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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 12:21 He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/12-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/18_Job_12_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 12:21 - Job Responds to Zophar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/12-20.htm" title="Job 12:20">◄</a> Job 12:21 <a href="/job/12-22.htm" title="Job 12:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He pours contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He pours disgrace upon princes and disarms the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He pours contempt on princes and loosens the belt of the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He pours contempt on princes, And disarms the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“He pours contempt on nobles, And loosens the belt of the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220He pours contempt on nobles And loosens the belt of the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“He pours contempt on nobles, And loosens the belt of the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He pours contempt on nobles And loosens the belt of the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“He pours contempt on princes <i>and</i> nobles And loosens the belt of the strong [disabling them].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the strong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He poureth contempt upon princes, And looseth the belt of the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />puts mighty kings to shame, and takes away their power. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He poureth contempt upon princes, and looseth the belt of the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He pours contempt on influential people and unbuckles the belt of the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He disgraces those in power and puts an end to the strength of rulers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He pours contempt on nobles and embarrasses the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He pours contempt on noblemen and disarms the powerful. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He pours contempt on princes, and loosens the belt of the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He pours contempt on princes, and loosens the belt of the strong. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Pouring contempt on princes, "" And the girdle of the mighty He made feeble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Pouring contempt upon princes, And the girdle of the mighty He made feeble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Proving contempt upon nobles, and he slackened the girdle of the strong.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He poureth contempt upon princes, and relieveth them that were oppressed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He pours distain upon the leaders, relieving those who had been oppressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He pours shame on nobles, the waistband of the strong he loosens. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He pours contempt on princes, and looses the belt of the strong.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He pours contempt upon princes, and weakens the strength of the mighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He pours madness on Rulers and the courage of the mighty he weakens<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He poureth contempt upon princes, And looseth the belt of the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He pours dishonour upon princes, and heals the lowly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/12-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=1892" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/12.htm">Job Responds to Zophar</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8210.htm" title="8210: šō·w·p̄êḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To pour out, pour. A primitive root; to spill forth; also to expend; intensively, to sprawl out.">He pours out</a> <a href="/hebrew/937.htm" title="937: būz (N-ms) -- Contempt. From buwz; disrespect.">contempt</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/5081.htm" title="5081: nə·ḏî·ḇîm (Adj-mp) -- Inclined, generous, noble. From nadab; properly, voluntary, i.e. Generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee.">nobles</a> <a href="/hebrew/4206.htm" title="4206: ū·mə·zî·aḥ (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A girdle. Or mezach; from zachach; a belt.">and disarms</a> <a href="/hebrew/7503.htm" title="7503: rip·pāh (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- Sink, relax. A primitive root; to slacken."></a> <a href="/hebrew/650.htm" title="650: ’ă·p̄î·qîm (N-mp) -- A channel. From 'acaph; properly, containing, i.e. A tube; also a bed or valley of a stream; also a strong thing or a hero.">the mighty.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into light.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-34.htm">Proverbs 3:34</a></span><br />He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a></span><br />But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5</a></span><br />Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-23.htm">Isaiah 40:23</a></span><br />He brings the princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth meaningless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52</a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-40.htm">Psalm 107:40</a></span><br />He pours out contempt on the nobles and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7-8</a></span><br />The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/21-26.htm">Ezekiel 21:26</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Remove the turban, and take off the crown. Things will not remain as they are: Exalt the lowly and bring low the exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/75-6.htm">Psalm 75:6-7</a></span><br />For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-11.htm">Isaiah 2:11-12</a></span><br />The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. / For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a></span><br />Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/13-11.htm">Isaiah 13:11</a></span><br />I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-28.htm">2 Samuel 22:28</a></span><br />You save an afflicted people, but Your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He pours contempt on princes, and weakens the strength of the mighty.</p><p class="hdg">poureth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/8-2.htm">Exodus 8:2</a></b></br> And if thou refuse to let <i>them</i> go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/16-24.htm">Exodus 16:24</a></b></br> And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/21-23.htm">1 Kings 21:23,24</a></b></br> And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel… </p><p class="hdg">weakened the strength of the mighty.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Isaiah 5:27</a></b></br> None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/11-5.htm">Isaiah 11:5</a></b></br> And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/22-21.htm">Isaiah 22:21</a></b></br> And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/12-18.htm">Belt</a> <a href="/esther/9-3.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/job/12-5.htm">Contempt</a> <a href="/job/4-4.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/job/12-18.htm">Girdle</a> <a href="/job/12-18.htm">Loosens</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/esther/9-3.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/2_kings/16-13.htm">Poureth</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-5.htm">Pouring</a> <a href="/revelation/11-5.htm">Pours</a> <a href="/job/12-13.htm">Power</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/job/12-18.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/job/11-15.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/job/12-16.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/job/12-19.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/job/12-18.htm">Weakeneth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/109-19.htm">Belt</a> <a href="/job/12-24.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/job/16-10.htm">Contempt</a> <a href="/job/18-12.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/psalms/109-19.htm">Girdle</a> <a href="/job/12-18.htm">Loosens</a> <a href="/job/13-3.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/job/29-10.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/job/16-13.htm">Poureth</a> <a href="/job/37-6.htm">Pouring</a> <a href="/job/16-13.htm">Pours</a> <a href="/job/16-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/job/29-9.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/job/15-15.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/job/15-35.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/job/16-5.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/job/13-12.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/exodus/17-13.htm">Weakeneth</a><div class="vheading2">Job 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/12-1.htm">Job maintains himself against his friends that reprove him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/12-7.htm">He acknowledges the doctrine of God's omnipotence</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He pours out contempt on nobles</b><br>This phrase highlights God's sovereignty and ability to humble those in positions of power and authority. In the biblical context, "nobles" refers to individuals of high social status, often leaders or rulers. The idea of God pouring out contempt suggests a divine judgment or disdain for those who may rely on their status rather than on God. This theme is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/107-40.htm">Psalm 107:40</a>, where God is described as pouring contempt on princes. Historically, the ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, had a structured hierarchy with nobles playing significant roles in governance and society. The cultural context emphasizes that no human authority is beyond God's reach or judgment. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who, in His ministry, often challenged the religious and social elites, emphasizing humility and servitude over status (<a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a>).<p><b>and disarms the mighty.</b><br>The phrase "disarms the mighty" illustrates God's power to strip away the strength and defenses of those who are considered powerful. In the ancient world, might was often associated with military strength and the ability to wield power over others. This imagery of disarmament suggests that God can render the powerful ineffective, regardless of their earthly might. This is consistent with biblical narratives where God intervenes to protect His people, such as in the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), where God empowers the weak to overcome the strong. Theologically, it underscores the belief that true power and security come from God, not human strength or weapons. This concept is also prophetic, pointing to the ultimate victory of God over all earthly powers, as seen in <a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11-21</a>, where Christ triumphs over the forces of evil.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who undergoes severe trials and suffering.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/n/nobles.htm">Nobles</a></b><br>Refers to individuals of high social or political status, often seen as leaders or rulers in society.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_mighty.htm">The Mighty</a></b><br>Those who possess power, strength, or influence, whether through physical might, wealth, or authority.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign being who is ultimately in control of all events and circumstances, demonstrating His power and authority over human affairs.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who engage in dialogues with Job, often offering misguided counsel and interpretations of his suffering.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_authority.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Authority</a></b><br>God has the ultimate authority over all human institutions and leaders. No matter how powerful or influential someone may be, they are subject to God's will and can be humbled by Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_human_pride.htm">The Futility of Human Pride</a></b><br>Pride in one's status or power is futile because God can easily bring down the proud. Believers are called to live humbly, recognizing that all authority and power are granted by God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>Even when it seems that the wicked prosper, believers can trust that God will ultimately bring justice. He has the power to disarm the mighty and pour contempt on those who misuse their power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humility.htm">The Importance of Humility</a></b><br>Humility is a key virtue in the Christian life. By acknowledging our dependence on God, we align ourselves with His purposes and avoid the pitfalls of pride.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_control_in_times_of_uncertainty.htm">God's Control in Times of Uncertainty</a></b><br>In times of personal or societal upheaval, believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control. He can change circumstances and bring about His purposes, even when human leaders fail.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_proverbs_12_4_with_exodus_21.htm">Proverbs 12:4 extols a virtuous wife, but how can we reconcile this with other biblical passages portraying women as subordinate or property (e.g., Exodus 21)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_a_wise_god_allow_suffering.htm">In Job 9:4, how can an all-powerful God allow innocent suffering if He is truly wise and mighty?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_allow_job's_kids_to_die.htm">Job 1:18-19 - Why would God permit the deaths of Job's children if they were not the ones being tested?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_5_9_conflict_with_other_miracles.htm">In Job 5:9, does the claim of God performing countless marvels conflict with documented miracles (or lack thereof) in other biblical texts?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He poureth contempt upon princes</span>; literally, <span class="accented">upon the munificent.</span> But the word has often the more generic sense of "princes," "great men" (see <a href="/1_samuel/2-8.htm">1 Samuel 2:8</a>; <a href="/proverbs/25-7.htm">Proverbs 25:7</a>, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">And weakeneth the strength of the mighty</span>; literally, <span class="accented">looseth</span> <span class="accented">the belt of the strong.</span> But our version sufficiently expresses the meaning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/12-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He pours out</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁוֹפֵ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(šō·w·p̄êḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8210.htm">Strong's 8210: </a> </span><span class="str2">To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">contempt</span><br /><span class="heb">בּ֭וּז</span> <span class="translit">(būz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_937.htm">Strong's 937: </a> </span><span class="str2">Disrespect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nobles</span><br /><span class="heb">נְדִיבִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ḏî·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5081.htm">Strong's 5081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Voluntary, generous, magnanimous, a grandee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and disarms</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְזִ֖יחַ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·zî·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4206.htm">Strong's 4206: </a> </span><span class="str2">A girdle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the mighty.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲפִיקִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·p̄î·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_650.htm">Strong's 650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Containing, a tube, a bed, valley of a, stream, a strong thing, a hero</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/12-21.htm">Job 12:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/12-21.htm">Job 12:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/12-21.htm">Job 12:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/12-21.htm">Job 12:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/12-21.htm">Job 12:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/12-21.htm">Job 12:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/12-21.htm">Job 12:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/12-21.htm">Job 12:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/12-21.htm">Job 12:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/12-21.htm">Job 12:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/12-21.htm">OT Poetry: Job 12:21 He pours contempt on princes and loosens (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/12-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 12:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 12:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/12-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 12:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 12:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>