Job 22:11
Job 22:11 in Multiple Translations
it is so dark you cannot see, and a flood of water covers you.
Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee.
Or darkness, so that thou canst not see, And abundance of waters cover thee.
Your light is made dark so that you are unable to see, and you are covered by a mass of waters.
That's why it's so dark you cannot see, and why you feel like you're drowning.
Or darkenes that thou shouldest not see, and abundance of waters shall couer thee.
Or darkness — thou dost not see, And abundance of waters doth cover thee.
or darkness, so that you can not see, and floods of waters cover you.
Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee.
And didst thou think that thou shouldst not see darkness, and that thou shouldst not be covered with the violence of overflowing waters?
It is as though it has become very dark, with the result that you cannot see anything, and it is as though [MET] a flood covers you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 22:11
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 22:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אוֹ
חֹ֥שֶׁךְ
לֹֽא
תִרְאֶ֑ה
וְֽ/שִׁפְעַת
מַ֥יִם
תְּכַסֶּֽ/ךָּ
אוֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
חֹ֥שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִרְאֶ֑ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְֽ/שִׁפְעַת
shiphʻâh
H8229
abundance
Conj | N-fs
מַ֥יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
תְּכַסֶּֽ/ךָּ
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs | Suff
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 22:11
אוֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
חֹ֥שֶׁךְ
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.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
תִרְאֶ֑ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וְֽ/שִׁפְעַת
shiphʻâh
H8229
"abundance"
Conj | N-fs
This word also means abundance, but can refer to a large group of people or things. It is used to describe a multitude or copiousness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's blessings.
Definition: abundance, quantity, multitude
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: abundance, company, multitude. See also: 2 Kings 9:17; Job 38:34; Isaiah 60:6.
מַ֥יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
תְּכַסֶּֽ/ךָּ
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs | Suff
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
Study Notes — Job 22:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 22:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 22:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 22:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 22:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 22:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 22:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 22:11
- Cambridge Bible on Job 22:11
- Barnes' Notes on Job 22:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 22:11
- Sermons on Job 22:11
Context — Eliphaz: Can a Man Be of Use to God?
9You sent widows away empty-handed, and the strength of the fatherless was crushed.
10Therefore snares surround you, and sudden peril terrifies you;
11it is so dark you cannot see, and a flood of water covers you.
12Is not God as high as the heavens? Look at the highest stars, how lofty they are! 13Yet you say: ‘What does God know? Does He judge through thick darkness?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 69:1–2 | Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck. I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me. |
| 2 | Lamentations 3:54 | The waters flowed over my head, and I thought I was going to die. |
| 3 | Jonah 2:3 | For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current swirled about me; all Your breakers and waves swept over me. |
| 4 | Job 19:8 | He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; He has veiled my paths with darkness. |
| 5 | Psalms 124:4–5 | then the floods would have engulfed us, then the torrent would have overwhelmed us, then the raging waters would have swept us away. |
| 6 | Job 18:18 | He is driven from light into darkness and is chased from the inhabited world. |
| 7 | Proverbs 4:19 | But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. |
| 8 | Matthew 8:12 | But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” |
| 9 | Lamentations 3:2 | He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness instead of light. |
| 10 | Joel 2:2–3 | 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. Before them a fire devours, and behind them a flame scorches. The land before them is like the Garden of Eden, but behind them, it is like a desert wasteland— surely nothing will escape them. |
Job 22:11 Summary
This verse is saying that when we rebel against God, it can feel like we are surrounded by darkness and overwhelmed by our circumstances, as if a flood of water is covering us. This is a reminder that God is a just and holy God who judges sin, as seen in Psalm 119:75. However, He is also a loving and merciful God who desires to guide and deliver us, as seen in Psalm 32:8 and Psalm 107:14. By seeking God's guidance and humble ourselves before Him, we can find hope and deliverance, even in the midst of overwhelming circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of darkness and flood of water in Job 22:11?
The darkness and flood of water in Job 22:11 symbolize the overwhelming circumstances and spiritual confusion that can result from a life of sin and rebellion against God, as seen in Job 22:9-10 and also in Psalm 107:10-14.
How does this verse relate to God's judgment?
This verse suggests that God's judgment can be accompanied by darkness and overwhelming circumstances, as also seen in Exodus 10:21-22, where God brought darkness upon Egypt as a judgment.
Is this verse only talking about Job's situation or can it be applied to our lives today?
While this verse is specifically addressing Job's situation, the principles of God's judgment and the consequences of sin are timeless and can be applied to our lives today, as seen in Romans 6:23 and Galatians 6:7-8.
What is the purpose of the darkness and flood of water in this verse?
The purpose of the darkness and flood of water is to humble and bring to repentance those who have rebelled against God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Isaiah 57:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing spiritual darkness or overwhelming circumstances, and how can I seek God's guidance and deliverance?
- How can I apply the principle of God's judgment in my own life, and what are some steps I can take to ensure I am living a life that is pleasing to Him?
- What are some ways that I can humble myself and seek God's mercy, as seen in 1 Peter 5:6-7, and how can I apply this to my daily life?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom, especially in times of uncertainty or crisis, and how can we apply this to our own lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Job 22:11
Or darkness, [that] thou canst not see,.... Or darkness is round about thee, thou art enveloped in it; meaning either judicial blindness, and darkness, and stupidity of mind, which must be his case,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 22:11
Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee. That - so that thou canst not see. Abundance - floods.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 22:11
Darkness; either, 1. A darkness and confusion of mind so great that thou canst not discern the true cause and use of all thy sufferings. Or, 2. Grievous calamities, which are oft called darkness, which are such that thou canst see no way nor possibility of escaping. Either thou art troubled with fear of further evils, as it is said, , or with the gross darkness of thy present state of misery. Abundance of waters, i.e. plenty and variety of sore afflictions, which are frequently compared to waters, as 66:12 .
Trapp's Commentary on Job 22:11
Job 22:11 Or darkness, [that] thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee.Ver. 11. Or darkness, that thou canst not see] Sunt tenebrae supplicia, et damnatorum desperationes, saith Brentius here. By darkness are meant punishments, temporal and eternal. Others understand the text of blindness and confusion of mind, that can neither see the cause of trouble nor find an issue. And abundance of waters cover thee] So that although thou shouldest escape, the snares, outlive the fears, run away in the dark, yet how wilt thou avoid the deluge of destruction, the overflowing scourge that carrieth all before it?
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 22:11
(10, 11) Snares . . . about thee.—That is, Fear troubleth thee, or darkness, &c. “If darkness and abundance of waters cover thee so that thou canst not see, is not God in the high heavens, though thou canst not see Him. God is too great to take note of the affairs of men, their sin or their good deeds. He is so far off that He cannot see what goes on in the earth, for His dwelling-place is in heaven.” Eliphaz attributes to Job the kind of sentiments that he had himself attributed to the wicked man in the last chapter, Job 22:14, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 22:11
Verse 11. Or darkness, that thou canst not see] The sense of this passage, in the connection that the particle or gives it with the preceding verse, is not easy to be ascertained. To me it seems very probable that a letter has been lost from the first word; and that או o which we translate OR, was originally אור or LIGHT. The copy used by the Septuagint had certainly this reading; and therefore they translate the verse thus: Τοφωςσοιειςσκοτοςαπεβη; Thy LIGHT is changed into darkness; that is, Thy prosperity is turned into adversity. Houbigant corrects the text thus: instead of או חשך לא תראה o chosech lo tireh, or darkness thou canst not see, he reads חשך לא אור תראה chosech lo or tireh, darkness, not light, shalt thou behold; that is, Thou shalt dwell in thick darkness. Mr. Good translates: "Or darkness which thou canst not penetrate, and a flood of waters shall cover thee." Thou shalt either be enveloped in deep darkness, or overwhelmed with a flood. The versions all translate differently; and neither they nor the MSS. give any light, except what is afforded by the Septuagint. Coverdale is singular: Shuldest thou then send darcknesse? Shulde not the water floude runne over the?
Perhaps the meaning is: "Thou art so encompassed with darkness, that thou canst not see thy way; and therefore fallest into the snares and traps that are laid for thee."
Cambridge Bible on Job 22:11
10, 11. The consequence of this inhumanity and injustice is seen in the snares and terrors from God that surround Job. 11. This verse should probably be read, Or seest thou not the darkness, And the floods of waters that cover thee? i. e. dost thou not perceive the true meaning of the darkness and the overwhelming calamities that have come on thee? On the figures comp. ch. Job 18:18; Job 11:16; Job 27:20. See Job’s reply, ch. Job 23:16-17.
Barnes' Notes on Job 22:11
Or darkness - Darkness and night in the Scriptures are emblems of calamity. That thou canst not see - Deep and fearful darkness; total night, so that nothing is visible. That is, the heaviest calamities had overwhelmed him.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 22:11
11. Darkness, etc. — Dillmann and Schlottmann make this a question, but the text is better — (thus Hitzig.) The darkness is moral, blurring the vision.
Sermons on Job 22:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Don't Die in Your Wilderness by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto God's promises in times of trouble. He reminds the congregation that God has commanded them not to fear or be |
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Christ Is Greater 04 Greater Than Jonah by Neil Fraser | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah and how his experience in the belly of the great fish teaches us about salvation. Jonah initially prayed and made promise |
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The Lost Sheep by Welcome Detweiler | The video is a sermon centered around the parable of the lost sheep. The speaker emphasizes the depth of Christ's suffering on the cross for the redemption of humanity. Despite the |
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Sunday Night Meditations 02 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the lost sheep from Luke's Gospel Chapter 15. The sermon begins by setting the context, where the religious leaders are criti |
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Soul Sickness by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the concept of 'soul sickness,' which arises from an overwhelming flood of troubles that can leave one feeling hopeless and distressed, much like King Dav |
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Psalm 69 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the intense misery experienced by the Psalmist, portraying a drowning man overwhelmed by deep waters, reflecting the sufferings of Jesus on earth. Jesus, burd |
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Exposition on Psalm 70 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the significance of Christ's sacrifice, comparing Him to a single grain of wheat that multiplies to bring life to many, including the Martyrs who imita |