Job 22:13
Job 22:13 in Multiple Translations
Yet you say: ‘What does God know? Does He judge through thick darkness?
And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud?
And thou sayest, What doth God know? Can he judge through the thick darkness?
And you say, What knowledge has God? is he able to give decisions through the deep dark?
But you ask, ‘What does God know? How can he see and judge what happens down here in darkness?
But thou sayest, How should God know? can he iudge through the darke cloude?
And thou hast said, 'What — hath God known? Through thickness doth He judge?
You say, ‘What does God know? Can he judge through the thick darkness?
And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud?
And thou sayst: What doth God know? and he judgeth as it were through a mist.
So why do you say, ‘What does God know about what we are doing? He is hidden from us by dark clouds, so ◄how can he judge us?/he certainly cannot judge us.► [RHQ]’
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 22:13
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 22:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְֽ֭/אָמַרְתָּ
מַה
יָּ֣דַֽע
אֵ֑ל
הַ/בְעַ֖ד
עֲרָפֶ֣ל
יִשְׁפּֽוֹט
וְֽ֭/אָמַרְתָּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
יָּ֣דַֽע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
הַ/בְעַ֖ד
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Part | Prep
עֲרָפֶ֣ל
ʻărâphel
H6205
cloud
N-ms
יִשְׁפּֽוֹט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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 22:13
וְֽ֭/אָמַרְתָּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יָּ֣דַֽע
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.
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
הַ/בְעַ֖ד
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Part | Prep
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
עֲרָפֶ֣ל
ʻărâphel
H6205
"cloud"
N-ms
A cloud or dark cloud symbolizes gloom or thick darkness, often used to describe a heavy or ominous sky.
Definition: cloud, heavy or dark cloud, darkness, gross darkness, thick darkness
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (gross, thick) dark (cloud, -ness). See also: Exodus 20:21; Job 38:9; Psalms 18:10.
יִשְׁפּֽוֹט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
Study Notes — Job 22:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 22:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 22:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 22:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 22:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 22:13
- Cambridge Bible on Job 22:13
- Barnes' Notes on Job 22:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 22:13
- Sermons on Job 22:13
Context — Eliphaz: Can a Man Be of Use to God?
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?
14Thick clouds veil Him so He does not see us as He traverses the vault of heaven. ’ 15Will you stay on the ancient path that wicked men have trod?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 8:12 | “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? For they are saying, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’” |
| 2 | Psalms 10:11 | He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 9:9 | He replied, “The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great. The land is full of bloodshed, and the city is full of perversity. For they say, ‘The LORD has forsaken the land; the LORD does not see.’ |
| 4 | Psalms 73:11 | The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” |
| 5 | Psalms 59:7 | See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?” |
| 6 | Isaiah 29:15 | Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?” |
| 7 | Psalms 94:7–9 | They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.” Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise? He who affixed the ear, can He not hear? He who formed the eye, can He not see? |
| 8 | Psalms 64:5 | They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say. |
| 9 | Zephaniah 1:12 | And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men settled in complacency, who say to themselves, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’ |
Job 22:13 Summary
This verse shows that some people think God doesn't know what's going on or can't see what we're doing because He's too far away, as if He's hidden in 'thick darkness'. But the Bible says that God is all-knowing and sees everything, even in the darkest places (Psalm 139:12, 1 John 1:5). We can trust that God is always aware of us and is working everything out for our good, even when we don't understand what's happening (Romans 8:28). By remembering that God is always with us and sees everything, we can have confidence in His love and care for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse reveal about the attitude of the speaker towards God?
This verse shows that the speaker doubts God's knowledge and judgment, implying that God is distant and unaware of human actions, as seen in Job 22:13, which is similar to the attitude expressed in Psalm 73:11, where the psalmist wonders if God knows what is happening on earth.
Is the idea that God judges through thick darkness a biblical concept?
While the speaker in Job 22:13 questions God's judgment through darkness, the Bible affirms that God is all-knowing and sees through all darkness, as stated in 1 John 1:5, which says that God is light and there is no darkness in Him, and in Daniel 2:22, which says that God reveals deep and hidden things, knowing what is in the darkness.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Job?
This verse contributes to the book of Job's exploration of the nature of God and humanity, particularly in how humans respond to suffering and doubt, as seen in Job's own struggles to understand God's ways, such as in Job 10:2, where Job asks God to show him why He is hiding His face from him.
What does the phrase 'thick darkness' symbolize in this context?
The 'thick darkness' in Job 22:13 likely symbolizes the speaker's perception of God's hiddenness or lack of understanding of God's ways, which is a common theme in the Bible, such as in Isaiah 45:15, where God is described as a God who hides Himself, and in Deuteronomy 29:29, which says that secret things belong to God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I doubt God's knowledge or judgment in my own life, and how can I surrender those doubts to Him?
- How does the idea that God judges through 'thick darkness' challenge my understanding of God's nature, and what does the Bible say about God's character in relation to darkness?
- In what ways do I try to hide from God or think that He is not aware of my actions, and what does this verse say about God's awareness of human actions?
- How can I apply the truth that God is all-knowing and sees through all darkness to my daily life, especially in times of uncertainty or doubt?
Gill's Exposition on Job 22:13
And thou sayest, how doth God know?.... What is done on earth, the works of the children of men, their sinful actions, when he dwells at such a distance, and so remote from the earth, as the height
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 22:13
And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud? Rather, And yet thou sayest, God does not concern himself with ("know") human affairs, (Psalms 73:11, "How doth God know?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 22:13
And, or, therefore; from this true and certain principle thou drawest this false and wicked conclusion. Or, yet, notwithstanding this undeniable argument. Thou sayest; thou reasonest thus within thyself, as it may seem by thy discourses. How doth God know? i.e. God cannot discern, and therefore doth not mind things so far below him and distant from him. Can he judge through the dark cloud, i.e. through those immense and innumerable clouds which lie between the heaven and the earth, although our eyes see but few of them?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 22:13
Job 22:13 And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud?Ver. 13. And thou sayest, How doth God know?] A brutish question, Psalms 94:7-8, and never of Job’ s making. There are a sort of such miscreants as believe nothing but what they see with their bodily eyes; and indeed, for a finite creature to believe the infinite attributes of God, he is not able to do it thoroughly, without supernatural grace; which therefore must be begged of God, James 1:5, that he would give us "the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; the eyes of our understanding being enlightened," &c., Ephesians 1:17-18. For want whereof, the wicked, blinded with sin, ask such senseless and blasphemous questions as this in the text, and those like this, Psalms 10:11 Zephaniah 1:12; It is a ridiculous thing, saith Pliny, to think that the highest Majesty taketh care of human affairs; a service, doubtless, far below him, and unworthy of his greatness. Can he judge through the dark cloud?] Can he discern through such a dark medium? Men cannot see God; and therefore some fools are apt to think that neither can he see them, Sicut pueri vultum obvelant, putantes sese tum non conspici (Lavat.). But that Job was far from any such thought, see Job 21:16; Job 21:22. To blame therefore was Eliphaz to charge him with such a wickedness; and all because he had said that in this life bad men oft prosper and better men suffer; which yet is verum tanquam ex tripode, very true, and not at all derogatory to the Divine providence.
Cambridge Bible on Job 22:13
12–20. Eliphaz, having in Job 22:6-10 suggested what Job’s offences must have been, now suggests under what feeling in regard to God he must have committed them. He thought God so far removed from the world that He did not observe men’s conduct.
Barnes' Notes on Job 22:13
And thou sayest, How doth God know? - That is, it “follows” from what you have said; or the opinion which you have advanced is “the same” as if you had affirmed this.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 22:13
13. How — What doth God know? The sentiment ascribed to Job was subsequently that of Epicurus and the English Deists.
Sermons on Job 22:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ephesians by J.B. Rowell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a hardworking mother who sacrificed to send her son to college. When the mother visits her son's room at college, she notices the p |
|
God Sees Everything by Roy Daniel | The sermon begins with a personal story about a dog on a farm, leading into a reflection on Ezekiel 8:12. The speaker then prays for God's word to impact the listeners' lives and r |
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The Delapitated House by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of a house that was once a shining example of God's creative power. The house, which represents our testimony as believers, is des |
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Is There Sin in Our Own Heart That We Know Little Of? by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray addresses the hidden sins within the church, emphasizing that many believers may be unaware of the abominations present in their hearts and lives. He draws parallels |
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The Cry of Sodom and Gomorrah (Kwasizabantu) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal testimony of being a former homosexual who was saved by the Lord. He expresses his concern and frustration with the acceptance and |
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Jesus Christ My Glory by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the corrupt state of the world, drawing parallels between the present day and the biblical times. The preacher emphasizes that God's nature |
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Who Sees Us? Who Will Know? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks addresses the prevalence of atheism in the hearts of sinners, illustrating how various forms of idolatry replace God in their lives, such as wealth, pleasure, and amb |