Job 3:12
Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?
Original Language Analysis
מַ֭דּוּעַ
H4069
מַ֭דּוּעַ
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
1 of 7
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
קִדְּמ֣וּנִי
prevent
H6923
קִדְּמ֣וּנִי
prevent
Strong's:
H6923
Word #:
2 of 7
to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)
וּמַה
H4100
וּמַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
שָּׁ֝דַ֗יִם
me or why the breasts
H7699
שָּׁ֝דַ֗יִם
me or why the breasts
Strong's:
H7699
Word #:
5 of 7
the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)
Cross References
Isaiah 66:12For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.Genesis 30:3And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her.Genesis 50:23And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.
Historical Context
Midwifery practices in the ancient Near East included receiving the newborn on the knees of the midwife or father (Genesis 50:23), symbolizing acceptance into the family. Nursing established the mother-child bond.
Questions for Reflection
- When has suffering made you question why you were preserved when death seemed preferable?
- How do you distinguish between wishing for death and actively pursuing it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Job wishes he had died at birth: 'Why did the knees receive me? or why the breasts that I should suck?' The 'knees' refers to the midwife or father receiving the newborn, while 'breasts' indicates nursing that sustains life. Job questions why these normal life-giving actions occurred—better to have died immediately than to live only to experience his current agony. This reflects how suffering can make survival itself seem undesirable, yet Job still doesn't take action to end his life.