Job 3:24 - Exposition

For my sighing cometh before I eat literally, before my meat ; i.e. "more early and more constantly than my food" (Professor Lee). And my roarings are poured out . The word translated "roaring" is used primarily of the roar of a lion ( Zechariah 11:3 ; comp. Amos 3:8 ); secondarily, of the loud cries uttered by men who suffer pain (see Psalms 22:1 ; Psalms 32:4 ). (On the loud cries of Orientals when suffering from grief or pain, see the comment on Job 2:12 .) Like the waters; i.e. freely and copiously, without let or stint. Perhaps the loud sound of rushing water is also alluded to.