Job 10:21
Job 10:21 in Multiple Translations
before I go—never to return— to a land of darkness and gloom,
Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death;
Before I go whence I shall not return, Even to the land of darkness and of the shadow of death;
Before I go to the place from which I will not come back, to the land where all is dark and black,
before I go to where I shall never return from, the land of darkness and the shadow of death—
Before I goe and shall not returne, euen to the land of darkenesse and shadow of death:
Before I go, and return not, Unto a land of darkness and death-shade,
before I go where I will not return from, to the land of darkness and of the shadow of death;
Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness, and the shades of death;
Before I go, and return no more, to a land that is dark and covered with the mist of death:
before I go to the place from which I will never return, where it is always gloomy and very dark [DOU],
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 10:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 10:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/טֶ֣רֶם
אֵ֭לֵךְ
וְ/לֹ֣א
אָשׁ֑וּב
אֶל
אֶ֖רֶץ
חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
וְ/צַלְמָֽוֶת
בְּ/טֶ֣רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
before
Prep | Adv
אֵ֭לֵךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אָשׁ֑וּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
וְ/צַלְמָֽוֶת
tsalmâveth
H6757
shadow
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 10:21
בְּ/טֶ֣רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
"before"
Prep | Adv
This word indicates something has not happened yet, or it happened before something else. It is used to show timing or sequence of events, translated as before, ere, or not yet in the KJV.
Definition: before, not yet, before that
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: before, ere, not yet. See also: Genesis 2:5; 2 Kings 6:32; Psalms 5:6.
אֵ֭לֵךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָשׁ֑וּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
וְ/צַלְמָֽוֶת
tsalmâveth
H6757
"shadow"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a shadow of death, or a place of deep darkness and distress, like the grave. It appears in the Bible as a metaphor for extreme danger or calamity. In the KJV, it is translated as 'shadow of death'.
Definition: 1) death-shadow, deep shadow, deep darkness, shadow of death 1a) death-shadow 1b) death-shadow, deep shadow, darkness 1c) death-shadow (of distress, extreme danger) (fig) 1d) death-shadow (of place of the dead) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: shadow of death. See also: Job 3:5; Job 38:17; Psalms 23:4.
Study Notes — Job 10:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 10:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 10:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 10:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 10:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 10:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 10:21
- Cambridge Bible on Job 10:21
- Barnes' Notes on Job 10:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 10:21
- Sermons on Job 10:21
Context — Job’s Plea to God
19If only I had never come to be, but had been carried from the womb to the grave.
20Are my days not few? Withdraw from me, that I may have a little comfort,
21before I go—never to return— to a land of darkness and gloom,
22to a land of utter darkness, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 3:5 | May darkness and gloom reclaim it, and a cloud settle over it; may the blackness of the day overwhelm it. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 12:23 | But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” |
| 3 | Job 16:22 | For when only a few years are past I will go the way of no return. |
| 4 | Job 7:8–10 | The eye that beholds me will no longer see me. You will look for me, but I will be no more. As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come back up. He never returns to his house; his place remembers him no more. |
| 5 | Psalms 23:4 | Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 14:14 | For surely we will die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him. |
| 7 | Job 14:10–14 | But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last, and where is he? As water disappears from the sea and a river becomes parched and dry, so a man lies down and does not rise. Until the heavens are no more, he will not be awakened or roused from sleep. If only You would hide me in Sheol and conceal me until Your anger has passed! If only You would appoint a time for me and then remember me! When a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, until my renewal comes. |
| 8 | Job 3:13 | For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest |
| 9 | Psalms 88:11–12 | Can Your loving devotion be proclaimed in the grave, Your faithfulness in Abaddon ? Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion? |
| 10 | Psalms 88:6 | You have laid me in the lowest Pit, in the darkest of the depths. |
Job 10:21 Summary
[Job 10:21 means that Job feels like his life is short and he will soon be going to a place of darkness and sadness, which he calls the afterlife. This verse shows us that Job is aware of what happens after we die, and it makes him think about how short his life is, as stated in James 4:14. Job's words also remind us that our time on earth is limited, and we should make the most of it, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:16. By trusting in God's love and sovereignty, we can face the darkness of this life with hope and confidence in our eternal future.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Job mean by 'a land of darkness and gloom' in Job 10:21?
Job is referring to the afterlife, a place where he believes he will go after he dies, which is devoid of light and joy, much like the description in Psalm 88:12, where the psalmist describes the grave as a place of darkness and forgetfulness.
Is Job's statement in Job 10:21 a statement of faith or despair?
Job's statement in Job 10:21 can be seen as a statement of despair, as he is expressing his feelings of hopelessness and desperation in the face of his suffering, but it also reveals his awareness of the afterlife, which is a biblical concept supported by verses like Ecclesiastes 12:7 and 2 Corinthians 5:8.
How does Job 10:21 relate to the concept of heaven and hell?
Job 10:21 does not explicitly mention heaven or hell, but it implies that Job believes in an afterlife, which is a concept that is developed further in the Bible, such as in Daniel 12:2-3 and Revelation 20:15, where the afterlife is described as a place of either eternal joy or eternal punishment.
What can we learn from Job's emotions in Job 10:21?
Job's emotions in Job 10:21 show us that it is normal to feel overwhelmed and desperate in times of suffering, but we can also learn from his example to express our feelings honestly to God, as the Psalmist does in Psalm 42:11, and to trust in God's sovereignty and love, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that make me feel like I am walking in darkness and gloom, and how can I bring them before God in prayer?
- How does my understanding of the afterlife shape my perspective on my current struggles and suffering?
- In what ways can I, like Job, express my honest feelings to God, and what can I learn from his example of faith and trust in the midst of adversity?
- How can I balance my awareness of the darkness and difficulties of this life with the hope and joy of my eternal future in Christ, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18?
Gill's Exposition on Job 10:21
Before I go [whence] I shall not return,.... Before he went out of the world, the way of all flesh, to the grave, his long home, from whence there is no return to this world, and to the business and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 10:21
Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 10:21
To the place whence I shall not return into this world and life: see ,10. Darkness and the shadow of death, i.e. a dark and dismal shade: See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Job 10:21
Job 10:21 Before I go [whence] I shall not return, [even] to the land of darkness and the shadow of death;Ver. 21. Before I go whence I shall not return] Before I go out of this world, never more to return hither to enjoy the comforts that are here to be had. Death is a departure hence, 1 Peter 1:15 Luke 9:31. And so the ancients (Irenaeus, Clement, and others) used to call it. I shall change my place, but not my company, said that dying saint who had here walked with God in uprightness, and was now to bid adieu to all worldly interests (Tertul.). The old Romans were wont to say of a dead friend, Abiit, et reversurus est, He is gone, and will come again. It seems hereby that they had some dark notions of a resurrection; whence also their poets called a dead body a soul; - animamque sepulchro condimus (Virg. Æneid). The Hebrews did the like, Numbers 5:2; Numbers 9:10; Numbers 19:11 Haggai 2:13-14, as having a more sure word of prophecy; and Job was clear in this point, firmly believing in the resurrection of his body, Job 19:26-27. It must needs be therefore that he speaks here of not returning into this world. See the like, Job 16:22 Psalms 39:13 2 Samuel 12:23.
Even to the land of darkness, &c.]
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 10:21
Verse 21. I shall not return] I shall not return again from the dust to have a dwelling among men. To the land of darkness] See Clarke on Job 3:5. There are here a crowd of obscure and dislocated terms, admirably expressive of the obscurity and uncertainty of the subject. What do we know of the state of separate spirits? What do we know of the spiritual world? How do souls exist separate from their respective bodies? Of what are they capable and what is their employment? Who can answer these questions? Perhaps nothing can be said much better of the state than is here said, a land of obscurity, like darkness.
The shadow of death] A place where death rules, over which he projects his shadow, intercepting every light of every kind of life. Without any order, ולא סדרים velo sedarim, having no arrangements, no distinctions of inhabitants; the poor and the rich are there, the master and his slave, the king and the beggar, their bodies in equal corruption and disgrace, their souls distinguished only by their moral character. Stripped of their flesh, they stand in their naked simplicity before God in that place.
Cambridge Bible on Job 10:21
20–22. He begs for a little easing of his pain ere he departs to the land of darkness. are not my days few] The same argument as ch. Job 7:16. cease then, and let me alone] Another reading is, let him cease then, &c. In the last case the speaker turns away from God and speaks of Him. In the rest of the chapter, however, Job everywhere addresses God. take comfort] The same word as ch. Job 9:27, brighten up.
Barnes' Notes on Job 10:21
Before I go - from where “I shall not return.” To the grave, to the land of shades, to “That undiscovered country, from whose bourne No traveler returns.” To the land of darkness - This passage is
Whedon's Commentary on Job 10:21
21. Whence I shall not return —The undiscovered country, from whose bourne No traveller returns. — Hamlet, Job 3:1.
Sermons on Job 10:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Our Daily Homily - Job by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of Job, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against temptation during times of festivity and the necessity of prayer and intercession for loved |
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The Land of Darkness and the Shadow of Death. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the contrast between the ancient understanding of death as a land of darkness and the Christian hope of eternal life and light through Jesus Christ. He empha |
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Job, 1975 Part 2 by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various aspects of God's creation, focusing on animals such as hawks, peacocks, and unicorns. The preacher emphasizes God's power and wisdom |
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Matthew 2:16-18. the Slaughter of the Babies. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the dreadful cruelty of Herod, who ordered the slaughter of innocent babies in Bethlehem, causing unimaginable anguish to their mothers. Despite the |
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On Mourning the Dead by John Wesley | John Wesley preaches on the theme of mourning the dead, using the example of King David's response to the death of his son. He emphasizes the futility of excessive grief, arguing t |
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Mourning Over the Past by William MacDonald | William MacDonald emphasizes the necessity of moving on from mourning over the past, as illustrated by God's command to Samuel to stop grieving for Saul, whom He had rejected as ki |
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Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus |