Job 3:18
There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Slavery and imprisonment were common in the ancient Near East, often involving brutal treatment by taskmasters. Job uses this imagery to describe suffering's oppressive nature.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways does suffering make you feel imprisoned?
- How does the Christian hope of freedom from sin's oppression in death provide comfort?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
In death, 'the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.' Job pictures Sheol as a place where even prisoners find rest from their harsh taskmasters. The 'oppressor' (Hebrew 'nagas'—taskmaster/slave driver) cannot reach beyond death. This reflects how Job's suffering has made him feel imprisoned by pain, longing for the rest even prisoners find in death. It anticipates the Christian hope that death frees believers from sin's oppression (Romans 6:7).