Job 3:11

11 “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?

Job 3:11 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
11 Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?
English Standard Version (ESV)
11 "Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire?
New Living Translation (NLT)
11 “Why wasn’t I born dead? Why didn’t I die as I came from the womb?
The Message Bible (MSG)
11 "Why didn't I die at birth, my first breath out of the womb my last?
American Standard Version (ASV)
11 Why died I not from the womb? Why did I not give up the ghost when my mother bare me?
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
11 "Why didn't I die as soon as I was born and breathe my last breath when I came out of the womb?
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
11 Why was I not stillborn; [why] didn't I die as I came from the womb?
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
11 "Why didn't I die when I was born? Why didn't I die as I came out of my mother's body?

Job 3:11 Meaning and Commentary

Job 3:11

Why died I not from the womb?
&c.] That is, as soon as he came out of it; or rather, as soon as he was in it, or from the time that he was in it; or however, while he was in it, that so he might not have come alive out of it; which sense seems best to agree both with what goes before and follows after; for since his conception in the womb was not hindered, he wishes he had died in it; and so some versions render it to this sense F14:

[why] did I [not] give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?
since he died not in the womb, which was desirable to him, he wishes that the moment he came out of it he had expired, and is displeased because it was not so, see ( Jeremiah 20:17 ) ( Hosea 9:11 ) ; thus what is the special favour of Providence, to be taken out of the womb alive, and preserved, he wishes not to have enjoyed, see ( Psalms 22:9 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F14 (Mxrm) (en koilia) , Sept. "in vulva", V. L. "aut, in utero", Beza, Mercerus, Cocceius, Junius, Michaelis; so R. Abraham Peritzol, and Simeon Bar Tzemach.

Job 3:11 In-Context

9 May its morning stars become dark; may it wait for daylight in vain and not see the first rays of dawn,
10 for it did not shut the doors of the womb on me to hide trouble from my eyes.
11 “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?
12 Why were there knees to receive me and breasts that I might be nursed?
13 For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest

Cross References 1

  • 1. S ver 3; Job 10:18
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