Old Testament
Job 3:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
As for that night — let darkness seize it. Let it not be joined to the days of the year; let it not come into the number of the months.
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As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.
What Job 3:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 3:6, Job expresses a deep sense of despair and wishes that the night of his birth would be erased from time. He desires that this night, which brought him into a life filled with suffering, should not be counted among the days and months of the year. This reflects his profound grief and the feeling that his existence has been overshadowed by pain. Job's plea for darkness to seize the night symbolizes his wish for oblivion and a desire to escape the harsh realities of life. He feels that if this night could be forgotten, it would somehow lessen his suffering. This verse captures the intensity of Job's emotional turmoil and his struggle with the meaning of his existence amidst his suffering.
How to apply Job 3:6 to your life
Job's lament reminds us of the importance of acknowledging our pain and struggles. In moments of deep sorrow, it can be helpful to express our feelings honestly, whether through prayer, journaling, or talking with someone we trust. This can lead to healing and understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Job Curses His Day (Job 3:1–26)
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Job
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 3:6 mean?
Job 3:6 expresses Job's deep despair as he wishes that the night of his birth could be erased from existence. He feels that this night, which marked the beginning of his suffering, should not be counted among the days and months of the year.
What is the significance of darkness in Job 3:6?
In Job 3:6, darkness symbolizes Job's desire for oblivion and his wish to escape the pain of his life. By wishing for darkness to seize the night of his birth, he conveys his profound grief and hopelessness.
How does Job 3:6 relate to themes of suffering?
Job 3:6 relates to suffering by illustrating Job's intense pain and his desire to negate the very moment that led to his hardships. It emphasizes the depth of his anguish and the impact of suffering on his perception of life.
What can we learn from Job 3:6?
From Job 3:6, we learn the importance of acknowledging our pain and expressing our feelings. Job's lament serves as a reminder that it's okay to confront our struggles and seek understanding in times of deep sorrow.
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