◄ Job 3 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Job Laments His Birth 1After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. 2And this is what he said: 3“May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, ‘A boy is conceived.’ 4If only that day had turned to darkness! May God above disregard it; may no light shine upon it. 5May darkness and gloom reclaim it, and a cloud settle over it; may the blackness of the day overwhelm it. 6If only darkness had taken that night away! May it not appear among the days of the year; may it never be entered in any of the months. 7Behold, may that night be barren; may no joyful voice come into it. 8May it be cursed by those who curse the daya — those prepared to rouse Leviathan. 9May its morning stars grow dark; may it wait in vain for daylight; may it not see the breaking of dawn. 10For that night did not shut the doors of the womb to hide the sorrow from my eyes. 11Why did I not perish at birth; why did I not die as I came from the womb? 12Why were there knees to receive me, and breasts that I should be nursed? 13For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest 14with kings and counselors of the earth, who built for themselves cities now in ruins, 15or with princes who had gold, who filled their houses with silver. 16Or why was I not hidden like a stillborn child, like an infant who never sees daylight? 17There the wicked cease from raging, and there the weary find rest. 18The captives enjoy their ease; they do not hear the voice of the oppressor. 19Both small and great are there, and the slave is freed from his master. 20Why is light given to the miserable, and life to the bitter of soul, 21who long for death that does not come, and search for it like hidden treasure, 22who rejoice and greatly exult when they reach the grave? 23Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? 24I sigh when food is put before me, and my groans pour out like water. 25For the thing I feared has overtaken me, and what I dreaded has befallen me. 26I am not at ease or quiet; I have no rest, for trouble has come.” Footnotes: 8 a Or curse the sea Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Job 3 Summary Job Laments His Birth Verses 1–10 – Job Curses the Day of His Birth Job breaks his long silence by wishing his birthday had never dawned. He calls on darkness to blot out that day and night so that no joy, no song, no light would ever recognize it. Verses 11–19 – Longing for the Rest of Death Job asks why he did not die at birth or at least pass away quietly like a stillborn child. He pictures the grave as a place where kings, counselors, prisoners, and weary laborers all lie together in equal rest. Verses 20–23 – Questioning the Gift of Life He wonders why life is granted to the suffering, to those hedged in by God. From Job’s view, life itself feels like a burden when God’s protective hedge turns into confinement. Verses 24–26 – Unsettled Fear Made Real Job confesses that his hidden dread has come upon him. His groans pour out like food and water; peace and security have fled, and only turmoil remains. Job 3, from the Berean Standard Bible, marks a significant transition in the book as Job begins to voice his deep despair and anguish. In this chapter, Job curses the day of his birth and openly expresses his emotional turmoil, painting a vivid picture of human suffering. Historical Setting Job lived in the land of Uz, likely in the patriarchal era (comparable to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). The mention of roving Chaldean bands (Job 1:17) and the absence of Mosaic law or Israelite institutions point to an early timeframe. This helps explain Job’s sacrificial practice as head of his family (Job 1:5), consistent with patriarchal priesthood. Structure of Job 3 within the Book • Prologue (chs. 1-2) – Job’s testing and silence • Lament (ch. 3) – the opening cry that launches the debate • Dialogues (chs. 4-31) – cycles with friends • Wisdom poem, speeches of Elihu, and God’s response (chs. 32-42) Chapter 3 bridges the flawless patience of chapters 1-2 and the raw debate that follows. The gut-level honesty here exposes Job’s internal storm and frames every later argument. Language and Imagery Darkness, chaos, and cosmic reversal dominate the chapter: • “May that day be darkness” (v.4) – Job calls for creation to rewind. • “May gloom claim it” (v.5) – evokes Genesis 1:2, when darkness covered the deep before God’s word of light. • “Why did I not perish at birth?” (v.11) – a direct inversion of Psalm 139:13-16, where God’s knitting in the womb is celebrated. Comparative Ancient Literature Near-Eastern laments often curse the day of one’s birth, yet Job’s speech is unique: he never curses God, only his day. Texts from Mesopotamia (such as “A Man and His God”) show sufferers blaming or renouncing their deities, but Job stops short of that breach. Key Themes 1. The Silence of Heaven – Job speaks only after seven days of silence by friends (2:13), mirroring the apparent silence of God. 2. Sanctity of Life Questioned – Job values life, yet suffering tempts him toward nihilism; he questions, he does not act. 3. Equality in Death – “The small and great are there” (v.19). Echoes Ecclesiastes 3:20, “All go to one place.” 4. Fear Realized – Job links earlier fears (1:5) with present calamity (3:25), revealing that even the righteous feel anxious anticipation. Connections to Other Scriptures • Jeremiah 20:14-18 – Jeremiah also curses his day but, like Job, never curses God. • Psalm 88 – another unrelieved lament, ending in darkness, parallels Job’s mood. • 1 Kings 19:4 – Elijah asks to die; God answers him with presence and provision, hinting at how God will later meet Job. • 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 – Paul “despaired of life itself,” showing that even apostles feel Job’s weight yet find deliverance in God. Archaeological & Cultural Notes • Job’s references to Leviathan (v.8) align with Ugaritic myths of a chaos monster subdued by the divine. To Job, unleashing Leviathan would unravel creation, canceling the day of his birth. • Grave imagery (Sheol) reflects Near-Eastern rock-cut tombs and communal burial chambers, where rich and poor lay side-by-side, reinforcing Job’s point about equality in death. Practical Application • Honest Lament – God’s word preserves Job 3 to grant believers permission to speak candidly in pain. • Guarded Tongue – Job curses his day, not his God (cf. 2:9-10). The distinction safeguards reverence while venting sorrow. • Empathy – The silent ministry of presence (2:13) precedes words. Friends who rush to fix may wound further. Word Highlights • “Why?” (Hebrew: madduaʿ) appears five times in vv.11-23, driving the lament. • “Comfort” (nachath) in v.13 speaks of quiet rest, echoing Genesis 2:2, God’s Sabbath rest, which Job feels denied. New Testament Echoes • Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38) – “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” carrying forward Job’s honest suffering. • Revelation 21:4 – the future where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,” providing the ultimate answer to Job’s longing for relief. Timeline and Geography • Uz is thought to lie east of the Jordan, perhaps in northern Arabia or Edom. Trade routes connecting Sheba and Chaldea explain the rapid spread of disaster in chapter 1. • The era before centralized kingdoms allows Job, as patriarch, significant wealth and priestly authority without reference to temples or kings. Takeaways for Today • Suffering can cloud every blessing, yet God invites open dialogue. • Despair is not disqualifying; faithful believers can yearn for death while still trusting God. • The grave’s “rest” (vv.13-19) will be surpassed by resurrection rest (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Closing Reflection Job 3 sets the stage for God’s ultimate self-revelation. The abyss of this chapter heightens the brilliance of the later divine speeches. Honest questions pave the road to deeper faith, and darkness becomes the backdrop for dawning light. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 22:1-2 Like Job, the psalmist cries out in despair, My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? This connection highlights the theme of questioning and seeking God in suffering. Lamentations 3:19-24 This passage offers hope amidst lament, reminding us that The LORD is my portion; therefore I will hope in Him. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Paul speaks of God as the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others. Teaching Points The Depth of Job's Despair Job 3:1-3 reveals the intensity of Job's suffering as he curses the day of his birth, saying, May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, ‘A boy is conceived.’ This highlights the depth of his anguish and the extent of his emotional turmoil. The Lament of Existence In verses 11-12, Job questions why he did not perish at birth, expressing a desire for non-existence over his current suffering. This reflects a common human response to overwhelming pain, where life itself seems unbearable. The Search for Rest Job longs for rest and peace in death, as seen in verses 13-19. He imagines death as a place where the wicked cease from turmoil, and the weary are at rest (Job 3:17). This illustrates his yearning for relief from his relentless suffering. The Struggle with Divine Purpose Job's lament raises questions about God's purpose in allowing such suffering. In verse 23, he asks, Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? This reflects the struggle to understand God's plan in the midst of pain. Practical Applications Honesty in Prayer Job's raw expression of despair teaches us that we can be honest with God about our feelings. We are encouraged to bring our deepest emotions to Him in prayer, trusting that He hears us. Compassion for the Suffering Job's lament reminds us to be compassionate towards those who are suffering. We should offer support and understanding, recognizing the depth of their pain. Seeking God in Darkness Even in the darkest moments, we are called to seek God and trust in His ultimate plan, even when it is not immediately clear to us. Finding Hope in Community Job's account encourages us to find hope and support within a community of faith, where we can share our burdens and receive encouragement. People 1. Job Job is the central figure in this chapter. He is a man of great faith and integrity who is undergoing severe trials and suffering. In Job 3, he expresses his deep anguish and despair, cursing the day of his birth. This chapter marks the beginning of his poetic speeches, where he questions the purpose of his suffering. The Hebrew root for Job's name, "אִיּוֹב" (Iyyov), is often associated with the meaning "persecuted" or "hated," reflecting his trials. 2. God Although not directly speaking in this chapter, God is an implicit presence throughout the book of Job. From a conservative Christian perspective, God is seen as sovereign and just, allowing Job's trials for reasons beyond human understanding. The Hebrew name for God used in the book is often "יְהוָה" (YHWH), emphasizing His covenantal relationship with His people. 3. Satan Again, not directly mentioned in this chapter, but relevant to the context of Job's suffering. In the prologue of the book, Satan challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that his faithfulness is due to his prosperity. The Hebrew term "שָׂטָן" (Satan) means "adversary" or "accuser," highlighting his role in testing Job. In Job 3, the focus is primarily on Job's personal lament, and while other figures are not directly involved in this chapter, their roles in the broader narrative provide context for understanding Job's plight from a conservative Christian perspective. Places 1. The Day of Birth Job curses the day of his birth, wishing it to be erased from the calendar. This is not a physical place but a temporal one, representing the beginning of his existence. In Job 3:3, he says, "May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, ‘A boy is conceived!’" 2. The Night of Conception Similar to the day of birth, Job refers to the night of his conception as a time he wishes had never occurred. This is another temporal reference rather than a physical location. In Job 3:3, he continues, "and the night it was said, ‘A boy is conceived!’" 3. The Grave (Sheol) Job expresses a longing for the grave, a place of rest from his suffering. In Hebrew, "Sheol" is often used to describe the realm of the dead. In Job 3:13, he states, "For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest." 4. The Land of Darkness Job describes a place of darkness and shadow, symbolizing death and the unknown. This is a metaphorical place representing his desire to escape his current suffering. In Job 3:5, he says, "May darkness and gloom reclaim it, and a cloud settle over it; may blackness overwhelm its light." Events 1. Job Curses the Day of His Birth Job begins by cursing the day he was born. He expresses a deep sense of despair and wishes that the day of his birth had never occurred. "After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth." (Job 3:1) The Hebrew word for "cursed" here is "קָלַל" (qalal), which conveys a sense of making light of or despising. 2. Job Wishes for Darkness Over His Birth Day Job desires that darkness and gloom overshadow the day of his birth, effectively erasing it from the calendar. "May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, ‘A boy is conceived.’" (Job 3:3) The Hebrew word for "perish" is "אָבַד" (avad), meaning to be lost or destroyed. 3. Job Calls for the Night of His Conception to be Barren He wishes that the night of his conception had been barren and devoid of joy. "May that night be barren; may no joyful shout be heard in it." (Job 3:7) The term "barren" in Hebrew is "גָּלַם" (galam), which implies being unproductive or without fruit. 4. Job Desires for Those Who Curse Days to Curse His Birth Day Job calls upon those who curse days to curse the day of his birth, intensifying his lament. "May those who curse days curse that day, those prepared to rouse Leviathan." (Job 3:8) "Leviathan" (לִוְיָתָן, liwyatan) is a mythical sea creature, symbolizing chaos and destruction. 5. Job Questions Why He Did Not Die at Birth Job questions why he did not die at birth or why he was not stillborn, expressing a wish for death over life. "Why did I not perish at birth; why did I not die as I came from the womb?" (Job 3:11) The Hebrew word for "perish" is again "אָבַד" (avad), emphasizing his desire for nonexistence. 6. Job Reflects on Rest in Death He reflects on the peace and rest he believes he would have found in death, alongside kings and counselors. "For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest." (Job 3:13) The Hebrew word for "peace" is "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), indicating completeness and tranquility. 7. Job Laments the Light Given to the Suffering Job laments why light and life are given to those who suffer and are in misery, questioning the purpose of enduring such pain. "Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul," (Job 3:20) The Hebrew word for "misery" is "עָמָל" (amal), which can mean trouble or toil. 8. Job Describes His Unending Suffering He describes his suffering as unending, with sighs and groans replacing his food and drink. "For my sighing comes before my bread, and my groanings are poured out like water." (Job 3:24) The Hebrew word for "sighing" is "אַנְחָה" (anḥah), indicating deep, audible breaths of distress. 9. Job Expresses Fear and Dread Job concludes by expressing that his greatest fears have come true, and he finds no peace or rest. "For the thing I feared has overtaken me, and what I dreaded has befallen me." (Job 3:25) The Hebrew word for "feared" is "פָּחַד" (pachad), which denotes a deep, trembling fear. Lessons from Job 3 1. The Depth of Human Suffering In Job 3, we see Job lamenting his birth, saying, "Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?" (Job 3:11). This raw expression of pain reminds us that suffering is a part of the human experience. It’s okay to acknowledge our pain and bring it before God, who understands our struggles. 2. The Importance of Honest Prayer Job’s candid lamentation teaches us the value of honest prayer. He doesn’t hold back his feelings, showing us that we can approach God with our deepest emotions. As it says in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." 3. The Reality of Despair Job’s words, "May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, ‘A boy is conceived!’" (Job 3:3), highlight the reality of despair. Even the most faithful can experience moments of deep sorrow. This reminds us to be compassionate towards others who are suffering, offering support and understanding. 4. The Search for Meaning Job’s questioning of his existence reflects a universal search for meaning. In times of trial, we often seek to understand the purpose behind our pain. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." 5. The Power of Community While Job’s friends initially come to comfort him, their presence reminds us of the importance of community. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Being there for one another can provide strength in times of need. 6. The Need for Patience Job’s story is a testament to patience in suffering. James 5:11 reminds us, "As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about." Patience is a virtue that can lead to spiritual growth. 7. The Sovereignty of God Even in his despair, Job’s story underscores the sovereignty of God. While we may not always understand His ways, we can trust that He is in control. Romans 8:28 assures us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." 8. The Value of Life Despite his lament, Job’s life is a testament to the value of life itself. Each life is precious and has a purpose, even when it’s not immediately apparent. Psalm 139:14 reminds us, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." 9. The Hope of Redemption Job’s suffering points to the hope of redemption. Though he doesn’t see it yet, God has a plan for restoration. This foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Christ, as stated in 1 Peter 1:3, "In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 10. The Assurance of God’s Presence Finally, Job’s story assures us of God’s presence in our lives. Even when we feel alone, God is with us. As Hebrews 13:5 promises, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." This assurance can provide comfort and strength in our darkest moments. These lessons from Job 3 remind us of the complexities of faith and the unwavering presence of God in our lives. Let us hold fast to these truths as we navigate our own journeys. Topics 1. Job's Lament and Curse of His Birth (Job 3:1-10) Job begins his lament by cursing the day of his birth. He expresses a deep desire that the day he was born be erased from the calendar. This reflects his profound anguish and despair. The Hebrew word for "curse" (קָלַל, qalal) indicates a strong denunciation, showing the depth of Job's suffering. 2. Desire for Death Over Life (Job 3:11-19) Job questions why he did not die at birth or why he was not stillborn. He longs for death as a release from his suffering, viewing it as a place of rest and peace. The Hebrew term for "rest" (נ֫וּחַ, nuach) conveys a sense of relief and tranquility, which Job yearns for amidst his turmoil. 3. The Futility of Life and Light (Job 3:20-26) Job laments the futility of life and questions why light is given to those in misery. He describes his life as filled with groaning and turmoil, expressing a sense of hopelessness. The Hebrew word for "groaning" (נַהֲמָה, nahamah) suggests a deep, guttural expression of pain, highlighting the intensity of Job's distress. Themes 1. Despair and Lamentation Job expresses profound despair, cursing the day of his birth. He wishes he had never been born, highlighting the depth of his suffering. ^“May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, ‘A boy is conceived.’”^ (Job 3:3) The Hebrew root for "perish" (אָבַד, 'abad) conveys a sense of being lost or destroyed, emphasizing Job's desire for his existence to be nullified. 2. The Futility of Life Job questions the purpose of life amidst suffering, reflecting on the futility he feels. ^“Why is light given to the miserable, and life to the bitter of soul?”^ (Job 3:20) The Hebrew word for "miserable" (עָמֵל, 'amel) suggests toil and hardship, underscoring the burdensome nature of life without relief. 3. The Desire for Death Job longs for death as a release from his anguish, viewing it as preferable to his current state. ^“Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?”^ (Job 3:23) The imagery of being "hedged in" (שָׂכַךְ, sakak) implies being trapped or confined, illustrating Job's feeling of being ensnared by his circumstances. 4. The Absence of Peace Job laments the absence of peace and rest, indicating the relentless nature of his suffering. ^“I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.”^ (Job 3:26) The Hebrew word for "turmoil" (רֹגֶז, rogez) conveys agitation and disturbance, highlighting the chaos in Job's life. 5. The Questioning of Divine Justice Implicit in Job's lament is a questioning of divine justice, as he struggles to understand why he, a righteous man, suffers so greatly. ^“Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul?”^ (Job 3:20) This theme reflects the broader theological inquiry into the justice and sovereignty of God in the face of human suffering. Prayer Points Pray for those who are experiencing deep despair, that they may find comfort and hope in God. Ask God for the strength to be honest in our prayers, bringing our true emotions before Him. Pray for a compassionate heart towards those who are suffering, that we may be instruments of God's love and support. Seek God's guidance and wisdom in understanding His purpose in times of suffering, trusting in His sovereign plan. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Job 3:3 imply that a specific calendar day could be “cursed,” and what would that logically accomplish? 2. If Job 3:8 references creatures like Leviathan, is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting such a being? 3. Does the despair expressed in Job 3 contradict later biblical accounts (e.g., James 5:11) that describe Job as patient and steadfast? 4. How can Job’s complaint in Job 3 align with a just and sovereign God, if he questions the value of his own birth? 5. Why would Job 3 present a poetic lament that appears contradictory to a worldview promoting divine compassion, and how has this been reconciled historically? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What emotions does Job express in this chapter? How does this deepen our understanding of his character? 2. How does Job's cursing of his day of birth reflect his mental and emotional state? 3. In the context of Job 3, how is death portrayed and why does Job seem to prefer it? 4. How does Job's lament challenge traditional views on God's blessings and punishments? 5. In what ways can Job's questioning of his life be seen as a reflection of human condition? 6. How does Job 3 contribute to the overall message of the Book of Job? 7. If you were Job's friend, how would you react to his lamentations? 8. What insights about suffering and despair can we gain from Job 3? 9. How does Job's raw honesty about his feelings affect your understanding of faith? 10. Can Job's expressions of despair be considered a form of prayer? Why or why not? 11. Have you ever felt similar emotions to what Job is expressing? How did you handle it? 12. What would you say to someone who, like Job, is questioning the purpose of their suffering? 13. How can Job 3 help us to comfort others in their times of suffering? 14. Can the suffering and despair shown in Job 3 be reconciled with a loving God? How? 15. What does Job's plea for release from suffering teach us about dealing with pain and hardships in life? 16. In today's context, how should we respond when we or someone else feels the way Job does? 17. How does this chapter help us to understand and process grief and sorrow in modern times? 18. How can Job's expressions of despair and suffering inform our conversations about mental health today? 19. Can questioning or expressing anger towards God, as Job does in this chapter, coexist with faith? 20. How can the narrative of Job 3 inform and shape our own response to personal or communal crises? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions