King James Version
Job 3:12 in the King James Version says “Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?” — study this verse from Job chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?”
Job 3:12 · KJV
Because it shut not up the doors of my mother's womb, nor hid sorrow from mine eyes.
Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?
Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?
For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest,
With kings and counsellors of the earth, which built desolate places for themselves;
KJV Study — Public Domain
“prevent”
H6923to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Job 3:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Job 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge