King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Which long for death, but it [cometh] not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;
Complete Jewish Bible:
They long for death, but it never comes; they search for it more than for buried treasure;
Berean Standard Bible:
who long for death that does not come, and search for it like hidden treasure,
American Standard Version:
Who long for death, but it cometh not, And dig for it more than for hid treasures;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Which long{H2442} for death{H4194}, but it cometh not; and dig{H2658} for it more than for hid treasures{H4301};
Cross-References (KJV):
Revelation 9:6
- And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
Proverbs 2:4
- If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures;
Jonah 4:3
- Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for [it is] better for me to die than to live.
Jonah 4:8
- And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, [It is] better for me to die than to live.
Numbers 11:15
- And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.
1 Kings 19:4
- But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I [am] not better than my fathers.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Job 3:21
Job 3:21 is part of the Book of Job, an ancient Hebrew text that explores the themes of suffering, faith, and the nature of God's justice. The book is set in the patriarchal period, though its exact historical context is difficult to pinpoint, and it is traditionally ascribed to the figure of Job, whose story is one of profound loss and physical affliction.
In the verse, Job is in the midst of a poignant lament, expressing his intense despair and wish for death. The themes here are deeply existential, reflecting the human struggle with unbearable pain and the longing for an end to suffering. Job speaks of those who "long for death, but it cometh not," indicating a profound desire to escape the misery of life. The metaphor of digging for death "more than for hid treasures" underscores the fervor with which one might seek the release that death seems to offer when life's trials become too heavy to bear. This verse captures the depths of Job's anguish, as he sees death not as a terror but as a comfort, a means to find rest from his torment.
Historically, the Book of Job wrestles with theodicy—the question of why a good God permits evil and suffering. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this was a radical exploration, challenging the simplistic notions of retributive justice where good fortune is seen as a reward for righteousness and suffering as punishment for wrongdoing. Job's situation defies this easy explanation, as he is described as "blameless and upright," yet he endures extreme suffering. The book, and this verse in particular, thus probes the complexities of human existence and the limits of human understanding in the face of divine providence.
*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: H2442
There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָכָה
Transliteration: châkâh
Pronunciation: khaw-kaw'
Description: a primitive root (apparently akin to חָקָה through the idea of piercing); properly, to adhere to; hence, to await; long, tarry, wait. - Strong's Number: H4194
There are 155 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָוֶת
Transliteration: mâveth
Pronunciation: maw'-veth
Description: from מוּת; death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin; (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). - Strong's Number: H2658
There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָפַר
Transliteration: châphar
Pronunciation: khaw-far'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore; dig, paw, search out, seek. - Strong's Number: H4301
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַטְמוֹן
Transliteration: maṭmôwn
Pronunciation: mat-mone'
Description: or מַטְמֹן; or מַטְמֻן; from טָמַן; a secret storehouse; hence, a secreted valuable (buried); generally money; hidden riches, (hid) treasure(-s).