Job 3:12

Translations

Modern

Why were there knees to receive me, and breasts that I should be nursed?

Traditional

Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?

Literal

Why did the knees meet me, and why the breasts that I should suck?

Latin

Quare exceptus genibus? cur lactatus uberibus?

Original

Hebrew

English

Why were there knees to receive me, and breasts that I should be nursed?

Notes

Job 3:11–24

Job's language shifts from wishing he was never born to grief. He goes from hating life towards an attraction for death. Job asks "why" seven times, as he has grief for his situation (3:11, 12, 16, 20, 23; see Psalms 10:1; 22:1; Jeremiah 20:18; Lamentations 5:20).

Job 3:1–26

Job's outbreak of emotion did not mean his integrity failed under pressure (42:7–8; James 5:11). The prophets Elijah and Jeremiah, both men of God, exaggerated with similar language (1 Kings 19:4; Jeremiah 20:14–18).

Theme notes and profiles

Complaints

Events

Job's Trialc. 1650 BC

Related verses

Isaiah 66:12
For this is what the LORD says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flowing stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm, and bounced upon her knees.
Genesis 30:3
Then she said, “Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Sleep with her, that she may bear children for me, so that through her I too can build a family.”
Genesis 50:23
He saw Ephraim’s sons to the third generation, and indeed the sons of Machir son of Manasseh were brought up on Joseph’s knees.
Ezekiel 16:4–5
On the day of your birth your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water for cleansing. You were not rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths.

Glossary

Book of Job

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Despondency: General Scriptures Concerning

Job 3:12

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