Job 3:7
Lo, let that night be solitary, let no joyful voice come therein.
Original Language Analysis
הַלַּ֣יְלָה
Lo let that night
H3915
הַלַּ֣יְלָה
Lo let that night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
הַ֭הוּא
H1931
הַ֭הוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 9
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
יְהִ֣י
H1961
יְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
גַלְמ֑וּד
be solitary
H1565
גַלְמ֑וּד
be solitary
Strong's:
H1565
Word #:
5 of 9
sterile (as wrapped up too hard); figuratively, desolate
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Historical Context
In patriarchal culture, conception—especially of sons—was celebrated as God's blessing. Job's wish inverts this cultural value, showing how suffering can make even life itself seem undesirable.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Job's wish for the joy of his conception to be erased reveal about the impact of suffering on our perspective?
- How do you maintain hope when suffering makes even past blessings seem worthless?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Job wishes his conception night had been 'solitary' (Hebrew 'galmud'—barren/sterile) with no joyful voice coming into it. Ancient conception was celebrated as divine blessing; Job wishes that night had been marked instead by barrenness and silence. This inverts the biblical pattern where barrenness brings shame and conception brings joy (Genesis 30:23). Job's suffering is so intense that he wishes the joy of his own conception had never occurred.