Job 3:13
Job 3:13 in Multiple Translations
For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest
For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest,
For now should I have lain down and been quiet; I should have slept; then had I been at rest,
For then I might have gone to my rest in quiet, and in sleep have been in peace,
For now I would be lying down in peace. I would be sleeping and at rest,
For so shoulde I now haue lyen and bene quiet, I should haue slept then, and bene at rest,
For now, I have lain down, and am quiet, I have slept — then there is rest to me,
For now I should have lain down and been quiet. I should have slept, then I would have been at rest,
For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest,
For now I should have been asleep and still, and should have rest in my sleep.
If I had died at the time when I was born, I would be asleep, resting peacefully iin the place where the dead people are.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 3:13
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 3:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
עַ֭תָּה
שָׁכַ֣בְתִּי
וְ/אֶשְׁק֑וֹט
יָ֝שַׁ֗נְתִּי
אָ֤ז
יָנ֬וּחַֽ
לִֽ/י
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עַ֭תָּה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Adv
שָׁכַ֣בְתִּי
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְ/אֶשְׁק֑וֹט
shâqaṭ
H8252
to quiet
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
יָ֝שַׁ֗נְתִּי
yâshên
H3462
to sleep
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אָ֤ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Adv
יָנ֬וּחַֽ
nûwach
H5117
to rest
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִֽ/י
Prep | Suff
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 3:13
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עַ֭תָּה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
שָׁכַ֣בְתִּי
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
וְ/אֶשְׁק֑וֹט
shâqaṭ
H8252
"to quiet"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To quiet or be at peace is what this Hebrew word means, like the stillness after a storm, as described in Psalm 107:30.
Definition: 1) to be quiet, be tranquil, be at peace, be quiet, rest, lie still, be undisturbed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be quiet, be undisturbed 1a1a) to be at peace (of land) 1a2) to be quiet, be inactive 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show quietness 1b1a) quietness, display of quietness (subst) 1b2) to quiet, be quiet 1b3) to cause quietness, pacify, allay
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appease, idleness, (at, be at, be in, give) quiet(-ness), (be at, be in, give, have, take) rest, settle, be still. See also: Joshua 11:23; Psalms 76:9; Psalms 83:2.
יָ֝שַׁ֗נְתִּי
yâshên
H3462
"to sleep"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Means to sleep or be lazy, it also implies growing old or stale, as seen in the story of David's mighty warriors in 2 Samuel 23:32. It can also mean to die or be in a deep sleep. This word is used to describe a state of inactivity.
Definition: 1) to sleep, be asleep 1a) (Qal) to sleep, go to sleep, be asleep 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to remain a long time, be stored up 1b2) to be festering (of leprosy) 1c) (Piel) to cause to sleep, entice to sleep
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: old (store), remain long, (make to) sleep. See also: Genesis 2:21; Psalms 4:9; Psalms 3:6.
אָ֤ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
יָנ֬וּחַֽ
nûwach
H5117
"to rest"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To rest means to settle down and remain in one place, and can be used literally or figuratively. This verb appears in many parts of the Bible, including Exodus 20:11 and Matthew 11:28.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiph) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hoph) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst) Also means: ya.nach (יָנַח "to rest" H3240)
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. Compare H3241 (יָנִים). See also: Genesis 8:4; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 125:3.
לִֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Job 3:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 3:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 3:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 3:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 3:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 3:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 3:13
- Cambridge Bible on Job 3:13
- Barnes' Notes on Job 3:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 3:13
- Sermons on Job 3:13
Context — Job Laments His Birth
11Why did I not perish at birth; why did I not die as I came from the womb?
12Why were there knees to receive me, and breasts that I should be nursed?
13For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest
14with kings and counselors of the earth, who built for themselves cities now in ruins, 15or with princes who had gold, who filled their houses with silver.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
| 2 | Job 21:13 | They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace. |
| 3 | Job 14:10–12 | But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last, and where is he? As water disappears from the sea and a river becomes parched and dry, so a man lies down and does not rise. Until the heavens are no more, he will not be awakened or roused from sleep. |
| 4 | Job 7:21 | 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.” |
| 5 | Job 17:13 | If I look for Sheol as my home, if I spread out my bed in darkness, |
| 6 | Job 10:22 | to a land of utter darkness, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness.” |
| 7 | Job 7:8–10 | The eye that beholds me will no longer see me. You will look for me, but I will be no more. As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come back up. He never returns to his house; his place remembers him no more. |
| 8 | Job 19:27 | I will see Him for myself; my eyes will behold Him, and not as a stranger. How my heart yearns within me! |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 6:3–5 | A man may father a hundred children and live for many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he is unsatisfied with his prosperity and does not even receive a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. For a stillborn child enters in futility and departs in darkness, and his name is shrouded in obscurity. The child, though neither seeing the sun nor knowing anything, has more rest than that man, |
| 10 | Job 21:23 | One man dies full of vigor, completely secure and at ease. |
Job 3:13 Summary
[Job 3:13 means that Job is expressing a deep desire to be at peace and to rest, free from the suffering and pain that he is experiencing. This verse shows us that even in the midst of great struggle, we can be honest with God about our feelings, just like Job is. As it says in Psalms 55:22, we can cast our cares on God, because He cares for us, and we can trust that He will bring us through even the darkest of times, as seen in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job expressing in this verse?
Job is expressing a desire to have never been born, or to be at peace in death, as seen in Job 3:13, where he says he would be lying down in peace, and this sentiment is similar to what we see in Ecclesiastes 4:2-3, where the preacher describes the dead as being at rest.
Is it biblical to desire death?
While it may seem counterintuitive, the Bible does describe instances where the righteous desire death, as seen in Job 3:13, but this is often in the context of great suffering, and as the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:23, to die is gain, but it is not a desire that should be taken lightly.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of suffering in the book of Job?
This verse highlights Job's emotional and psychological pain, as he grapples with the question of why he was born to suffer, and this theme is echoed in other parts of the book, such as Job 10:18-19, where Job asks why he was brought into the world only to suffer.
What can we learn from Job's lament?
We can learn that even in the midst of great suffering, it is okay to express our emotions and doubts to God, as Job does in Job 3:13, and as the Psalmist writes in Psalms 42:11, we can pour out our hearts to God, even in our darkest moments.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you have felt like you just wanted to 'lie down in peace' and escape your struggles, and how did you cope with those feelings?
- How does Job's desire for death relate to your own experiences of suffering, and what can you learn from his example?
- What are some ways that you can find rest and peace in the midst of turmoil, and how can you apply those principles to your life?
- How can you use Job 3:13 as a reminder to be honest with God about your emotions, and to trust in His sovereignty even when you don't understand what is happening?
Gill's Exposition on Job 3:13
For now should I have lain still, and been quiet,.... Signifying, that if the above had been his case, if he had died as soon as born, or quickly after, then he would have been laid in the grave,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 3:13
For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest, Lain ... quiet ... slept - a gradation. I should not only have lain, but been quiet and not only been quiet, but slept.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 3:13
Quiet; free from all those torments of my body and mind which now oppress me.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 3:13
Job 3:13 For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest,Ver. 13. For now should I have lain still and been quiet] Why, but is it not better to be preserved in salt than to putrefy in sugar? to be emptied from vessel to vessel, than to be at ease, and so to settle on the lees? Jeremiah 48:11; to be tumbled up and down, as fishes are in the streams of Jordan, than to perish in the Dead Sea? It is not always (if at all) a happiness to lie still and be quiet. Life consists in action; and in all these things is the life of my spirit, saith good Hezekiah, who had been in death’ s hands (where Job so much desired to be), and could therefore make a better judgment, Isaiah 38:16. What haste, then, was there of his lying still, and being quiet; say that he were assured of his salvation (for else death had been but a trap door to eternal torments), was there nothing more to be done, but taking present possession? nothing to be suffered with Christ, or ere we come to be glorified with him? Romans 8:17. Ought not he himself first to have suffered and then to have entered into his glory? Luke 24:26. And ought not we to be conformed to his image (in sufferings also) that he might be the firstborn among many brethren?
Romans 8:29. Let us run with patience (running is active, and patience passive) the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, &c., and looking off our present troubles (as the word αφορωντες, Hebrews 1:12, importeth), which while Job beheld too wishtly, and was more sensible of than was meet, he brake out in this sort, and showed himself too much a man. Let us do up our work, and then God will send us to bed all in good time, Isaiah 57:1-21 : 2 Kings 16:13.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 3:13
Verse 13. For now should I have lain still] In that case I had been insensible; quiet - without these overwhelming agitations; slept - unconscious of evil; been at rest - been out of the reach of calamity and sorrow.
Cambridge Bible on Job 3:13
13. The words receive their pathos from the contrast of his present anguish, Job 3:26.
Barnes' Notes on Job 3:13
For now should I have lain still - In this verse Job uses four expressions to describe the state in which be would have been if he had been so happy as to have died when an infant.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 3:13
13. Then had I been at rest — The gradation is to be remarked — lain still, been quiet, have slept, been at rest. The idea of “rest” in our text, is not one of unconsciousness.
Sermons on Job 3:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Self Denial (Reading) by John Wesley | In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series and encourages listeners to engage with classic Christian texts in audiobook form. He emphasizes the importa |
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The Days of Our Flesh by Steve Hill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and being motivated to make a difference in the world. He encourages the audience to seek a pastor who wil |
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(Through the Bible) Ecclesiastes 7-12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering God in one's youth. He highlights that most conversions to Jesus Christ happen during the teenage years and en |
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One Lion; Two Lions; No Lion at All by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of slothfulness, using the metaphor of lions to illustrate the excuses people make to avoid taking action, particularly in their spiritual lives. |
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Thou Knowest by Bob Jones Sr. | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of completing the task at hand and not leaving it unfinished. He shares personal experiences of staying committed to evangeli |
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The Heavenly Race by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of running the heavenly race and obtaining the ultimate prize of eternal life in heaven. He compares the race to a life-or-de |
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The Way to Serve God by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose and doing it with passion and dedication. He encourages the audience to identify what their hands sh |