Job 3:6
Job 3:6 in Multiple Translations
If 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.
As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.
As for that night, let thick darkness seize upon it: Let it not rejoice among the days of the year; Let it not come into the number of the months.
That night — let the thick dark take it; let it not have joy among the days of the year; let it not come into the number of the months.
Blot out that night as if it never existed. Don't count it on the calendar. Don't let it have a day in any month.
Let darkenesse possesse that night, let it not be ioyned vnto the dayes of the yeere, nor let it come into the count of the moneths.
That night — let thick darkness take it, Let it not be united to days of the year, Into the number of months let it not come.
As for that night, let thick darkness seize on it. Let it not rejoice among the days of the year. Let it not come into the number of the months.
As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined to the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.
Let a darksome whirlwind seize upon that night, let it not be counted in the days of the year, nor numbered in the months.
I wish that the night when I was conceived would be erased from the calendar, with the result that it would never again appear as one night in any month, and that it would not be included in any calendar.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 3:6
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 3:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/לַּ֥יְלָה
הַ/הוּא֮
יִקָּחֵ֪/ה֫וּ
אֹ֥פֶל
אַל
יִ֭חַדְּ
בִּ/ימֵ֣י
שָׁנָ֑ה
בְּ/מִסְפַּ֥ר
יְ֝רָחִ֗ים
אַל
יָבֹֽא
הַ/לַּ֥יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Art | N-ms
הַ/הוּא֮
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
יִקָּחֵ֪/ה֫וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
אֹ֥פֶל
ʼôphel
H652
darkness
N-ms
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
יִ֭חַדְּ
châdâh
H2302
to rejoice
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
בִּ/ימֵ֣י
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-mp
שָׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
בְּ/מִסְפַּ֥ר
miçpâr
H4557
number
Prep | N-ms
יְ֝רָחִ֗ים
yerach
H3391
month
N-mp
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
יָבֹֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 3:6
הַ/לַּ֥יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Art | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
הַ/הוּא֮
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יִקָּחֵ֪/ה֫וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֹ֥פֶל
ʼôphel
H652
"darkness"
N-ms
This word describes a state of darkness or gloom, both physically and spiritually. In the book of Isaiah, it is used to describe a time of spiritual darkness and calamity. The term can also imply secrecy or stealth.
Definition: 1) darkness, gloom 2) spiritual unreceptivity, calamity (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: darkness, obscurity, privily. See also: Job 3:6; Job 30:26; Psalms 11:2.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יִ֭חַדְּ
châdâh
H2302
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
To rejoice or feel glad, like the Israelites did when God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. This word is about feeling happy and celebrating.
Definition: 1) to rejoice 1a) (Qal) to rejoice 1b) (Piel) to make glad, gladden
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: make glad, be joined, rejoice. See also: Exodus 18:9; Job 3:6; Psalms 21:7.
בִּ/ימֵ֣י
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
שָׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
בְּ/מִסְפַּ֥ר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
יְ֝רָחִ֗ים
yerach
H3391
"month"
N-mp
This word refers to a month or lunar cycle. It is also translated as moon in some contexts, and is used to describe a calendar month.
Definition: 1) month (lunar cycle), moon 1a) month 1b) calendar month Aramaic equivalent: ye.rach (יְרַח "month" H3393)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: month, moon. See also: Exodus 2:2; 2 Kings 15:13; Isaiah 60:20.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יָבֹֽא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — Job 3:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Job 3:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 3:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 3:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 3:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 3:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 3:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 3:6
- Cambridge Bible on Job 3:6
- Barnes' Notes on Job 3:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 3:6
Context — Job Laments His Birth
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 day — those prepared to rouse Leviathan.Job 3:6 Summary
In Job 3:6, Job is wishing that the night of his birth had never existed, and that it would not be remembered or celebrated. He is expressing his deep sorrow and pain, and is asking God to take away the darkness of his suffering. This verse shows us that it's okay to be honest with God about our emotions and pain, and that we can trust in His sovereignty, even when things seem darkest, as seen in Romans 8:28. Just like Job, we can cry out to God in our suffering, and find comfort in His presence, as seen in Psalms 23:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Job wishing for darkness to take away the night of his birth in Job 3:6?
Job is expressing his deep sorrow and pain, wishing that the day of his birth had never existed, as seen in Job 3:4-5, and is now extending this desire to the night, symbolizing his desire to erase his existence due to his suffering, similar to Jeremiah's lament in Jeremiah 20:14-18.
What does Job mean by 'may it not appear among the days of the year' in Job 3:6?
Job is asking that the day of his birth be completely forgotten and not celebrated or remembered, much like the way God commands the Israelites to remember certain events, such as the Passover, as seen in Exodus 12:14, but in this case, Job wants his birth to be erased from memory.
How does Job's cry for darkness relate to his faith in God?
Job's cry for darkness is a expression of his emotional pain and desperation, but it also shows that he is still addressing God, as seen in Job 3:4, indicating that despite his suffering, he has not abandoned his faith, similar to the psalmist's cry in Psalms 13:1-2.
What can we learn from Job's lament in Job 3:6 about dealing with suffering?
We can learn that it is okay to express our emotions and pain to God, as Job does, and that even in the midst of suffering, we can still trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28, and find comfort in His presence, as seen in Psalms 23:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like Job, wishing that a particular day or experience had never happened, and how did I respond to God in those moments?
- How can I balance my emotional expression of pain and sorrow with trust in God's sovereignty, as Job does in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can remember and apply the truth that God is still with me, even in the darkest of times, as seen in Job 3:6 and other scriptures like Psalms 139:7-10?
- How can I use Job's lament as a model for my own prayers, being honest with God about my emotions and pain, while still trusting in His goodness and love?
Gill's Exposition on Job 3:6
As [for] that night,.... The night of conception; Job imprecated evils on the day he was born, now on the night he was conceived in, the returns of it: let darkness seize upon it; let it not only he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 3:6
As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months. Seize upon it - as its prey; i:e., utterly dissolve it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 3:6
Let darkness seize upon it, i. e. constant and extraordinary darkness, without the least glimmering of light from the moon or stars. Joined unto the days of the year, i.e. reckoned as one, or a part of one, of them. The night is distinguished from the artificial day, but it is a part of the natural day, which consists of twenty-four hours. Or rather, let it not rejoice among the days, &c. Joy here, and terror, , are poetically and figuratively ascribed to the day or night with respect to men, who either rejoice or are affrighted in it. Let it be a sad, and as it were a funeral, day. Let it not come into the number of the months, i.e. to be one of those nights which go to the making up of the months.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 3:6
Job 3:6 As [for] that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.Ver. 6. As for that night, let darkness seize upon it] Having spent his spleen upon the day, he now vents himself upon the night, according to that division, Job 3:8. As for that night of mine unhappy conception, or birth, let tenebrosus turbo (as the Vulgate here hath it), a dark tempest, or a tempestuous darkness, grasp it, or invade it; let it be as dark as pitch, by a darkness superadded to its natural darkness, Caligo perpetua et inusitata (Mercer). Let it not be joined unto the days of the year] Let nature quite disclaim it, and disjoint it from the day following; let it not be reckoned as any part of time, that measure of all our motions. Some render it, Ne gaudeat inter dies, Let it not rejoice itself among the days of the year, as one of them. The night hath glory by union with the day; this he wisheth taken from it. Disunion and division is a curse; and the number of two hath been accounted accursed, because it was the first that departed from unity. And let it not come into the number of months] Deleatur e calendario, let it be razed out of the calendar, and not have any place in the computation of time. The Hebrews call the moon and a month by the same name; because the moon is renewed every month, So μην, month, and μηνη, moon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 3:6
(6) Let it not be joined.—Rather, let it not rejoice among, as one of the glorious procession of nights.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 3:6
Verse 6. As for that night, let darkness seize upon it] I think the Targum has hit the sense of this whole verse: "Let darkness seize upon that night; let it not be reckoned among the annual festivals; in the number of the months of the calendar let it not be computed." Some understand the word אפל ophel as signifying a dark storm; hence the Vulgate, tenebrosus turbo, "a dark whirlwind." And hence Coverdale, Let the darck storme overcome that night, let it not be reckoned amonge the dayes off the yeare, nor counted in the monethes. Every thing is here personified; day, night, darkness, shadow of death, cloud, c. and the same idea of the total extinction of that portion of time, or its being rendered ominous and portentous, is pursued through all these verses, from the third to the ninth, inclusive. The imagery is diversified, the expressions varied, but the idea is the same.
Cambridge Bible on Job 3:6
6. let it not be joined unto] Rather, let it not rejoice among. Let it not enter the joyful troop of days, glad in its existence and its beauty. Another way of spelling the word gives the meaning, let it not be joined unto.
Barnes' Notes on Job 3:6
As for “that night.” Job, having cursed the day, proceeds to utter a malediction on the “night” also; see Job 3:3. This malediction extends to Job 3:9. Let darkness seize upon it - Hebrew, Let it take it.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 3:6
b. Job curses the night of his conception, Job 3:6-10.6. Darkness — ΰτμ, darkness exceedingly dense. A poetical word, expressive of intenser gloom than ηωׁ ?κְ. Compare Exodus 10:21.