Job 3:24
For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
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
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לַ֭חְמִי
I eat
H3899
לַ֭חְמִי
I eat
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
3 of 8
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
וַֽיִּתְּכ֥וּ
are poured out
H5413
וַֽיִּתְּכ֥וּ
are poured out
Strong's:
H5413
Word #:
6 of 8
to flow forth (literally or figuratively); by implication, to liquify
Historical Context
The comparison to water being poured out appears frequently in lament contexts (Lamentations 2:19, Psalm 22:14), representing unrestrained emotion. The lion's roar emphasizes the volume and intensity.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you allow yourself to express suffering authentically, even when it's not quiet or controlled?
- How does Job's vivid description of his unrestrained grief model honest prayer?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Job says, 'For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters.' Sighing precedes eating—normally hunger precedes eating—showing how suffering dominates even basic needs. The 'roarings' (Hebrew 'shaag,' used of lions) poured out like water suggest uncontrollable, overwhelming expressions of anguish. Job's suffering isn't quiet or dignified but loud and constant, like a continuous flood.