vulnerable and speak out against wrongdoing. By doing so, we embody the values of righteousness and integrity, making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Job's story: Job Holds Fast His Integrity (Job 27:1–31:40)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Job
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 29:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 29:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 29:17 mean?
Job 29:17 reflects on Job's past strength and influence, where he defended the oppressed and fought against evil. The verse uses imagery of breaking the jaws of the wicked to symbolize his active role in confronting injustice and protecting the vulnerable.
What is the meaning of 'breaking the jaws of the wicked' in Job 29:17?
The phrase 'breaking the jaws of the wicked' symbolizes Job's power and determination to confront and defeat those who commit injustice. It illustrates his commitment to protecting the innocent from harm.
How does Job 29:17 relate to justice?
Job 29:17 relates to justice by showcasing Job's role as a protector of the vulnerable and his active opposition to wickedness. It highlights the importance of standing up for what is right and ensuring that the innocent are defended.
What themes are present in Job 29:17?
The themes present in Job 29:17 include justice, protection, righteousness, confronting evil, and advocacy for the weak. These themes emphasize the moral duty to fight against injustice and support those who cannot defend themselves.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.