King James Version

What Does Job 3:5 Mean?

Job 3:5 in the King James Version says “Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it. stain...” — study this verse from Job chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it. stain: or, challenge let the: or, let them terrify it, as those who have a bitter day”

Job 3:5 · KJV

Context

3

Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.

4

Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it.

5

Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it. stain: or, challenge let the: or, let them terrify it, as those who have a bitter day

6

As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months. let it not be: or, let it not rejoice among the days

7

Lo, let that night be solitary, let no joyful voice come therein.

Read Job 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job's poetic imagery intensifies: let darkness and the shadow of death ('tsalmaveth') claim his birth day. The phrase 'let a cloud dwell upon it' pictures darkness as an occupying force. The 'blackness of the day terrify it' uses Hebrew 'karar' (to dance/writhe), suggesting darkness itself would be convulsed with horror at that day. This hyperbolic language expresses how completely Job wishes his existence could be erased, yet remains within the bounds of lament poetry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'shadow of death' appears frequently in Old Testament poetry, representing not just death but the realm of deepest darkness and divine judgment (Psalm 23:4).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Job's vivid poetic language teach us about how to express deep anguish to God?
  2. How do you balance honest expression of suffering with trust in God's goodness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
יִגְאָלֻ֡הוּ1 of 9

“stain”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

חֹ֣שֶׁךְ2 of 9

“Let darkness”

H2822

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

וְ֭צַלְמָוֶת3 of 9

“and the shadow of death”

H6757

shade of death, i.e., the grave (figuratively, calamity)

תִּשְׁכָּן4 of 9

“dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

עָלָ֣יו5 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עֲנָנָ֑ה6 of 9

“it let a cloud”

H6053

cloudiness

יְ֝בַֽעֲתֻ֗הוּ7 of 9

“terrify”

H1204

to fear

כִּֽמְרִ֥ירֵי8 of 9

“upon it let the blackness”

H3650

obscuration (as if from shrinkage of light, i.e., an eclipse (only in plural)

יֽוֹם׃9 of 9

“of the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Job 3:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 28:3Job 10:21-22Psalms 23:4Jeremiah 2:6Jeremiah 13:16Deuteronomy 4:11

Test Your Knowledge

Job 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Job 3 with CommentaryAll Job ChaptersComplete Job QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes