Job 30:17
Job 30:17 in Multiple Translations
Night pierces my bones, and my gnawing pains never rest.
My bones are pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest.
In the night season my bones are pierced in me, And the pains that gnaw me take no rest.
The flesh is gone from my bones, and they give me no rest; there is no end to my pains.
At night my bones are in agony; the pain gnaws at me and never stops.
It pearceth my bones in the night, and my sinewes take no rest.
At night my bone hath been pierced in me, And mine eyelids do not lie down.
In the night season my bones are pierced in me, and the pains that gnaw me take no rest.
My bones are pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest.
In the night my bone is pierced with sorrows: and they that feed upon me, do not sleep.
My bones ache during the night, and the pain that torments me never stops.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 30:17
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 30:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לַ֗יְלָה
עֲ֭צָמַ/י
נִקַּ֣ר
מֵ/עָלָ֑/י
וְ֝/עֹרְקַ֗/י
לֹ֣א
יִשְׁכָּבֽוּ/ן
לַ֗יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
N-ms
עֲ֭צָמַ/י
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fp | Suff
נִקַּ֣ר
nâqar
H5365
to dig
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
מֵ/עָלָ֑/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep | Suff
וְ֝/עֹרְקַ֗/י
ʻâraq
H6207
to gnaw
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִשְׁכָּבֽוּ/ן
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 30:17
לַ֗יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
עֲ֭צָמַ/י
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
נִקַּ֣ר
nâqar
H5365
"to dig"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This word means to dig or bore into something, like picking or quarrying stone. It describes a sense of penetration or excavation, often used to create a hole or opening. In the Bible, it is used to describe the act of digging a well or uncovering a hidden truth.
Definition: 1) to bore, pick, dig, pick out 1a) (Qal) to bore, pick, dig 1b) (Piel) to bore out 1c) (Pual) to be dug out
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: dig, pick out, pierce, put (thrust) out. See also: Numbers 16:14; Job 30:17; Proverbs 30:17.
מֵ/עָלָ֑/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וְ֝/עֹרְקַ֗/י
ʻâraq
H6207
"to gnaw"
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means to gnaw or chew, and is also used to describe a sharp pain. It is used figuratively to convey intense emotion. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of strong feelings.
Definition: (Qal) to gnaw, chew
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fleeing, sinew. See also: Job 30:3; Job 30:17.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
יִשְׁכָּבֽוּ/ן
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Job 30:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 30:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 30:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 30:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 30:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 30:17
- Cambridge Bible on Job 30:17
- Barnes' Notes on Job 30:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 30:17
- Sermons on Job 30:17
Context — Job’s Prosperity Becomes Calamity
15Terrors are turned loose against me; they drive away my dignity as by the wind, and my prosperity has passed like a cloud.
16And now my soul is poured out within me; days of affliction grip me.
17Night pierces my bones, and my gnawing pains never rest.
18With great force He grasps my garment; He seizes me by the collar of my tunic. 19He throws me into the mud, and I have become like dust and ashes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 7:4 | When I lie down I think: ‘When will I get up?’ But the night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn. |
| 2 | Job 33:19–21 | A man is also chastened on his bed with pain and constant distress in his bones, so that he detests his bread, and his soul loathes his favorite food. His flesh wastes away from sight, and his hidden bones protrude. |
| 3 | Isaiah 38:13 | I composed myself until the morning. Like a lion He breaks all my bones; from day until night You make an end of me. |
| 4 | Psalms 22:2 | I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest. |
| 5 | Psalms 6:2–6 | Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony. My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long? Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion. For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol? I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. |
| 6 | Psalms 38:2–8 | For Your arrows have pierced me deeply, and Your hand has pressed down on me. There is no soundness in my body because of Your anger; there is no rest in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds are foul and festering because of my sinful folly. I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning. For my loins are full of burning pain, and no soundness remains in my body. I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. |
Job 30:17 Summary
[This verse, Job 30:17, describes a time of great suffering and pain in Job's life, where he felt like the darkness of night was piercing his very bones. He also felt like his pains were constantly gnawing at him, never giving him a moment's peace. This can be a difficult feeling to understand, but it's similar to what Jesus experienced on the cross, as described in Matthew 27:45, where darkness fell over the land. We can find comfort in knowing that God is near to those who are suffering, as promised in Psalm 34:18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of 'night' in Job 30:17?
The 'night' in this verse symbolizes a period of intense suffering and darkness, much like the night that fell during Jesus' crucifixion, as described in Matthew 27:45, which represented a time of great sorrow and pain.
How can we relate to Job's 'gnawing pains' in our own lives?
Job's 'gnawing pains' can be seen as a metaphor for the emotional and physical struggles we face, similar to what the apostle Paul described in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, where he spoke of a 'thorn in the flesh' that he endured, yet found strength in his weakness through God's grace.
Is it normal to feel like our pain never rests, as Job expressed?
Yes, it is common for those who are suffering to feel like their pain is relentless, as expressed in Psalm 38:17, where David said, 'For I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is continually before me.'
How can we find comfort in the midst of such intense suffering?
We can find comfort in the knowledge that God is near to the brokenhearted, as promised in Psalm 34:18, and that He will ultimately redeem our suffering, as seen in the life of Job, who was restored and blessed by God after his period of trial, as told in Job 42:10-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'nights' in my life where I have felt intense suffering or darkness, and how did I respond to them?
- In what ways can I relate to Job's 'gnawing pains', and how can I find strength in my own weaknesses?
- How can I trust in God's presence and promise to be near to me, even when my pain seems unending?
- What are some ways I can express my sorrow and pain to God, as Job did, and how can I find comfort in His presence?
Gill's Exposition on Job 30:17
My bones are pierced in me in the night season,.... Such was the force of his disease, that it pierced and penetrated even into his bones, and the marrow of them; and such the pain that he endured in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 30:17
And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me. Job's outward calamities affect his mind. Poured out - in irrepressible complaints (Psalms 42:4; Joshua 7:5). Verse 17.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 30:17
My bones are pierced: Heb. It, to wit, the terror or affliction last mentioned; or, He, i.e. God, hath pierced my bones. This is no slight and superficial, but a most deep wound, that reacheth to my very heart, and bones, and marrow. Nothing in me is so secret but it reacheth it, nothing so hard and solid but it feels the weight and burden of it. In me, Heb. from above me, by an arrow shot from Heaven, whence my calamities come, and that in a singular and eminent manner. Or, by that which is upon me: the sores which are upon my skin, or outward flesh, do pierce and pain me even to the bones. For now he is come from describing the terrors of his mind, to express the torments of his body. In the night season; when others do, and I should, receive some rest and refreshment. My sinews; and the flesh of my body which covereth the sinews, and is mixed with them, and may seem to be synecdochically expressed by the sinews, which are the strength and support of the flesh.
So he signifies that neither his bones nor his flesh resteth. Or, and my veins or arteries, which rest or move slowly when the mind and body are well composed; but in Job did move vehemently and restlessly, by reason of his great heat, and pain, and passion.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 30:17
Job 30:17 My bones are pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest.Ver. 17. My bones are pierced in me in the night season] Sleep is the nurse of nature, and the sweet parenthesis of men’ s griefs and cares. But Job had so many aches and ailments in his body (over and above the terrors and troubles of his mind), that rest he could take none at all in the night season, when all creatures are wont to be at quiet. For for what reason? the very marrow of his bones raged through intolerable pain; as if it had been run through with a tuck. Nay more, And my sinews (or, my pulses) take no rest] Heb. Sleep not; my sinews or arteries are racked with the cramp; and my pulses, by the force of fever, beat excessively, and pant without intermission; Qui tamen minui deberent, quia calor retrahitur in partem interiorem; which yet should move more slowly by night, because then the heat is drawn into the internal parts (Vatablus).
Cambridge Bible on Job 30:17
17. His tormenting pains. In the night season my bones are pierced (and fall) off from me, And my gnawing pains take no rest. The first clause refers to his tormenting pains, severest in the night, under which his bones seem pierced and his limbs to be wrenched from him. “My gnawing pains” is lit. my gnawers.
Barnes' Notes on Job 30:17
My bones are pierced in me - The bones are often represented in the Scriptures as the seat of acute pain; Psalms 6:2; Psalms 22:14; Psalms 31:10; Psalms 38:3; Psalms 42:10; Proverbs 14:30; compare Job 20:11.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 30:17
17. My bones are pierced — According to many, night is here personified, thus: The night pierces my bones. Night intensifies pain and sorrow. Job attributes to night, as an agent, the work done in the night. See note Job 3:3.
Sermons on Job 30:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Sunrise Tomorrow by Vance Havner | Vance Havner reflects on the beauty and significance of sunrise, drawing parallels between the physical dawn and the spiritual hope found in Christ's return. He emphasizes that jus |
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Spiritual Sickness and Health by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the importance of soul-prosperity, drawing from 3 John 2 where John wishes Gaius to prosper and be in health as his soul prospers. Philpot explains the dif |
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Light for a Dark House by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the trials that both the righteous and Christians face, emphasizing that these trials are designed by the Lord to exercise, improve, and teach us. He hig |
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The Blessedness of Divine Chastening by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the true blessedness declared by God's word, contrasting it with the worldly views of happiness. He emphasizes that blessedness is found in being poor i |
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Don't Lose Heart in Your Time of Testing by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the theme of despair and how it can push at the door of one's heart. He uses the story of Joseph from the Bible to illustrate this point. Jose |
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A Series of Proverbs Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith explores the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically focusing on chapter 6, verse 12. He emphasizes the uncertainty and brevity of life, highlighting |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the Book of Psalms, highlighting its significance in the New Testament and the various authors behind its composition. It explores the division of Psalms in |