Job 10:20
Job 10:20 in Multiple Translations
Are my days not few? Withdraw from me, that I may have a little comfort,
Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
Are not my days few? cease then, And let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
Are not the days of my life small in number? Let your eyes be turned away from me, so that I may have a little pleasure,
I only have a few days left, so why don't you leave me alone so I can have a little peace
Are not my dayes fewe? let him cease, and leaue off from me, that I may take a litle comfort,
Are not my days few? Cease then, and put from me, And I brighten up a little,
Aren’t my days few? Stop! Leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort,
Are not my days few? cease then , and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
Shall not the fewness of my days be ended shortly? suffer me, therefore, that I may lament my sorrow a little:
I think that [RHQ] there are only a few days for me to remain alive; so ◄allow me to be alone/stop attacking me►, in order that I may be a little cheerful
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 10:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 10:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/לֹא
מְעַ֣ט
יָמַ֣/י
יחדל
וַ/חֲדָ֑ל
ישית
וְ/שִׁ֥ית
מִ֝מֶּ֗/נִּי
וְ/אַבְלִ֥יגָה
מְּעָֽט
הֲ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
מְעַ֣ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
N-ms
יָמַ֣/י
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp | Suff
יחדל
châdal
H2308
to cease
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
וַ/חֲדָ֑ל
châdal
H2308
to cease
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
ישית
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
וְ/שִׁ֥ית
shîyth
H7896
to set
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
מִ֝מֶּ֗/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וְ/אַבְלִ֥יגָה
bâlag
H1082
be cheerful
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
מְּעָֽט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 10:20
הֲ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מְעַ֣ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
יָמַ֣/י
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
יחדל
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
וַ/חֲדָ֑ל
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
ישית
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
וְ/שִׁ֥ית
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
מִ֝מֶּ֗/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וְ/אַבְלִ֥יגָה
bâlag
H1082
"be cheerful"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be cheerful or show a smile, and can also mean to comfort or recover strength. It is used to describe a positive emotional state, like feeling comforted or strengthened.
Definition: 1) to gleam, smile 1a) (Hiphil) only 1a1) to show a smile, look pleasant 1a2) to cause to burst
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: comfort, (recover) strength(-en). See also: Job 9:27; Psalms 39:14; Amos 5:9.
מְּעָֽט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
Adv
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
Study Notes — Job 10:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 10:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 10:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 10:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 10:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 10:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 10:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 10:20
- Cambridge Bible on Job 10:20
- Barnes' Notes on Job 10:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 10:20
- Sermons on Job 10:20
Context — Job’s Plea to God
18Why then did You bring me from the womb? Oh, that I had died, and no eye had seen me!
19If only I had never come to be, but had been carried from the womb to the grave.
20Are my days not few? Withdraw from me, that I may have a little comfort,
21before I go—never to return— to a land of darkness and gloom, 22to a land of utter darkness, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 14:1 | “Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. |
| 2 | Psalms 39:13 | Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may again be cheered before I depart and am no more.” |
| 3 | Psalms 103:15–16 | As for man, his days are like grass— he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more. |
| 4 | Job 7:6–7 | My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope. Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness. |
| 5 | Psalms 39:5 | You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah |
| 6 | Job 7:16–21 | I loathe my life! I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath. What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him, that You attend to him every morning, and test him every moment? Will You never look away from me, or leave me alone to swallow my spittle? If I have sinned, what have I done to You, O watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, so that I am a burden to You ? Why do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For soon I will lie down in the dust; You will seek me, but I will be no more.” |
| 7 | Job 13:21 | Withdraw Your hand from me, and do not let Your terror frighten me. |
| 8 | Job 8:9 | For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow. |
| 9 | Job 9:25–26 | My days are swifter than a runner; they flee without seeing good. They sweep by like boats of papyrus, like an eagle swooping down on its prey. |
Job 10:20 Summary
In this verse, Job is asking God to give him a little comfort before he dies, because he feels like his life is very short and full of suffering. Job is not trying to be rebellious, but he is desperate for some relief from his pain. This verse helps us understand that it's okay to cry out to God in our desperation, just like Job does (as also seen in Psalm 55:22). We can bring our struggles and suffering to God, and trust that He will provide us with comfort and strength, as promised in Isaiah 41:10 and Matthew 11:28-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job asking God to do in this verse?
Job is asking God to withdraw from him, to give him a little comfort, because he feels his life is very short and full of suffering, as seen in Job 10:20 and supported by Psalm 39:4-5 which also talks about the brevity of life.
Why does Job want God to withdraw from him?
Job wants God to withdraw from him because he feels overwhelmed by his suffering and wants some comfort before he dies, which is a sentiment also expressed in Job 7:19-21 where he asks God to leave him alone.
Is Job's request to God a form of rebellion or distrust?
While Job's request may seem like a form of rebellion or distrust, it is more accurately a cry of desperation and frustration, as seen in Job 10:1-3 where he expresses his desire to argue his case before God, similar to the Psalmist in Psalm 13:1-2 who also cries out to God in desperation.
What does this verse reveal about Job's understanding of his mortality?
This verse reveals that Job has a clear understanding of his mortality, knowing that his days are few and that he will soon face death and the afterlife, as also expressed in Job 14:1-2 and Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 which talk about the inevitability of death for all humans.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel overwhelmed and desperate for comfort, and how can I bring these before God in prayer?
- How do I respond to suffering and hardship in my life, and what can I learn from Job's example of crying out to God in desperation?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper awareness of my own mortality, and how can this awareness shape my priorities and values?
- In what ways can I seek comfort and solace in God's presence, even in the midst of suffering and hardship, as Job does in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Job 10:20
[Are] not my days few?.... They are so, the days of every man are but few; see Job 14:1; the remainder of Job's days were but few; considering the course of nature, and especially the sore
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 10:20
Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little, Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 10:20
My life is short, and of itself hastens apace to an end; there is no need that thou shouldst push it forward, or grudge me some ease for so small a moment. Let me alone; or, lay aside, or remove, thy hand or anger from me.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 10:20
Job 10:20 [Are] not my days few? cease [then, and] let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,Ver. 20. Are not my days few?] And oh that they might not be also evil! since I shall not much trouble the world, oh that I might not find much trouble in the world! What man is he that would fain see good days? saith David, Psalms 34:12. What man is he that would not? saith Austin in answer to him. Job and David join in one and the same suit for a truce from trouble, since their time here was so very short, Psalms 39:13; Psalms 89:47. Cease then, and let me alone] After he had vented his passions he falls again to his prayers. Ye have done all this wickedness (saith Samuel to the people who had been over importunate for a king), yet turn not aside from following the Lord, &c., 1 Samuel 12:20. Whilst prayer stands still, the whole trade of godliness stands still. Saints, though they have sinned, yet must not restrain prayer, but go home to God again with shame in their faces and tears in their eyes, and he will speak peace; only they must be sensible that their Father hath spit in their faces, &c. That I may take comfort a little] A modest request.
The poor man speaks supplications, begs a farthing. They who are lowly make low demands. Oh that I were but a door keeper! Oh that Ishmael might live in thy sight! &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 10:20
(20) Cease then, and let me alone.—According to another reading, “Let him cease, and let me alone.” In reading this reply of Job’s, one cannot but feel that it moves upon the very verge of blasphemy, and is only redeemed therefrom by its pervading reverence and deep undertone of faith. Job never gives up his faith in God, though, like Jacob, he wrestles with Him in the dark, and the issue shows that God is not displeased with such an unburdening of the soul that keeps close to the straight line of truth, which is, after all, one of the many manifestations of God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 10:20
Verse 20. Are not my days few?] My life cannot be long; let me have a little respite before I die.
Cambridge Bible on Job 10:20
20–22. He begs for a little easing of his pain ere he departs to the land of darkness. are not my days few] The same argument as ch. Job 7:16. cease then, and let me alone] Another reading is, let him cease then, &c. In the last case the speaker turns away from God and speaks of Him. In the rest of the chapter, however, Job everywhere addresses God. take comfort] The same word as ch. Job 9:27, brighten up.
Barnes' Notes on Job 10:20
Are not my days few? - My life is short, and hastens to a close. Let not then my afflictions be continued to the last moment of life, but let thine hand be removed, that I may enjoy some rest before I go hence, to return no more.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 10:20
20. Take comfort — Same as Job 9:27. Cease — Let him cease. “Job at the end of his complaint, not venturing to speak to God, but of him, in the third person.” — Schlottmann.
Sermons on Job 10:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Look to Me" (Isaiah 45:22) by Anne Ortlund | Anne Ortlund emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus for salvation and sanctification, highlighting the tendency to be consumed by our own worries, fears, and shortco |
|
Time's Shortness by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches a sermon on the shortness of time, emphasizing the brevity and transitoriness of life. He urges believers to love one another, avoid discord, and strive for |
|
Man . . . Is of Few Days, and Full of Trouble by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the transient nature of life, urging believers to remember that earthly joys are fleeting and often accompanied by trouble. He emphasizes the importance o |
|
The Common Inn of All Mankind by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that death is the inevitable fate of all humanity, regardless of social status or wealth. He illustrates that death treats everyone equally, from the highe |
|
A Liar and a Coward by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences and reflections on the impact of hard work and the loss of his father. He recalls struggling academically but credits his fa |
|
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Paul Washers Story by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal journey of how he came to be a Christian and a preacher. He talks about having dreams of preaching as a young boy and his reluctanc |
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Take Up Your Cross - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency and importance of spreading the word of God to the billions of people who have never heard of Jesus. The speaker shares a persona |