Translations
Modern
…who rejoice and greatly exult when they reach the grave?
Traditional
Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?
Literal
…those being glad unto joy; they rejoice that they should find the grave?
Latin
…gaudentque vehementer cum invenerint sepulchrum?
Original
Hebrew
English
…who rejoice and greatly exult when they reach the grave?
Notes
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'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
Events
Glossary
Topics
Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Despondency: General Scriptures Concerning God: Job's