King James Version

What Does Job 3:9 Mean?

Job 3:9 in the King James Version says “Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light, but have none; neither let it see the dawning of t...” — study this verse from Job chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light, but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the day: the dawning: Heb. the eyelids of the morning”

Job 3:9 · KJV

Context

7

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

8

Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning. their: or, leviathan

9

Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light, but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the day: the dawning: Heb. the eyelids of the morning

10

Because it shut not up the doors of my mother's womb, nor hid sorrow from mine eyes.

11

Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?

Read Job 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job wishes that the stars of twilight on his conception night had remained dark, that it had looked for light in vain, and never seen the 'eyelids of the morning' (dawn's first rays). The poetic imagery of dawn's 'eyelids' personifies morning as awakening from sleep. Job wishes that night had been eternal, never giving way to the day that would mark his existence. This sustained metaphor of darkness expressing non-existence shows remarkable literary artistry even in deepest suffering.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Stars at twilight and the first rays of dawn were carefully observed in ancient cultures for both practical navigation and religious/astrological purposes. Job's wish inverts the natural order celebrated in creation accounts.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Job's sustained poetic artistry in describing his anguish teach us about how suffering and creativity can coexist?
  2. How do you express the inexpressible aspects of your pain?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
יֶחְשְׁכוּ֮1 of 10

“thereof be dark”

H2821

to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken

כּֽוֹכְבֵ֪י2 of 10

“Let the stars”

H3556

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

נִ֫שְׁפּ֥וֹ3 of 10

“of the twilight”

H5399

properly, a breeze, i.e., (by implication) dusk (when the evening breeze prevails)

יְקַו4 of 10

“let it look”

H6960

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

לְא֥וֹר5 of 10

“for light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

וָאַ֑יִן6 of 10
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

וְאַל7 of 10
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִ֝רְאֶ֗ה8 of 10

“but have none neither let it see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּעַפְעַפֵּי9 of 10

“the dawning”

H6079

an eyelash (as fluttering); figuratively, morning ray

שָֽׁחַר׃10 of 10

“of the day”

H7837

dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)

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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 41:18Jeremiah 8:15Job 30:26Jeremiah 13:16

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