Book of Job - Chapter 31 - Verse 10

The verse "Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her" can be found in the book of Job in the Old Testament. This verse is part of Job's lamentation, where he expresses his deep despair and anguish. In this specific verse, Job is using vivid and shocking language to convey his feelings of betrayal and brokenness. The act of grinding grain was typically done by women in ancient times, and allowing one's wife to grind for someone else was seen as a great humiliation and loss of dignity. The image of others bowing down upon Job's wife further emphasizes the extreme shame and degradation that he is experiencing. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the depths of suffering that Job endured and the profound emotional turmoil he went through.

In this verse, the imagery of a wife grinding for another and others bowing down upon her has been interpreted in various ways by theologians and scholars. Some suggest that it may be a metaphor for the nation of Israel being oppressed and humiliated by foreign nations, reflecting the consequences of their turning away from God. Others see it as a metaphor for the sinful actions of individuals leading to a breakdown in relationships and society. The word 'grind' in this context could refer to the degrading and demeaning labor that the wife is subjected to, highlighting the consequences of unfaithfulness and disobedience. The act of bowing down upon her could symbolize the dominance and control exerted by others over her. Overall, this verse underscores the harsh realities of the repercussions of straying from God's will and the importance of remaining faithful and obedient.