Job 7:13
When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint;
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תְּנַחֲמֵ֣נִי
shall comfort
H5162
תְּנַחֲמֵ֣נִי
shall comfort
Strong's:
H5162
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
יִשָּׂ֥א
shall ease
H5375
יִשָּׂ֥א
shall ease
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
5 of 7
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Historical Context
Ancient cultures recognized sleep as essential for physical and mental health. The Hebrew wisdom tradition valued peaceful sleep as divine gift (Psalm 4:8, Proverbs 3:24). Job's inability to find rest even in sleep marks his suffering as exceptional and comprehensive, touching every aspect of existence.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do we seek comfort when God seems to be the source of our distress?
- How does Job's futile hope for relief through sleep warn against seeking escapism rather than genuine resolution?
- In what ways does Christ provide the true rest that Job's bed could not deliver?
Analysis & Commentary
Job seeks relief in sleep, hoping his bed will 'comfort' (nacham, נָחַם) him and his couch will 'ease' (nasa, נָשָׂא, literally 'bear' or 'carry') his complaint. The Hebrew verb nasa typically means to lift, carry, or bear away—Job hopes sleep will carry away his grievance. This reveals the human tendency to seek escape from suffering through unconsciousness or temporary relief rather than resolution.
The verse's poignancy intensifies knowing that Job's hope proves futile—the next verse reveals that even sleep brings no respite as God terrifies him with dreams and visions. This illustrates suffering's totalizing nature: it invades every domain, allowing no sanctuary. Neither waking nor sleeping provides escape. The Reformed understanding recognizes that true comfort comes not through circumstances but through God Himself (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Job's longing for restful sleep points forward to Christ's invitation: 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28). The rest Job seeks in his bed finds ultimate fulfillment in the Sabbath rest awaiting God's people (Hebrews 4:9-11), where suffering finally ceases.