King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?
Complete Jewish Bible:
had there been no knees to receive me or breasts for me to suck.
Berean Standard Bible:
Why were there knees to receive me, and breasts that I should be nursed?
American Standard Version:
Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breasts, that I should suck?
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Why did the knees{H1290} prevent{H6923} me? or why the breasts{H7699} that I should suck{H3243}?
Cross-References (KJV):
Genesis 30:3
- And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her.
Isaiah 66:12
- For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon [her] sides, and be dandled upon [her] knees.
Genesis 50:23
- And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third [generation]: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.
Ezekiel 16:4
- And [as for] thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple [thee]; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all.
Ezekiel 16:5
- None eye pitied thee, to do any of these unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the lothing of thy person, in the day that thou wast born.
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Commentary for Job 3:12
Job 3:12 is a verse from the Book of Job, which is one of the Wisdom Books in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. The Book of Job deals with the problem of theodicy, that is, the vindication of divine justice in the face of human suffering and evil. It explores why the righteous suffer and whether suffering is a divine punishment for sin.
In Job 3, Job is in deep despair, cursing the day he was born, and expressing his agony and wish for death. The verse in question, Job 3:12, is part of Job's lament and can be perplexing without context. The verse reads: "Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?" This somewhat cryptic language in the King James Version reflects the anguish and confusion of a man who feels that his very creation was a mistake.
The historical context of the Book of Job is somewhat uncertain, with scholars suggesting various time periods ranging from the patriarchal age to the post-exilic period. The character of Job is depicted as a man of great wealth and piety living in the land of Uz, which is not precisely located in known geography but is described as east of Canaan.
In the verse, Job is likely questioning why he was even born, with the "knees" and "breasts" symbolizing his birth and infancy. The knees may refer to the position often taken during childbirth in that era, and the breasts symbolize the nurturing he received as an infant. Job is essentially asking, "Why was I born?" and "Why, after being born, did I not simply die in infancy?" He is expressing a deep regret that he ever lived to experience such profound suffering.
The themes of this verse include the depth of human despair, the questioning of one's existence, and the struggle to understand the purpose of life when faced with relentless suffering. Job's words reflect a universal human cry for meaning in the midst of pain and the desire to escape from unbearable torment. This verse is emblematic of the broader themes of the Book of Job, which grapples with the mysteries of suffering, the nature of faith, and the human quest for understanding God's ways.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1290
There are 25 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בֶּרֶךְ
Transliteration: berek
Pronunciation: beh'-rek
Description: from בָרַךְ; a knee; knee. - Strong's Number: H6923
There are 25 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָדַם
Transliteration: qâdam
Pronunciation: kaw-dam'
Description: a primitive root; to project (one self), i.e. precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help); come (go, (flee)) before, [phrase] disappoint, meet, prevent. - Strong's Number: H7699
There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שַׁד
Transliteration: shad
Pronunciation: shad
Description: or שֹׁד; probably from שׁוּד (in its original sense) contracted; the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging); breast, pap, teat. - Strong's Number: H3243
There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָנַק
Transliteration: yânaq
Pronunciation: yaw-nak'
Description: a primitive root; to suck; causatively, to give milk; milch, nurse(-ing mother), (give, make to) suck(-ing child, -ling).