What is the meaning of Job 3:13?

For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest,

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Job 3:13 Bible Verse Meaning

Bible Verse Meaning of Job 3:13

In this passage, Job reflects on the desire for death and rest from suffering. The verse reads:

"For now I should have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept; then had I been at rest."

Overview of Job 3:13

This verse appears within the context of Job’s lamentation after experiencing deep affliction. Job is expressing a profound desire for peace and resolution in a life filled with turmoil.

Commentary Insights

In combining insights from several public domain commentaries, the understanding of this verse unfolds in a multifaceted manner:

  • Matthew Henry:

    Matthew Henry suggests that Job’s wish for sleep symbolizes a longing for death as an escape from suffering. He emphasizes the human inclination to seek rest during anguish, highlighting the natural human response to despair.

  • Albert Barnes:

    Albert Barnes interprets this passage as Job’s reflection on his suffering, connecting it to the broader context of life and death. He notes that Job perceives death as a source of relief and peace—a sentiment shared by many who endure prolonged hardship.

  • Adam Clarke:

    Adam Clarke provides an additional layer of meaning, indicating that the notion of rest Job desires can also be interpreted as a state free from the trials of earthly existence. Clarke points out that Job’s lament reflects a profound existential crisis often felt by those stricken with sorrow.

Meaning and Application

This verse allows for significant Bible verse interpretation and Bible study insights. It illustrates the intense emotional state of a man who feels abandoned and in pain. Job's desire for rest can resonate with anyone facing overwhelming struggles.

When applying Bible verse explanations from Job 3:13, individuals can find comfort in knowing that expressing feelings of despair is a part of the human experience. This passage encourages people to seek solace in their faith even amidst suffering.

Related Cross References

  • Psalms 39:13: The psalmist reflects on the brevity of life and the desire for rest.
  • Ecclesiastes 3:20: Emphasizes the inevitability of death and the shared fate of all mankind.
  • Revelation 14:13: Speaks of the blessedness of those who die in the Lord, providing hope in the face of suffering.

Conclusion

Job 3:13 serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles endured by many. Through historical context of Bible verses and careful Biblical exegesis, believers can better understand the depth of anguish and the hope of rest that comes through faith.