Job 19:8
Job 19:8 in Multiple Translations
He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; He has veiled my paths with darkness.
He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.
He hath walled up my way that I cannot pass, And hath set darkness in my paths.
My way is walled up by him so that I may not go by: he has made my roads dark.
God has walled me in so I can't escape; he has plunged my path into darkness.
Hee hath hedged vp my way that I cannot passe, and he hath set darkenesse in my paths.
My way He hedged up, and I pass not over, And on my paths darkness He placeth.
He has walled up my way so that I can’t pass, and has set darkness in my paths.
He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.
He hath hedged in my path round about, and I cannot pass, and in my way he hath set darkness.
It is as though [MET] God has blocked my way, with the result that I cannot go where I want to; it is as though he has forced me to try to find my way in the darkness.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 19:8
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 19:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָרְחִ֣/י
גָ֭דַר
וְ/לֹ֣א
אֶעֱב֑וֹר
וְ/עַ֥ל
נְ֝תִיבוֹתַ֗/י
חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
יָשִֽׂים
אָרְחִ֣/י
ʼôrach
H734
way
N-cs | Suff
גָ֭דַר
gâdar
H1443
to wall up/off
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אֶעֱב֑וֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
נְ֝תִיבוֹתַ֗/י
nâthîyb
H5410
path
N-cp | Suff
חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
יָשִֽׂים
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 19:8
אָרְחִ֣/י
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
N-cs | Suff
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
גָ֭דַר
gâdar
H1443
"to wall up/off"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To wall up or off means to build a barrier around something. This word is used in the Bible to describe the work of masons and the act of closing off or shutting in a place. It is often translated as 'to fence up' or 'to repair'.
Definition: 1) to wall up, wall off, close off, build a wall 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wall up, shut off 1a2) masons (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: close up, fence up, hedge, inclose, make up (a wall), mason, repairer. See also: 2 Kings 12:13; Lamentations 3:9; Isaiah 58:12.
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.
אֶעֱב֑וֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
נְ֝תִיבוֹתַ֗/י
nâthîyb
H5410
"path"
N-cp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a path or road that people walk on, like a beaten track. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, referring to a traveler's journey. The word is used to describe a way or pathway.
Definition: 1) trodden with the feet, path, pathway 2) path, pathway, traveller
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: path(-way), [idiom] travel(-ler), way. See also: Judges 5:6; Proverbs 3:17; Psalms 78:50.
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.
יָשִֽׂים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
Study Notes — Job 19:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 19:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 19:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 19:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 19:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 19:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 19:8
- Cambridge Bible on Job 19:8
- Barnes' Notes on Job 19:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 19:8
- Sermons on Job 19:8
Context — Job: My Redeemer Lives
6then understand that it is God who has wronged me and drawn His net around me.
7Though I cry out, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice.
8He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; He has veiled my paths with darkness.
9He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head. 10He tears me down on every side until I am gone; He uproots my hope like a tree.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamentations 3:7 | He has walled me in so I cannot escape; He has weighed me down with chains. |
| 2 | Job 3:23 | Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? |
| 3 | Proverbs 4:19 | But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. |
| 4 | Lamentations 3:9 | He has barred my ways with cut stones; He has made my paths crooked. |
| 5 | Psalms 88:8 | You have removed my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them; I am confined and cannot escape. |
| 6 | Hosea 2:6 | Therefore, behold, I will hedge up her path with thorns; I will enclose her with a wall, so she cannot find her way. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 23:12 | “Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 13:16 | Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness. |
| 9 | Joshua 24:7 | So your fathers cried out to the LORD, and He put darkness between you and the Egyptians, over whom He brought the sea and engulfed them. Your very eyes saw what I did to the Egyptians. Then you lived in the wilderness for a long time. |
| 10 | Isaiah 50:10 | Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God. |
Job 19:8 Summary
In Job 19:8, Job is saying that he feels like God has blocked his way and made it impossible for him to move forward, and that God has veiled his paths with darkness, making it hard for him to see what to do. This is a feeling of being stuck and unsure of what the future holds, which can be a really scary and difficult place to be. But even in the midst of this feeling, Job is still trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Job 2:10, where he says, 'Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?' We can learn from Job's example and trust that God is still working in our lives, even when we cannot see or feel it, and that He is using our struggles to draw us closer to Him, as seen in James 1:2-4, where it says, 'Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Job feel like God has blocked his way and veiled his paths with darkness?
Job feels this way because he is experiencing intense suffering and feels like God is not responding to his cries for help, as seen in Job 19:7, where he says, 'Though I cry out, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice.' This feeling of distance from God is also expressed in Psalms 13:1, where David asks, 'How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?'
Is Job saying that God is being cruel to him?
Job is expressing his feelings of desperation and frustration, but he is not necessarily saying that God is being cruel to him. In Job 19:6, Job says, 'then understand that it is God who has wronged me and drawn His net around me,' which shows that Job is struggling to understand God's ways, but he still trusts in God's goodness, as seen in Job 2:10, where he says, 'Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?'
How can I apply this verse to my own life when I feel like God is not responding to my prayers?
When we feel like God is not responding to our prayers, we can remember that God's ways are not our ways, and His timing is not our timing, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9, where it says, 'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.' We can trust that God is still working in our lives, even when we cannot see or feel it, and we can continue to cry out to Him in faith, as Job did.
What can we learn from Job's experience of feeling blocked and veiled by God?
We can learn that even in the midst of great suffering and uncertainty, we can still trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28, where it says, 'And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.' We can also learn the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity, as seen in James 1:2-4, where it says, 'Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I feel like God has blocked my way or veiled my paths with darkness in my own life, and how can I trust in His goodness despite these feelings?
- How can I balance my desire for answers and understanding with the reality of God's sovereignty and mystery, as seen in Job 19:8?
- What are some ways that I can cry out to God in faith, even when I feel like He is not responding to my prayers, and how can I trust that He is still working in my life?
- How can I apply the principle of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity, as seen in Job's experience, to my own life and struggles?
- What are some ways that I can remember God's goodness and sovereignty, even when I feel like He is not present or active in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Job 19:8
He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass,.... A metaphor taken from travellers, who not only meet with obstacles and obstructions in their way, which make it difficult; but sometimes with such
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 19:8
He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths. Image from a benighted traveler (Job 3:23; Lamentations 3:7; Lamentations 3:9).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 19:8
That I cannot pass, i.e. so that I know not what to say or do, and can see no means nor possibility of getting out of my troubles. He hath set darkness in my paths; so that I cannot discern my way, or what course I should take.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 19:8
Job 19:8 He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.Ver. 8. He hath fenced up my way, &c.] Here Job, carried away, as it were, with a torrent of grief, amplifieth his miseries by many other comparisons. And first of a traveller, whom nothing so much troubleth in his journey as hedges and darkness. God, saith Job, hath every way hedged me out of content and comfort, so that, though I seek it never so, I cannot find it. God’ s people are oft brought into greatest straits, as David, Psalms 31:1-24 and Psalms 142:1-7, Israel at the Red Sea, Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20:1-29, that they may learn to depend upon the Divine providence, &c. And he hath set darkness in my paths] I am benighted, and know not whither to go or how to get out. Darkness is full of error and terror. A child of light may walk in darkness, Isaiah 50:10; yea, in the valley of the shadow of death, Psalms 23:4; yet he is never without some spark of faith, which guideth him in the deepest darkness, until he behold the Sun of righteousness. Light is sown for the righteous, &c.; heaviness may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning, Psalms 30:5. And as before the day breaks the darkness is greatest; so here.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 19:8
Verse 8. He hath fenced up my way] This may allude to the mode of hunting the elephant, described at the conclusion of the preceding chapter; or to the operations of an invading army. See under Job 19:11.
Cambridge Bible on Job 19:8
8. No outgo or escape was possible, for there rose a wall before him if he would move; neither was there any outlook, for thick darkness fell close about him. These images are common to express the extremest perplexity.
Barnes' Notes on Job 19:8
He hath fenced up my way - This figure is taken from a traveler, whose way is obstructed by trees, rocks, or fences, so that he cannot get along, and Job says it was so with him.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 19:8
8. See note on Job 3:23.
Sermons on Job 19:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Job 1-4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job from the Bible. Job was a man who experienced extreme loss and suffering, losing his wealth, possessions, and even his child |
|
I Am the Way, Truth Life by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes that Christ is the only way to God, bridging the gap between sinners and the divine. He argues that human efforts to reach God are futile and that true underst |
|
The Blind Child by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody shares a poignant story of a mother whose child is declared blind, illustrating the deep sorrow and anguish that accompanies such a loss. He emphasizes that while physic |
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The Wicked Stumbling in Their Darkness by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the profound wisdom found in Proverbs, particularly the truth that the wicked stumble in darkness, unaware of their missteps. He explores the various ways |
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Matthew 2:19-23. Joseph's Return. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the important charge committed to Joseph in protecting the infant Savior and His mother, emphasizing God's guidance through dreams in times of perpl |
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What Is the Individual in the Papal System? by Ian Paisley | Ian Paisley preaches about the dangers of the Romish system, highlighting how it leads individuals to blindness, superstition, and poverty. He emphasizes the importance of reading |
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Affection for Christ – Its Awakening, Decline, and Revival by C.A. Coates | C.A. Coates preaches about the importance of maintaining affection for Christ, emphasizing the need for the hidden spring of affections that satisfy Christ's heart above all else. |