Job 3:23
Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?
Original Language Analysis
לְ֭גֶבֶר
Why is light given to a man
H1397
לְ֭גֶבֶר
Why is light given to a man
Strong's:
H1397
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דַּרְכּ֣וֹ
whose way
H1870
דַּרְכּ֣וֹ
whose way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וַיָּ֖סֶךְ
hath hedged in
H5526
וַיָּ֖סֶךְ
hath hedged in
Strong's:
H5526
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect
Cross References
Job 19:8He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.Lamentations 3:7He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy.Isaiah 40:27Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
Historical Context
The Hebrew word 'hedged' (sakak) suggests both protection and imprisonment, revealing how suffering can make God's presence feel like absence. This anticipates Christ's cry of dereliction (Matthew 27:46).
Questions for Reflection
- Have you experienced God's protection as confinement during suffering?
- How do you reconcile God's loving presence with painful circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Job describes himself as one 'whose way is hid' and whom 'God hath hedged in.' The imagery of God's hedge appears earlier as protection (1:10), but now Job experiences it as confinement. This paradox captures the mystery of divine providence - the same God who protects can also perplex.