Job 17:13
Job 17:13 in Multiple Translations
If I look for Sheol as my home, if I spread out my bed in darkness,
If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.
If I look for Sheol as my house; If I have spread my couch in the darkness;
If I am waiting for the underworld as my house, if I have made my bed in the dark;
What am I looking for? To make my home in Sheol, to make my bed in darkness?
Though I hope, yet the graue shall bee mine house, and I shall make my bed in the darke.
If I wait — Sheol [is] my house, In darkness I have spread out my couch.
If I look for Sheol as my house, if I have spread my couch in the darkness,
If I wait, the grave is my house: I have made my bed in the darkness.
If I wait hell is my house, and I have made my bed in darkness.
If my home will be the place where dead people are, where will I sleep in the darkness?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 17:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 17:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
אֲ֭קַוֶּה
שְׁא֣וֹל
בֵּיתִ֑/י
בַּ֝/חֹ֗שֶׁךְ
רִפַּ֥דְתִּי
יְצוּעָֽ/י
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אֲ֭קַוֶּה
qâvâh
H6960
to await
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
שְׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
N-proper
בֵּיתִ֑/י
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
בַּ֝/חֹ֗שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
Prep | N-ms
רִפַּ֥דְתִּי
râphad
H7502
to spread
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
יְצוּעָֽ/י
yâtsûwaʻ
H3326
bed
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 17:13
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֲ֭קַוֶּה
qâvâh
H6960
"to await"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to collect or gather things together, and can also mean to wait patiently for something. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe waiting on God.
Definition: 1) to wait, look for, hope, expect 1a) (Qal) waiting (participle) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait or look eagerly for 1b2) to lie in wait for 1b3) to wait for, linger for
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon). See also: Genesis 1:9; Isaiah 5:2; Psalms 25:3.
שְׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
N-proper
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
בֵּיתִ֑/י
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
בַּ֝/חֹ֗שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
רִפַּ֥דְתִּי
râphad
H7502
"to spread"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
This word means to spread or refresh, and is used to describe making a bed or providing comfort. It is translated in the KJV as comfort or make a bed, and implies support or rest.
Definition: 1) to spread 1a) (Qal) to spread 1b) (Piel) to spread out, support
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: comfort, make (a bed), spread. See also: Job 17:13; Job 41:22; Song of Solomon 2:5.
יְצוּעָֽ/י
yâtsûwaʻ
H3326
"bed"
N-mp | Suff
A flat surface or a bed, often referring to a raised platform or a storey in a building, as described in the books of Kings and Chronicles. It can also mean a couch or a chamber, depending on the context. This term is used to describe various types of structures.
Definition: couch, bed
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: bed, chamber, couch. See also: Genesis 49:4; 1 Chronicles 5:1; Psalms 63:7.
Study Notes — Job 17:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 17:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 17:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 17:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 17:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 17:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 17:13
- Cambridge Bible on Job 17:13
- Barnes' Notes on Job 17:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 17:13
- Sermons on Job 17:13
Context — Job Prepares for Death
11My days have passed; my plans are broken off— even the desires of my heart.
12They have turned night into day, making light seem near in the face of darkness.
13If I look for Sheol as my home, if I spread out my bed in darkness,
14and say to corruption, ‘You are my father,’ and to the worm, ‘My mother,’ or ‘My sister,’ 15where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 10:21–22 | before I go—never to return— to a land of darkness and gloom, to a land of utter darkness, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness.” |
| 2 | Job 17:1 | “My spirit is broken; my days are extinguished; the grave awaits me. |
| 3 | Job 30:23 | Yes, I know that You will bring me down to death, to the place appointed for all the living. |
| 4 | Job 14:14 | When a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, until my renewal comes. |
| 5 | Isaiah 57:2 | Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death. |
| 6 | Psalms 139:8 | If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. |
| 7 | Lamentations 3:25–26 | The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. |
| 8 | Job 3:13 | For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest |
| 9 | Psalms 27:14 | Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! |
Job 17:13 Summary
In this verse, Job is saying that he feels so overwhelmed with suffering that he would rather be dead than alive, as seen in Job 17:13. He's not giving up on God, but he's feeling hopeless and desperate for relief, similar to the feelings of the Psalmist in Psalms 42:5-6. This verse reminds us that even in the darkest times, God is still with us, and we can trust in His goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11. Just like Job, we can cry out to God in our pain and trust that He will bring us through, as seen in Psalms 30:5 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Job mean by looking for Sheol as his home?
Job is expressing his deep despair and hopelessness, feeling that death would be a welcome escape from his suffering, as seen in Job 17:13, similar to the feelings of the Psalmist in Psalms 88:3-5.
Is Job giving up on God in this verse?
While Job is certainly expressing his deep pain and sorrow, he is not giving up on God, as seen in his continued trust in God's goodness, as expressed in Job 13:15 and Job 19:25.
What does it mean to spread out a bed in darkness?
This is a metaphor for Job's desire to rest in death, finding solace in the darkness of the grave, rather than continuing to suffer in the light of life, as seen in Job 3:20-22.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Job's lament, expressing his emotional pain and questioning of God's ways, which is a central theme throughout the book of Job, as seen in Job 10:1-3 and Job 23:1-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am walking in darkness, and how can I find hope in those places?
- How do I respond to suffering and hardship in my own life, and what can I learn from Job's example?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's goodness, even when I don't understand what is happening in my life, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11?
- How can I balance my desire for rest and relief from suffering with my trust in God's sovereign plan, as seen in Psalms 37:7 and Isaiah 40:31?
Gill's Exposition on Job 17:13
If I wait, the grave [is] mine house,.... Not that Job put an "if" upon, or made a doubt of waiting upon God in private or public; or of waiting for him, his gracious appearances to him, answers of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 17:13
If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 17:13
If I wait; if I should give way to those hopes of my deliverance and restoration which you suggest to me. The grave is mine house: I should be sadly disappointed; for I am upon the borders of the grave, which is the only house appointed for me, instead of that goodly house which you promise to me here upon condition of my repentance. I have made my bed in darkness; I expect no other rest but in the dark grave, for which therefore I prepare myself.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 17:13
Job 17:13 If I wait, the grave [is] mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.Ver. 13. If I wait, the grave is mine house] In that congregation house of all living (as it is called, Job 30:23) both I and my hopes must be suddenly lodged. Some render it thus, If I build, the grave is my house. Solomon calleth it, The house of eternity, Ecclesiastes 12:5. And the Egyptians accordingly call graves everlasting houses, as Siculus saith, lib. i. I have made my bed in darkness] The grave was Job’ s house, and therein he had made his bed to rest from his labours. There men follow their works no more, because followed by their works, Revelation 14:13.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 17:13
Verse 13. The grave is mine house] Let my life be long or short, the grave at last will be my home. I expect soon to lie down in darkness - there is my end: I cannot reasonably hope for any thing else.
Cambridge Bible on Job 17:13
10–16. Final repudiation by Job of the false hopes of recovery which the friends held out to him. He knows better, his hope is in the grave. Turning with a last word to his friends Job bids them renew as often as they chose their attempts to explain his condition, they should only shew themselves ignorant and incapable (Job 17:10). The hopes they held out were vain; his days were at an end and all the enterprises and dearest purposes of his life for ever broken off (Job 17:11-12). His hope was in the grave, where alone he would find rest (Job 17:13-16).
Barnes' Notes on Job 17:13
If I wait - Or more accurately, “truly I expect that the grave will be my home.” The word rendered “if” (אם 'ı̂m) is often used in such a sense. The meaning is, “I look certainly to the grave as my home.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 17:13
13. If I wait — Lo, I wait my abode, (sheol.) House — The ancient Egyptians designated the tomb as their house. (See note Job 3:15.) Made my bed — Spread my couch.
Sermons on Job 17:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Our Daily Homily - Job by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of Job, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against temptation during times of festivity and the necessity of prayer and intercession for loved |
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The Land of Darkness and the Shadow of Death. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the contrast between the ancient understanding of death as a land of darkness and the Christian hope of eternal life and light through Jesus Christ. He empha |
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Death by Thomas Boston | Thomas Boston preaches about the contrasting states of the wicked and the righteous in death. The wicked are driven away in their wickedness, hopeless and without solid ground for |
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The Life of David Brainerd - Part. 2 by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon transcript, the preacher reflects on their own feelings of unworthiness and insufficiency. They express a desire for a close and constant devotion to God and a fear |
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Is There Life After Death by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Job and the questions that Job asked when he was stripped of everything. Job's questions revolve around the basic issues of life, |
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Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends. |
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Early Men Believed in Final Judgment! by Ian Brown | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the individual accountability we all have before God. He uses the example of the precision and advanced technology in the Gulf War to illust |