Job 3:10
Because it shut not up the doors of my mother's womb, nor hid sorrow from mine eyes.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בִטְנִ֑י
of my mother's womb
H990
בִטְנִ֑י
of my mother's womb
Strong's:
H990
Word #:
5 of 8
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
וַיַּסְתֵּ֥ר
nor hid
H5641
וַיַּסְתֵּ֥ר
nor hid
Strong's:
H5641
Word #:
6 of 8
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
Historical Context
The imagery of the womb having doors or gates appears in ancient Near Eastern birth mythology, representing the transition from non-existence to existence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does present suffering distort your perception of past blessings?
- What would Job later learn that would change his perspective on the value of his existence despite his suffering?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Job explains why he curses his conception night: 'Because it shut not up the doors of my mother's womb, nor hid sorrow from mine eyes.' The womb as having 'doors' that should have remained shut pictures conception as an entrance that should have been barred. Job wishes he had never been conceived so that he would have been spared his current suffering. This reflects the paradox of suffering: present pain can make past blessings seem like curses.