Job 3:12 kjv — Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?

King James Version

"Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?"

— Job 3:12, King James Version

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Job 3:12 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Job 3 — Context

9

Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light, but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the day:

10

Because it shut not up the doors of my mother’s womb, nor hid sorrow from mine eyes.

11

Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?

12

Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?

13

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

14

With kings and counsellors of the earth, which built desolate places for themselves;

15

Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver:

Job 3:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Job 3:12 say?
Job 3:12 in the King James Version reads: “Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?”
Where is Job 3:12 in the Bible?
Job 3:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Job, chapter 3, verse 12.
Who wrote Job?
Job is traditionally attributed to Anonymous; among the oldest books of the Bible. It was written Unknown; possibly c. 2000–1800 BC, with composition c. 1400–500 BC.
What is the book of Job about?
Job is the ancient story of a righteous man stripped of everything he has, and the four friends who try and fail to explain his suffering. When God finally speaks, he does not answer the "why" — he reveals himself, and Job worships from a place deeper than his pain.
What are the major themes of Job?
Job explores themes including Suffering, Sovereignty, Faith Under Trial, Wisdom, God's Majesty. These themes shape the meaning and context of Job 3:12.
What translation should I read Job 3:12 in?
Job 3:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Job 3:12?
Job 3:12 reads (KJV): “Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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