who rejoice and greatly exultThis phrase captures the paradoxical reaction of those who find relief in death. In the context of Job's lament, it reflects the depth of his suffering and despair. The idea of rejoicing in death is counterintuitive to the natural human instinct for self-preservation, highlighting the extremity of Job's anguish. Biblically, this sentiment echoes the despair found in other scriptures, such as
Ecclesiastes 4:2-3, where the Preacher considers the dead more fortunate than the living. Theologically, it underscores the fallen state of the world and the suffering that can lead one to view death as a release. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament's promise of eternal rest and joy in Christ, contrasting the temporary relief Job seeks.
when they reach the grave?
The grave, or "Sheol" in Hebrew, is often depicted in the Old Testament as a shadowy place of rest for the dead, devoid of the suffering experienced in life. In Job's cultural and historical context, reaching the grave was seen as the end of earthly troubles. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of death as a final escape from life's hardships. Theologically, the grave is a precursor to the Christian understanding of death and resurrection, where the grave is not the end but a transition to eternal life through Jesus Christ. This phrase connects to the hope found in scriptures like1 Corinthians 15:55, where death's sting is overcome through Christ's victory.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.
2.
The GraveIn this context, the grave symbolizes a place of rest and escape from suffering. Job is expressing a deep longing for relief from his pain, even if it means death.
3.
Job's LamentThis chapter is part of Job's lament, where he curses the day of his birth and expresses a desire for death as a release from his suffering.
Teaching Points
Understanding SufferingJob's lament highlights the depth of human suffering and the natural desire for relief. It is important to acknowledge and validate the pain that people experience.
The Hope Beyond DespairWhile Job expresses a desire for death, Christians are reminded of the hope found in Christ, who offers eternal life and ultimate relief from suffering.
Empathy and SupportJob's friends initially come to comfort him, though they later fail in their approach. This teaches us the importance of offering genuine empathy and support to those who are suffering.
The Value of LifeDespite Job's despair, the broader biblical account affirms the value of life and the purpose God has for each individual, even in the midst of suffering.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 3:22?
2.How does Job 3:22 reflect Job's emotional state during his suffering?
3.What can we learn from Job's longing for death in Job 3:22?
4.How does Job 3:22 connect with Philippians 1:21 on life and death?
5.How can Job 3:22 guide us in comforting others facing despair?
6.What practical steps can we take when feeling overwhelmed, as Job did?
7.Why does Job 3:22 express joy in death rather than life?
8.How does Job 3:22 challenge the belief in life's inherent value?
9.What historical context influenced Job's despair in Job 3:22?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 3?
11.Does the despair expressed in Job 3 contradict later biblical accounts (e.g., James 5:11) that describe Job as patient and steadfast?
12.How do these verses in Job 25 reconcile with other biblical texts that affirm human worth and righteousness through faith (e.g., Romans 3:22)?
13.In Job 22:5, Eliphaz accuses Job of great wickedness, yet Job 1:1 calls him blameless; how do we resolve this apparent contradiction?
14.In Job 10:7, Job insists he is innocent--does this conflict with the broader biblical teaching that all have sinned?What Does Job 3:22 Mean
whoJob is speaking of a specific group—people like himself who are suffering so intensely that death seems preferable to life. •Job 3:11 “Why was I not hidden like a stillborn child…?” shows Job counting himself among them. • Elijah (1 Kings 19:4) and Jonah (Jonah 4:3) echo this longing. •Psalm 88:3 “For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol” underscores that faithful believers can feel this depth of despair without losing their faith.
rejoiceThe word pictures an eruption of relief, not celebration of evil. •Revelation 14:13 affirms “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord,” hinting that rest is a divine gift. • InPhilippians 1:23 Paul “desires to depart and be with Christ,” showing that longing for release can coexist with trust in God’s purposes. • Job’s lament is therefore honest grief, not rebellion.
and greatly exultThis intensifies the idea: their gladness is abundant because they expect an end to misery. •Isaiah 57:1–2 explains, “the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil; they enter into peace,” affirming that death can usher God’s people into rest. •2 Corinthians 5:8 “to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord” reveals the ultimate ground for such exultation. • Even Old Testament saints like Job sensed that beyond the grave lay comfort (Job 19:25–27).
when they reach the graveThe grave (Sheol) is viewed here as the gateway to relief, not annihilation. •Psalm 23:4 promises God’s presence “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” indicating divine companionship beyond death. •Hebrews 2:15 says Christ frees “those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death,” turning the grave from foe to doorway. • For Job, the grave ends current suffering (Job 3:17 “There the wicked cease from raging, and there the weary are at rest”).
summaryJob 3:22 voices the heartfelt sigh of sufferers who, trusting God yet crushed by pain, see the grave as welcome relief. They “rejoice and greatly exult” not because they despise life but because they anticipate God-given rest beyond death’s door. Scripture consistently confirms that for the righteous, death terminates earthly anguish and ushers in peace with the Lord, allowing even the most distressed believer to look toward that moment with profound, if bittersweet, joy.
Verse 22. -
Which rejoice exceedingly; literally, to
exultation or "to dancing;"
i.e. so that they almost dance with joy.
And are glad, when they can find the grave. Job speaks as if he knew of such cases; and, no doubt, the fact of suicide proves that among men there are some who prefer to die rather than live. But suicides are seldom altogether in possession of their senses. Of sane men it may be doubted whether one in a thousand, however miserable, really wishes to die, or is "glad when he can find the grave." In such thoughts as those to which Job here gives expression there is something morbid and unreal.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
who rejoiceהַשְּׂמֵחִ֥ים(haś·śə·mê·ḥîm)Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 8055:To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesomeand greatlyגִ֑יל(ḡîl)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1524:A revolution, joyexultיָ֝שִׂ֗ישׂוּ(yā·śî·śū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7797:To be bright, cheerfulwhenכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthey can findיִמְצְאוּ־(yim·ṣə·’ū-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be presentthe grave?קָֽבֶר׃(qā·ḇer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6913:A grave, sepulcher
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OT Poetry: Job 3:22 Who rejoice exceedingly and are glad when (Jb) 
