Job 17:13
If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֲ֭קַוֶּה
If I wait
H6960
אֲ֭קַוֶּה
If I wait
Strong's:
H6960
Word #:
2 of 7
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
שְׁא֣וֹל
the grave
H7585
שְׁא֣וֹל
the grave
Strong's:
H7585
Word #:
3 of 7
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
בֵּיתִ֑י
is mine house
H1004
בֵּיתִ֑י
is mine house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 7
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
בַּ֝חֹ֗שֶׁךְ
in the darkness
H2822
בַּ֝חֹ֗שֶׁךְ
in the darkness
Strong's:
H2822
Word #:
5 of 7
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
Historical Context
Ancient Israelites viewed Sheol (the grave) as shadowy existence separated from God's presence and life's joys. Job's expectation of dwelling there reflects limited Old Testament revelation about afterlife compared to New Testament resurrection hope.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we maintain hope when we can't see any positive future?
- What does Job's eventual restoration teach about God's purposes continuing even when we've lost hope?
- How does resurrection hope transform despair about death?
Analysis & Commentary
Job sees only death ahead: 'If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.' Job's expectation has shifted from vindication to death. Making his bed in darkness suggests resigned acceptance of death as only remaining future. The grave as 'house' inverts normal dwelling imagery—Job expects to 'live' in death. This darkness precedes his eventual restoration, showing that even faithful people can lose hope while God's plans remain intact.