CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 10:20 Are my days not few? Withdraw from me, that I may have a little comfort,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/10-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/18_Job_10_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 10:20 - Job's Plea to God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Are my days not few? Withdraw from me, that I may have a little comfort," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/10-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/10-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/10.htm">Chapter 10</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/10-19.htm" title="Job 10:19">◄</a> Job 10:20 <a href="/job/10-21.htm" title="Job 10:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Are not my few days almost over? Turn away from me so I can have a moment&#8217s joy<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I have only a few days left, so leave me alone, that I may have a moment of comfort<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Are not my days few? Then cease, and leave me alone, that I may find a little cheer<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Are my days not few? Withdraw from me, that I may have a little comfort,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>Are</i> not my days few? cease <i>then, and</i> let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Are not my days few? Cease! Leave me alone, that I may take a little comfort,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Would He not leave my few days alone? Withdraw from me so that I may have a little cheerfulness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Would He not let my few days alone? Withdraw from me that I may have a little cheer<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Would He not let my few days alone? Withdraw from me that I may have a little cheer<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Would He not cease for a few of my days? Withdraw from me that I may have a little cheer<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Would He not let my few days alone, Withdraw from me that I may have a little cheer<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Are my days not few? Stop it! Leave me alone, so that I can smile a little<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Are my days not few? Stop it! Leave me alone, so that I can smile a little <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Are not my days few? cease then, And let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I have only a few days left. Why don't you leave me alone? Let me find some relief, * <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />" 'Isn't my life short enough? So stop [this], and leave me alone. Let me smile a little<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Isn't my life almost over? Leave me alone! Let me enjoy the time I have left. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />My days are so few, aren't they? So leave me alone, then, so I can smile a little<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Are my days not few? Withdraw from me, that I may have a little comfort,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Are not my days few? Cease, then, and leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Aren't my days few? Cease then. Leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Aren’t my days few? Stop! Leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Are my days not few? Cease then, and put from me, "" And I brighten up a little,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Are not my days few? Cease then, and put from me, And I brighten up a little,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Is it not my days few? He will cease; he will turn from me, and I shall be cheerful a little,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Shall not the fewness of my days be ended shortly? suffer me, therefore, that I may lament my sorrow a little: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Will not my few days be completed soon? Release me, therefore, so that I may lament my sorrows a little,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Are not my days few? Stop! Let me alone, that I may recover a little <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Are not the days of my life few? Let me alone, that I may find a little comfort<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The days of my life are few; let me alone, that I may be quiet and rest a little<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Few are the days of my life. Depart from me and I shall be quiet and I shall be comforted a little<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Are not my days few? Cease then, And let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Is not the time of my life short? suffer me to rest a little,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/10-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=1623" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/10.htm">Job's Plea to God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>If only I had never come to be, but had been carried from the womb to the grave. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·may (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">Are my days</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4592.htm" title="4592: mə·‘aṭ (Adj-ms) -- A little, fewness, a few. Or miat; from ma'at; a little or few.">few?</a> <a href="/hebrew/2308.htm" title="2308: yɛḥ·då̄l (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To cease. A primitive root; properly, to be flabby, i.e. desist; be lacking or idle.">Withdraw</a> <a href="/hebrew/7896.htm" title="7896: yå̄·šīṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To put, set. A primitive root; to place."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nî (Prep:: 1cs) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1082.htm" title="1082: wə·’aḇ·lî·ḡāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To gleam, smile. A primitive root; to break off or loose, i.e. Desist or invade.">that I may have a little comfort,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4592.htm" title="4592: mə·‘āṭ (Adj-ms) -- A little, fewness, a few. Or miat; from ma'at; a little or few."></a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>before I go—never to return—to a land of darkness and gloom,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-4.htm">Psalm 39:4-5</a></span><br />“Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. / You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Psalm 90:10</a></span><br />The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:12</a></span><br />For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:9</a></span><br />Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></span><br />You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/102-11.htm">Psalm 102:11</a></span><br />My days are like lengthening shadows, and I wither away like grass.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/144-4.htm">Psalm 144:4</a></span><br />Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/38-12.htm">Isaiah 38:12</a></span><br />My dwelling has been picked up and removed from me like a shepherd’s tent. I have rolled up my life like a weaver; He cuts me off from the loom; from day until night You make an end of me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/14-1.htm">Job 14:1-2</a></span><br />“Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. / Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-15.htm">Psalm 103:15-16</a></span><br />As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; / when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6-8</a></span><br />A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/29-15.htm">1 Chronicles 29:15</a></span><br />For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23-24</a></span><br />I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. / But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">2 Corinthians 5:1-4</a></span><br />For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. / For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, / because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,</p><p class="hdg">my days few</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/7-6.htm">Job 7:6,7,16</a></b></br> My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9</a></b></br> (For we <i>are but of</i> yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth <i>are</i> a shadow:)</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/9-25.htm">Job 9:25,26</a></b></br> Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good… </p><p class="hdg">cease</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/7-17.htm">Job 7:17-21</a></b></br> What <i>is</i> man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-21.htm">Job 13:21</a></b></br> Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/39-13.htm">Psalm 39:13</a></b></br> O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/25-3.htm">Almost</a> <a href="/job/9-8.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/job/9-27.htm">Brighten</a> <a href="/job/7-16.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/job/9-27.htm">Cheer</a> <a href="/job/9-27.htm">Comfort</a> <a href="/job/10-4.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-4.htm">Few</a> <a href="/job/9-14.htm">Find</a> <a href="/job/9-25.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/job/9-27.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/esther/9-5.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-2.htm">Revive</a> <a href="/job/8-7.htm">Small</a> <a href="/job/10-9.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/job/9-13.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/job/9-13.htm">Withdraw</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/32-19.htm">Almost</a> <a href="/job/13-13.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/psalms/39-13.htm">Brighten</a> <a href="/job/14-6.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/psalms/94-19.htm">Cheer</a> <a href="/job/12-5.htm">Comfort</a> <a href="/job/11-4.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/job/14-1.htm">Few</a> <a href="/job/11-7.htm">Find</a> <a href="/job/20-5.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/job/13-13.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/job/13-3.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/job/14-14.htm">Revive</a> <a href="/job/14-19.htm">Small</a> <a href="/job/13-9.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/job/14-6.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/job/13-21.htm">Withdraw</a><div class="vheading2">Job 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/10-1.htm">Job, taking liberty of complaint, expostulates with God about his afflictions</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/10-18.htm">He complains of life, and craves a little ease before death</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Are my days not few?</b><br>Job is expressing the brevity of human life, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (<a href="/psalms/39-4.htm">Psalm 39:4-5</a>, <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>). In the context of Job's suffering, this question underscores his awareness of life's fleeting nature and the urgency of his plea. The ancient Near Eastern understanding of life was often tied to the idea of a predetermined lifespan, which Job feels is rapidly approaching its end. This reflects the human condition and the universal recognition of mortality.<p><b>Withdraw from me,</b><br>Job is asking God for a reprieve from his suffering. This request can be seen as a desire for God to cease His perceived scrutiny and allow Job some peace. In the cultural context of the time, divine presence was often associated with judgment or blessing. Job's plea for withdrawal suggests he feels overwhelmed by what he perceives as divine judgment. This echoes the sentiments found in <a href="/psalms/39-13.htm">Psalm 39:13</a>, where the psalmist also asks for relief from God's gaze.<p><b>that I may have a little comfort,</b><br>Job longs for a brief respite from his afflictions. The word "comfort" here is significant, as it indicates a deep yearning for relief and peace amidst his trials. This desire for comfort is a common human experience, especially in times of intense suffering. Theologically, this can be connected to the comfort offered by God in other parts of Scripture (<a href="/2_corinthians/1-3.htm">2 Corinthians 1:3-4</a>). Job's request highlights the tension between human suffering and divine sovereignty, a theme that runs throughout the book. It also foreshadows the ultimate comfort and rest found in Christ, who offers peace to those who are weary and burdened (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A 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 God's justice.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign Creator, whom Job addresses in his lament, seeking understanding and relief from his suffering.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_suffering.htm">Job's Suffering</a></b><br>The context of this verse is Job's lament over his intense physical and emotional suffering, having lost his wealth, children, and health.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they play a significant role in the surrounding chapters, offering explanations for Job's suffering that he finds unsatisfactory.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/u/uz.htm">Uz</a></b><br>The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_brevity_of_life.htm">The Brevity of Life</a></b><br>Life is short, and Job's lament reminds us to consider the fleeting nature of our existence. This should lead us to live purposefully and in alignment with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_comfort_in_god.htm">Seeking Comfort in God</a></b><br>Job's plea for comfort highlights the human need for divine solace. In times of distress, we should turn to God, who is our ultimate source of comfort and peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_suffering.htm">Understanding Suffering</a></b><br>Job's questioning of his suffering encourages us to seek understanding and wisdom from God when we face trials, rather than relying solely on human reasoning.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_lament.htm">The Importance of Lament</a></b><br>Job's honest expression of his pain teaches us that it is acceptable to bring our deepest emotions and questions before God, trusting in His compassion and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite his suffering, Job's dialogue with God reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty. We are reminded to trust God's plan, even when we do not understand our circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_job_18_align_with_wicked_unpunished.htm">How can Job 18's portrayal of swift divine retribution be reconciled with real-world cases where the wicked seem to escape judgment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_finds_comfort_in_their_sorrow.htm">Who finds comfort in their sorrow?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_23_13-14_imply_predestination.htm">Does Job 23:13-14 suggest predestination, and if so, how does that harmonize with other scriptures that emphasize human free will?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_let_satan_test_job.htm">Job 1:12 - How can a benevolent God allow Satan to inflict suffering on a blameless man as part of a wager?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Cease then, and let me alone.</span>--According to another reading, "Let him cease, and let me alone." In reading this reply of Job's, one cannot but feel that it moves upon the very verge of blasphemy, and is only redeemed therefrom by its pervading reverence and deep undertone of faith. Job never gives up his faith in God, though, like Jacob, he wrestles with Him in the dark, and the issue shows that God is not displeased with such an unburdening of the soul that keeps close to the straight line of truth, which is, after all, one of the many manifestations of God.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Are not my days few? Cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little</span>. Job here returns from vague longings and idle aspirations to actual realities - the facts of the case - and asks, "Is not the time that I now have to live short? Must not my disease make an end of me in a very brief space? If so, then may I not make a request? My petition is that God will 'cease' from me, grant me a respite, 'let me alone' for a short time, remove his heavy hand, and allow me to 'take comfort a little,' recover my strength, and obtain a breathing-space, before my actual end, before the time comes for my descent to Sheol," which is then (vers. 21, 22) described. The parallel with <a href="/psalms/39-13.htm">Psalm 39:13</a> is striking. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/10-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Are my days</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמַ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(yā·may)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲלֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(hă·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">few?</span><br /><span class="heb">מְעַ֣ט</span> <span class="translit">(mə·‘aṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4592.htm">Strong's 4592: </a> </span><span class="str2">A little, fewness, a few</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Withdraw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַחֲדָ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(wa·ḥă·ḏāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2308.htm">Strong's 2308: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from me,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that I may have a little comfort,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַבְלִ֥יגָה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’aḇ·lî·ḡāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1082.htm">Strong's 1082: </a> </span><span class="str2">To break off, loose, desist, invade</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/10-20.htm">Job 10:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/10-20.htm">Job 10:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/10-20.htm">Job 10:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/10-20.htm">Job 10:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/10-20.htm">Job 10:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/10-20.htm">Job 10:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/10-20.htm">Job 10:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/10-20.htm">Job 10:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/10-20.htm">Job 10:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/10-20.htm">Job 10:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/10-20.htm">OT Poetry: Job 10:20 Aren't my days few? Cease then (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/10-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 10:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 10:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/10-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 10:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 10:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>