Job 3:9
Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light, but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the day:
Original Language Analysis
יֶחְשְׁכוּ֮
thereof be dark
H2821
יֶחְשְׁכוּ֮
thereof be dark
Strong's:
H2821
Word #:
1 of 10
to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken
כּֽוֹכְבֵ֪י
Let the stars
H3556
כּֽוֹכְבֵ֪י
Let the stars
Strong's:
H3556
Word #:
2 of 10
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
נִ֫שְׁפּ֥וֹ
of the twilight
H5399
נִ֫שְׁפּ֥וֹ
of the twilight
Strong's:
H5399
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, a breeze, i.e., (by implication) dusk (when the evening breeze prevails)
יְקַו
let it look
H6960
יְקַו
let it look
Strong's:
H6960
Word #:
4 of 10
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
לְא֥וֹר
for light
H216
לְא֥וֹר
for light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
5 of 10
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
וָאַ֑יִן
H369
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
7 of 10
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יִ֝רְאֶ֗ה
but have none neither let it see
H7200
יִ֝רְאֶ֗ה
but have none neither let it see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
8 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
Historical Context
Stars at twilight and the first rays of dawn were carefully observed in ancient cultures for both practical navigation and religious/astrological purposes. Job's wish inverts the natural order celebrated in creation accounts.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Job's sustained poetic artistry in describing his anguish teach us about how suffering and creativity can coexist?
- How do you express the inexpressible aspects of your pain?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Job wishes that the stars of twilight on his conception night had remained dark, that it had looked for light in vain, and never seen the 'eyelids of the morning' (dawn's first rays). The poetic imagery of dawn's 'eyelids' personifies morning as awakening from sleep. Job wishes that night had been eternal, never giving way to the day that would mark his existence. This sustained metaphor of darkness expressing non-existence shows remarkable literary artistry even in deepest suffering.