Job 6:3
For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַתָּ֗ה
H6258
יַמִּ֣ים
of the sea
H3220
יַמִּ֣ים
of the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
4 of 9
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
יִכְבָּ֑ד
For now it would be heavier
H3513
יִכְבָּ֑ד
For now it would be heavier
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
5 of 9
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֝֗ן
H3651
כֵּ֝֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
Historical Context
Weighing grief like sand demonstrates ancient Near Eastern mathematical thinking about measuring the immeasurable. Job's hyperbole (sand of the sea) emphasizes that his suffering exceeds normal human capacity to bear quietly.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance acknowledgment that your words may be rash with defense of legitimate emotional expression?
- What distinguishes rash but legitimate lament from sinful accusation against God?
Analysis & Commentary
Job acknowledges his words have been rash: 'For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.' The Hebrew 'tala'' (swallow up/rash) admits his speech has been unrestrained. But Job defends this—his grief outweighs the sand of the sea, so passionate expression is proportionate to his suffering. This models honest acknowledgment of emotional speech while defending its legitimacy given the circumstances. Lament isn't sin, even when it's intense.