Job 15:23
Job 15:23 in Multiple Translations
He wanders about as food for vultures; he knows the day of darkness is at hand.
He wandereth abroad for bread, saying, Where is it? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.
He wandereth abroad for bread, saying, Where is it? He knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.
He is wandering about in search of bread, saying, Where is it? and he is certain that the day of trouble is ready for him:
They wander around looking for food, asking ‘Where is it?’ They know that their day of darkness is close at hand.
He wandreth to and from for bread where he may: he knoweth that the day of darkenesse is prepared at hande.
He is wandering for bread — 'Where [is] it?' He hath known that ready at his hand Is a day of darkness.
He wanders abroad for bread, saying, ‘Where is it?’ He knows that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.
He wandereth abroad for bread, saying , Where is it ? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.
When he moveth himself to seek bread, he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.
They wander around, searching for food, saying ‘Where can I find some?’ And they know that they will soon experience disasters.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 15:23
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 15:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נֹ֘דֵ֤ד
ה֣וּא
לַ/לֶּ֣חֶם
אַיֵּ֑ה
יָדַ֓ע
כִּֽי
נָכ֖וֹן
בְּ/יָד֣/וֹ
יֽוֹם
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
נֹ֘דֵ֤ד
nâdad
H5074
to wander
V-Qal
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לַ/לֶּ֣חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
Prep | N-cs
אַיֵּ֑ה
ʼayêh
H346
where?
Part
יָדַ֓ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נָכ֖וֹן
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal
בְּ/יָד֣/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
יֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 15:23
נֹ֘דֵ֤ד
nâdad
H5074
"to wander"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to wander or flee, and is used in the Bible to describe people moving from place to place, like the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 14:3. It can also mean to chase someone away or to flutter like a bird.
Definition: 1) to retreat, flee, depart, move, wander abroad, stray, flutter 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to retreat, flee 1a2) to flee, depart 1a3) to wander, stray 1a4) to flutter (of birds) 1b) (Poal) to flee away, be chased 1c) (Hiphil) to chase away 1d) (Hophal) to be chased away 1e) (Hithpolel) to flee away Aramaic equivalent: ne.dad (נְדַד "to flee" H5075)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: chase (away), [idiom] could not, depart, flee ([idiom] apace, away), (re-) move, thrust away, wander (abroad, -er, -ing). See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 16:2; Psalms 31:12.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לַ/לֶּ֣חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
אַיֵּ֑ה
ʼayêh
H346
"where?"
Part
The Hebrew word for where, used to ask for the location of someone or something. It appears in various biblical contexts, including rhetorical questions.
Definition: 1) where? 1a) of persons, things 1b) rhetorical
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: where. See also: Genesis 18:9; Isaiah 33:18; Psalms 42:4.
יָדַ֓ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נָכ֖וֹן
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Niphal
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
בְּ/יָד֣/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
יֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
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.
Study Notes — Job 15:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 15:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 15:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 15:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:23
- Cambridge Bible on Job 15:23
- Barnes' Notes on Job 15:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 15:23
- Sermons on Job 15:23
Context — Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God
21Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him.
22He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword.
23He wanders about as food for vultures; he knows the day of darkness is at hand.
24Distress and anguish terrify him, overwhelming him like a king poised to attack. 25For he has stretched out his hand against God and has vaunted himself against the Almighty,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 109:10 | May his children wander as beggars, seeking sustenance far from their ruined homes. |
| 2 | Psalms 59:15 | They scavenge for food, and growl if they are not satisfied. |
| 3 | Job 18:12 | His strength is depleted, and calamity is ready at his side. |
| 4 | Amos 5:20 | Will not the Day of the LORD be darkness and not light, even gloom with no brightness in it? |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 11:8 | So if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is futile. |
| 6 | Zephaniah 1:15 | That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, |
| 7 | Genesis 4:12 | When you till the ground, it will no longer yield its produce to you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” |
| 8 | Job 18:5–6 | Indeed, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow. The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him goes out. |
| 9 | Joel 2:2 | a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come. |
| 10 | Job 30:3–4 | Gaunt from poverty and hunger, they gnawed the dry land, and the desolate wasteland by night. They plucked mallow among the shrubs, and the roots of the broom tree were their food. |
Job 15:23 Summary
This verse, Job 15:23, is saying that someone who rejects God will end up in a desperate situation, feeling completely helpless and alone, like a carcass being eaten by vultures. It's a warning that our choices have consequences, and rejecting God can lead to darkness and suffering, as seen in other parts of the Bible, like Amos 5:18. However, as we see in Psalm 91:4, God offers us refuge and protection if we seek Him and trust in His love. By turning to God and acknowledging our need for Him, we can avoid the kind of desperation described in Job 15:23 and find peace and hope instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to wander about as food for vultures?
This phrase is a metaphor for being utterly helpless and vulnerable, much like a carcass being scavenged by vultures, as seen in Job 15:23, and reminds us of the fate of those who reject God, as in Proverbs 30:17.
What is the day of darkness mentioned in this verse?
The day of darkness refers to a time of intense suffering, judgment, or hardship, as also described in Amos 5:18 and Zephaniah 1:15, where God's wrath is poured out on those who have rejected Him.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Job?
This verse fits into the larger discussion of suffering and God's sovereignty, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of humility, as seen in Job 42:2-3, where Job acknowledges God's power and his own limitations.
What can we learn from the image of the vultures in this verse?
The image of vultures serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of sin and the importance of seeking refuge in God, as in Psalm 91:4, where we are told that God will cover us with His feathers and under His wings we will find refuge.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm wandering about, searching for direction or purpose, and how can I apply the lessons from Job 15:23 to those situations?
- How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of the presence of God in my life, even in the midst of darkness or uncertainty, as hinted at in Job 15:23?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and surrender to God's sovereignty, especially when faced with difficulties or hardships, as Job ultimately does in Job 42:2-3?
- What are some practical steps I can take to seek refuge in God, as encouraged in Psalm 91:4, and to trust in His goodness and love, even when circumstances seem overwhelming?
Gill's Exposition on Job 15:23
He wandereth abroad for bread,.... Either as a plunderer and robber, he roves about to increase his worldly power and substance; or rather, being reduced to poverty, wanders about from place to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:23
He wandereth abroad for bread, saying, Where is it? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand. Wandereth in anxious search for bread.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:23
His poverty is so great, that he is forced to wander hither and thither to seek for bread, and cannot find it. A just punishment for him that took away the bread and substance of others by violence. He knoweth; he is assured of it from his own guilty conscience. The day of darkness, i.e. the time of his total, and irrecoverable, and everlasting destruction. Is ready at his hand, i.e. ready to seize upon him, or take him by the hand or shoulder like a serjeant to arrest him. The words may well he rendered, was prepared by his hand, i.e. by his works or actions; which being most commonly done with the hand, are oft called by that name, as 12:24. So the sense is, He is conscious to himself that by his wicked life he hath prepared and stored up calamities and destruction for himself, and therefore he expected nothing less.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:23
Job 15:23 He wandereth abroad for bread, [saying], Where [is it]? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.Ver. 23. He wandereth abroad for bread, saying, Where is it?] He is hard put to it for necessaries, and would be glad of a piece of bread, as 1 Samuel 2:5; 1 Samuel 2:36. This was the case of Pythias, once so rich, that he entertained a million men (even Xerxes’ whole huge host) for three days’ time at his own proper charge; but afterwards so poor, that he died through hunger (Herodot.). And the like befell Gillimer, king of Vandals, of whom the story is told, that being overcome and beleaguered by Belisarius, he sent to him for a sponge to dry his tears, a cittern to ease his grief, and a piece of bread to save his life. Belisarius himself was afterwards glad to beg for his bread. And Henry IV, emperor of Germany, after ten years’ reign, was deposed and driven to the like exigent; whereupon he is said to have made use of those words of Job, Job 19:21, "Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends, for the hand of God hath touched me." And there is no doubt but Eliphaz glanceth at Job in all these expressions, as if he were the man whom he here describeth with much eloquence, but small charity. He knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand] His conscience telleth him that he is not yet at worst; he knows in himself, say the Septuagint, that further evil shall be upon him, that his misery is inevitable, and next door; and this knowledge being full of fear, is also full of torment; it is even hell aforehand, and above ground.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 15:23
(23) He wandereth abroad for bread.—This is one of the points in which the picture seems inconsistent, because overdrawn, except that forage as well as plunder may be the object of marauding raids.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:23
Verse 23. He wandereth abroad for bread] He is reduced to a state of the utmost indigence, he who was once in affluence requires a morsel of bread, and can scarcely by begging procure enough to sustain life. Is ready at his hand.] Is בידו beyado, in his hand - in his possession. As he cannot get bread, he must soon meet death.
Cambridge Bible on Job 15:23
23. He anticipates the time when he shall be a hungry wanderer, roving in search of bread and crying, Where is it? The picture of the rich oppressor tormented by visions of famine is very graphic. ready at hand] Or, at his side; the dark day of calamity stands constantly beside him ready to envelop him in its shadows. Such is his own foreboding (“he knows”).
Barnes' Notes on Job 15:23
He wandereth abroad for bread - The Septuagint renders this, “he is destined to be food for vultures” - κατατέτακταιδὲεἰςσῖταγυψίν katatetaktai de eis sitos gupsin.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 15:23
23. Where is it — àåä. This word, differently pointed, may signify vulture, (γρυψιν, Septuagint,) which leads Merx to render the passage, “He wanders about to be the food of vultures.” Better the
Sermons on Job 15:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Way of Cain by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on God's defense rather than trying to defend oneself. He refers to the story of Moses and the rebellion of Korah, |
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The Last Day Return to Discernment - Part 2 by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and agreement among believers. He quotes from Psalm 50:22, warning those who forget God that they will face conseque |
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(Genesis) Genesis 4-5:10 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the early days of the earth after the fall, describing a pristine state with 50-foot ferns and a sense of safety for children. The speaker i |
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(A Spiritual Leader) 6. Broken Through Submission by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes that a true spiritual leader is a broken man, shaped through submission to authority, much like Jesus who submitted to Joseph and Mary. He explains the import |
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Corporate Confession and Repentance - Part 1 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scenario of a young girl getting married to an older man, emphasizing the importance of finding the right partner in God's eyes. |