Job 3:20 kjv — Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;

King James Version

"Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;"

— Job 3:20, King James Version

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Job 3:20 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Job 3 — Context

17

There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.

18

There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.

19

The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.

20

Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;

21

Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;

22

Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?

23

Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?

Job 3:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Job 3:20 say?
Job 3:20 in the King James Version reads: “Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;”
Where is Job 3:20 in the Bible?
Job 3:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Job, chapter 3, verse 20.
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 3:20.
What translation should I read Job 3:20 in?
Job 3:20 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 3:20?
Job 3:20 reads (KJV): “Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;” 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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