Job 3:21

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;

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?

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
who long for death that does not come, and search for it like hidden treasure,
KJV
Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;
WEB
who long for death, but it doesn’t come; and dig for it more than for hidden treasures,
ASV
Who long for death, but it cometh not, And dig for it more than for hid treasures;
DARBY
Who long for death, and it [cometh] not, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures;
BLB
those waiting for death and there is none, and those digging for it more than hidden treasures,
ÅB
dem som venter på døden uten at den kommer, og som leter etter den ivrigere enn etter skjulte skatter,
OTB
til de som lengter etter døden, men den kommer ikke,
og graver etter den mer enn etter skjulte skatter,
B1930
dem som venter på døden uten at den kommer, og som leter efter den ivrigere enn efter skjulte skatter,

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Revelation 9:6

    And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 2:4

    If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

    Read in context
  • Numbers 11:15

    And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

    Read in context
  • Jonah 4:8

    And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.

    Read in context
  • 1 Kings 19:4

    But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

    Read in context
  • Jonah 4:3

    Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.

    Read in context