King James Version
Job 3:20 in the King James Version says “Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;” — study this verse from Job chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;”
Job 3:20 · KJV
There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.
The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.
Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;
Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures; long: Heb. wait
Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
“to him that is in misery”
H6001toiling; concretely, a laborer; figuratively, sorrowful
“Wherefore is light”
H216illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
“and life”
H2416alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
“unto the bitter”
H4751bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
“in soul”
H5315properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
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 3:20 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 3:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge