Why are we regarded as cattleIn this phrase, Bildad is expressing frustration at being perceived as unintelligent or insignificant. In ancient Near Eastern culture, cattle were often seen as valuable for their utility but not for their intellect. This metaphor suggests a feeling of being undervalued or dismissed. The comparison to cattle may also reflect the agrarian society of the time, where livestock were a central part of life and economy. This sentiment echoes the broader theme in Job of human dignity and the struggle for understanding in the face of suffering.
as stupid in your sight?
The term "stupid" here implies a lack of understanding or wisdom. In the context of the Book of Job, wisdom is a central theme, with Job and his friends debating the nature of divine justice and human suffering. Bildad's question highlights the tension between human perception and divine wisdom. This phrase can be connected to other scriptures that discuss wisdom, such asProverbs 1:7, which states that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." The frustration expressed by Bildad may also reflect the broader human condition of seeking understanding in a world that often seems incomprehensible.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Bildad the ShuhiteOne of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Bildad is responding to Job's previous speeches with a rebuke.
2.
JobA righteous man who is suffering immense loss and affliction. His friends, including Bildad, are attempting to explain his suffering through their own understanding of God's justice.
3.
UzThe land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. It is the setting for the events of the Book of Job.
Teaching Points
Misjudging OthersBildad's question reveals a tendency to misjudge others based on limited understanding. We must be cautious not to assume we fully understand someone else's situation or God's purpose in it.
Human Wisdom vs. Divine WisdomBildad's perspective is limited by human wisdom. We should seek God's wisdom, which often transcends our understanding.
The Danger of PrideBildad's rhetorical question suggests a prideful attitude. We should remain humble, recognizing that our perspective is limited.
Compassion in SufferingBildad's approach lacks compassion. When others suffer, our role is to offer support and empathy, not judgment.
The Complexity of SufferingJob's account reminds us that suffering is complex and not always a direct result of personal sin. We should avoid simplistic explanations for the suffering of others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 18:3?
2.How does Bildad's question in Job 18:3 reflect his misunderstanding of Job's situation?
3.What can we learn about humility from Bildad's attitude in Job 18:3?
4.How does Job 18:3 relate to Proverbs 18:2 about understanding and wisdom?
5.How should we respond when others misunderstand us, as seen in Job 18:3?
6.What steps can we take to avoid Bildad's judgmental attitude in Job 18:3?
7.Why does Job 18:3 compare humans to animals in understanding?
8.How does Job 18:3 challenge our perception of human wisdom?
9.What historical context influences the message of Job 18:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 18?
11.What does 'We shall see Him as He is' mean?
12.In Job 5:9, does the claim of God performing countless marvels conflict with documented miracles (or lack thereof) in other biblical texts?
13.Is the image of 'bathing his steps in butter' (Job 29:6) literal, and does it align with known ancient customs or practices?
14.How can you avoid the false cause fallacy?What Does Job 18:3 Mean
Why are we regardedBildad’s question springs from wounded dignity. He hears Job’s earlier words (Job 12:2–3; 17:4, 10) and feels dismissed.
• Scripture consistently shows people longing to be heard and respected (Proverbs 18:13;James 1:19).
• Bildad assumes Job’s suffering has clouded his judgment toward friends, forgetting that genuine love “believes all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7).
• The verse reminds us that misjudging motives can deepen hurt (Proverbs 16:28).
as cattleCalling someone “cattle” pictures brute creatures that act on instinct, lacking moral reasoning.
• Similar imagery appears inPsalm 49:12, 20, where those ignoring God’s wisdom are likened to beasts that perish.
• Bildad flips the charge: Job sees him and the other friends as unthinking animals, yet Bildad believes Job is the one refusing reason (Job 18:2).
• The deeper issue is pride versus humility. Scripture urges us to esteem others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3), even when we believe they misunderstand us.
as stupid in your sightBildad feels labeled “stupid” (slow-minded, ignorant).
• Job had lamented his friends’ lack of insight (Job 13:4–5; 16:2–3).
• Bildad now defends his intellect and theological footing, convinced his traditional view of retribution is correct (Job 18:5–21).
• The clash warns us against measuring spiritual insight solely by circumstances (John 9:1–3). God’s wisdom often overturns human expectations (Isaiah 55:8–9).
•James 1:5 invites anyone—sufferer or counselor—to seek divine wisdom rather than trade accusations of folly.
summaryJob 18:3 captures Bildad’s hurt response to Job’s critique. Feeling disrespected, he asks why he and his friends are treated like irrational beasts. The verse exposes how pride, pain, and miscommunication can fracture fellowship. While Bildad’s theology will prove insufficient, his complaint cautions every believer to listen carefully, honor others, and seek God’s wisdom before judging hearts.
(3)
Wherefore are we counted as beasts.--Referring to Job's words (
Job 13:4, &c.,
Job 16:2, &c.). In this chapter there is a marked increase in his harshness and violence. It has, however, a certain resemblance to Job 8, inasmuch as Bildad works out a simile here, as he did there; and in
Job 18:16 the two similes touch. In
Job 18:2, which resembles
Job 8:2, we must supply, as the Authorised Version does,
Will it be ere?or the negative,
Will ye not make? &c., or else we must render, "How long [will ye speak thus]? Make an end of words," &c. The plural is used because Job is regarded as the representative of a class, or else as we use the plural instead of the singular in addressing a person.
Verse 3. -
Wherefore are we counted as beasts? The allusion is probably to
Job 16:10, where Job spoke of his "comforters" as "gaping upon him with their mouths."
And reputed vile in your sight! or,
reckoned unclean. Job had spoken of his "miserable comforters" as "ungodly and wicked" (
Job 16:11), without wisdom (
Job 17:10) and without understanding (
Job 17:4). But he had not said that they were "unclean." Bildad, therefore, misrepresents him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Whyמַ֭דּוּעַ(mad·dū·a‘)Interrogative
Strong's 4069:Why? for what reason?are we regardedנֶחְשַׁ֣בְנוּ(neḥ·šaḇ·nū)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 2803:To think, accountas cattle,כַבְּהֵמָ֑ה(ḵab·bə·hê·māh)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 929:A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animalas stupidנִ֝טְמִ֗ינוּ(niṭ·mî·nū)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 2933:To be stopped up, stupidin your sight?בְּעֵינֵיכֶֽם׃(bə·‘ê·nê·ḵem)Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountain
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OT Poetry: Job 18:3 Why are we counted as animals which (Jb) 
