Job 3:20
Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;
Original Language Analysis
לָ֤מָּה
H4100
לָ֤מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יִתֵּ֣ן
given
H5414
יִתֵּ֣ן
given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְעָמֵ֣ל
to him that is in misery
H6001
לְעָמֵ֣ל
to him that is in misery
Strong's:
H6001
Word #:
3 of 7
toiling; concretely, a laborer; figuratively, sorrowful
א֑וֹר
Wherefore is light
H216
א֑וֹר
Wherefore is light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
4 of 7
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
וְ֝חַיִּ֗ים
and life
H2416
וְ֝חַיִּ֗ים
and life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
5 of 7
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
Cross References
Jeremiah 20:18Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?Proverbs 31:6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.1 Samuel 1:10And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.
Historical Context
Questions about divine justice and the purpose of suffering pervade ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature. Job's version is notable for directly addressing God rather than merely philosophical musing.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you wrestle with the question of why God sustains life that seems only to bring suffering?
- What provisional answers has God given you when you've asked Job's question?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Job asks, 'Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul?' 'Light' symbolizes life itself (Psalm 56:13); Job questions God's purpose in giving life to those whose experience is only suffering. The 'bitter in soul' (Hebrew 'mar nephesh') describes those whose inner being is filled with bitterness. This is theology's hardest question: Why does God sustain life that is only pain? Job doesn't receive a direct answer, but the book ultimately shows that God's purposes transcend our understanding.