Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;
They desperately wish for death, but it doesn't come; they search for it more eagerly than people search for buried treasure.
Job is describing people who are in such deep pain that they desperately want to die, seeking death more passionately than others seek wealth.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from Job's first major speech after losing his children, wealth, and health to devastating tragedies. In ancient times, treasure hunting was a common pursuit, and Job uses this familiar image to show how intensely suffering people can long for relief through death. The book of Job explores the mystery of why good people suffer, a question that troubled people in the ancient Near East just as it does today.
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