Job’s Opening Speech
3May the day I was born perish,
and the night that said,
4If only that day had turned to darkness!
May God above not care about it,
or light shine on it.
5May darkness and gloom3:5 Jb 10:21–22; 12:22; 28:3 reclaim it,
and a cloud settle over it.
May what darkens the day terrify it.
6If only darkness had taken that night away!
May it not appear3:6 LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg; MT reads rejoice among the days of the year
or be listed in the calendar.3:6 Lit or enter the number of months
7Yes, may that night be barren;
8Let those who curse days
9May its morning stars grow dark.
May it wait for daylight but have none;
may it not see the breaking3:9 Lit the eyelids of dawn.
10For that night did not shut
the doors of my mother’s womb,
and hide sorrow from my eyes.
11Why was I not stillborn;
why didn’t I die as I came from the womb?3:10–11 Jb 1:21; 10:17–18; Jr 20:17–18
12Why did the knees receive me,
13Now I would certainly be lying down in peace;
who rebuilt ruined cities for themselves,
15or with princes who had gold,
like infants who never see daylight?
and there the weary find rest.
19Both small and great are there,
and the slave is set free from his master.3:19 Jb 9:22; Ec 9:2–3; Is 14:9–10
20Why is light given to one burdened with grief,
and search for it more than for hidden treasure,
22who are filled with much joy
whom God has hedged in?
25For the thing I feared has overtaken me,
26I cannot relax or be calm;
First Series of Speeches
Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard
Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
