Job 3:8
Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning.
Original Language Analysis
יִקְּבֻ֥הוּ
Let them curse
H5344
יִקְּבֻ֥הוּ
Let them curse
Strong's:
H5344
Word #:
1 of 6
to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
י֑וֹם
the day
H3117
י֑וֹם
the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 6
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
הָֽ֝עֲתִידִ֗ים
who are ready
H6264
הָֽ֝עֲתִידִ֗ים
who are ready
Strong's:
H6264
Word #:
4 of 6
prepared; by implication, skilful; feminine plural the future; also treasure
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures included professional cursers and magicians. Leviathan appears in Canaanite mythology as a chaos monster, though Scripture later uses this imagery to demonstrate YHWH's sovereignty over all supposed rival powers (Job 41; Psalm 74:14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's use of mythological imagery help him express the inexpressible?
- What boundaries exist between using cultural metaphors and actually engaging in pagan practices?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Job invokes those who curse days and are ready to 'raise up mourning' (or 'rouse leviathan'—Hebrew 'livyatan'). This may refer to professional cursers/magicians believed able to invoke chaos against days, or to mythological imagery of sea monsters representing cosmic disorder. Job's rhetoric reaches for the most powerful forces of curse and chaos to express his wish for non-existence, yet remains within poetic bounds rather than actual invocation of pagan magic.