When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;

JOB 29:6KJV
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Job 29:6 (KJV)

What does Job 29:6 mean?

Job 29:6 describes Job remembering a time in his past when his life was full of abundance and blessing, using the images of washing his steps with butter and rocks pouring out rivers of oil. These vivid pictures show how Job once enjoyed prosperity and ease, with even the land itself seeming to provide for him generously.

In this verse, Job is speaking to his friends, looking back on his former life before his suffering began. The language is poetic, with "butter" and "oil" representing rich, valuable resources in ancient times. Job is expressing how everything seemed to go well for him, and he felt as if he lived in a time of overflowing goodness and favor.

The Hebrew behind Job 29:6

  • "Butter" (חֶמְאָה, ḥem'āh) refers to a rich dairy product, often understood as curds or thick cream, which was a sign of wealth and plenty in Job’s culture.
  • "Rock" (צ֫וּר, tsur) and "oil" (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) together paint a picture of olive oil flowing from rocky ground, suggesting miraculous or extraordinary provision, since oil does not naturally flow from rocks.
  • "Rivers" (פֶּלֶג, peleg) means streams or channels, emphasizing not just a little oil, but an abundant, overflowing supply.

Why Job 29:6 matters

  • Job 29:6 helps the reader understand just how dramatic Job’s change in fortune was; he is not just missing comfort, but a life that once seemed almost supernaturally blessed.
  • The verse uses strong, sensory images to communicate prosperity, making Job’s loss more vivid and relatable for the reader.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage where Job is recalling his former honor and happiness, setting up the contrast with his present suffering and confusion.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H6694 · used in 3 verses

  • Job 28:2 Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone.
  • Isaiah 26:16 LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them.

“butter” Hebrew H2529 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 18:8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
  • Judges 5:25 He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish.
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

“rivers” Hebrew H6388 · used in 10 verses

  • Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
  • Psalms 119:136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
  • Isaiah 30:25 And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.

“washed” Hebrew H7364 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • Leviticus 15:5 And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
  • Deuteronomy 23:11 But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash himself with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp again.