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Job 30:13

They mar my path, they set forward my calamity, they have no helper.

Job 30:13 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, the speaker is expressing feelings of being overwhelmed and oppressed by their enemies. The phrase "they mar my path" suggests that the speaker's enemies are intentionally obstructing and ruining their journey or progress. The words "they set forward my calamity" indicate that the enemies are actively causing the speaker's misfortune and distress to worsen. The statement "they have no helper" emphasizes the isolation and helplessness of the speaker in the face of their adversaries. This verse can be a powerful reminder of the challenges and trials that people may face in life, and the importance of seeking support and guidance in times of trouble. It serves as a poignant reflection on the struggles that individuals may endure, and the need for resilience, perseverance, and seeking assistance from others or a Higher Power.

Theological Overview

From a theological interpretation, this verse can be understood as expressing the psalmist's anguish and despair as they face obstacles and adversity. The phrase "They mar my path" suggests that the psalmist's enemies are hindering their journey and causing them confusion or disruption. The statement "they set forward my calamity" implies that these adversaries are actively working towards the psalmist's downfall or misfortune. The declaration "they have no helper" accentuates the psalmist's isolation and vulnerability in the face of opposition. In terms of word studies, the word "mar" may indicate that the enemies are corrupting or ruining the psalmist's way. The term "calamity" underscores the severity of the trouble that the psalmist is experiencing. The phrase "no helper" underscores the psalmist's sense of abandonment and lack of support in their time of need.

Job 30:13 in other translations

American Standard Version

They mar my path, They set forward my calamity, [Even] men that have no helper.

World English Bible

They mar my path, They set forward my calamity, without anyone’s help.

Douay-Rheims

They have destroyed my ways, they have lain in wait against me, and they have prevailed, and there was none to help.

Geneva Bible (1599)

They haue destroyed my paths: they tooke pleasure at my calamitie, they had none helpe.