Job 3:6
As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.
Original Language Analysis
הַלַּ֥יְלָה
As for that night
H3915
הַלַּ֥יְלָה
As for that night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
הַהוּא֮
H1931
הַהוּא֮
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 12
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
בִּימֵ֣י
unto the days
H3117
בִּימֵ֣י
unto the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
7 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
בְּמִסְפַּ֥ר
into the number
H4557
בְּמִסְפַּ֥ר
into the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
9 of 12
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
Historical Context
Ancient calendrical systems carefully numbered days within months and months within years. Job's wish that his conception night be excluded from this reckoning reflects the cultural importance of temporal ordering.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's regret extending to his conception reflect the depth of his anguish?
- What does Scripture's preservation of Job's lament teach us about God's patience with our darkest thoughts?
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Analysis & Commentary
Job wishes that darkness would seize the night of his conception, that it be excluded from the numbering of months and days. The Hebrew 'laqach' (seize/take) suggests violent possession—Job wants that night captured and removed from the calendar of time. This reflects the ancient understanding that conception, not birth, initiates human existence (Psalm 51:5). Job's wish extends beyond his birth to his very origin, expressing total despair over his existence.