Job 3:5
Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.
Original Language Analysis
יִגְאָלֻ֡הוּ
stain
H1350
יִגְאָלֻ֡הוּ
stain
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
1 of 9
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
Let darkness
H2822
חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
Let darkness
Strong's:
H2822
Word #:
2 of 9
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
וְ֭צַלְמָוֶת
and the shadow of death
H6757
וְ֭צַלְמָוֶת
and the shadow of death
Strong's:
H6757
Word #:
3 of 9
shade of death, i.e., the grave (figuratively, calamity)
תִּשְׁכָּן
dwell
H7931
תִּשְׁכָּן
dwell
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
4 of 9
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
עָלָ֣יו
H5921
עָלָ֣יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Psalms 23:4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Isaiah 9:2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.Job 28:3He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.Jeremiah 13:16Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.Job 24:17For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.Job 38:17Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?Jeremiah 2:6Neither said they, Where is the LORD that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt?Matthew 4:16The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.Luke 1:79To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.Hebrews 12:18For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
Historical Context
The 'shadow of death' appears frequently in Old Testament poetry, representing not just death but the realm of deepest darkness and divine judgment (Psalm 23:4).
Questions for Reflection
- What does Job's vivid poetic language teach us about how to express deep anguish to God?
- How do you balance honest expression of suffering with trust in God's goodness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Job's poetic imagery intensifies: let darkness and the shadow of death ('tsalmaveth') claim his birth day. The phrase 'let a cloud dwell upon it' pictures darkness as an occupying force. The 'blackness of the day terrify it' uses Hebrew 'karar' (to dance/writhe), suggesting darkness itself would be convulsed with horror at that day. This hyperbolic language expresses how completely Job wishes his existence could be erased, yet remains within the bounds of lament poetry.