Job 23:17
Job 23:17 in Multiple Translations
Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face.
Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
Because I was not cut off before the darkness, Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.
For I am overcome by the dark, and by the black night which is covering my face.
Yet I'm still here despite the dark—even though I can't see through the utter darkness.”
For I am not cut off in darknesse, but he hath hid the darkenesse from my face.
For I have not been cut off before darkness, And before me He covered thick darkness.
Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.
Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face.
It is as though there is only thick darkness in front of me, but it is God that I am afraid of, not the darkness.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 23:17
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 23:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
לֹ֣א
נִ֭צְמַתִּי
מִ/פְּנֵי
חֹ֑שֶׁךְ
וּ֝/מִ/פָּנַ֗/י
כִּסָּה
אֹֽפֶל
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נִ֭צְמַתִּי
tsâmath
H6789
to destroy
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
מִ/פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
חֹ֑שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
וּ֝/מִ/פָּנַ֗/י
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | Prep | N-cp | Suff
כִּסָּה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֹֽפֶל
ʼôphel
H652
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 23:17
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.
לֹ֣א
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.
נִ֭צְמַתִּי
tsâmath
H6789
"to destroy"
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
To destroy something means to completely get rid of it, like God destroying evil in Psalm 37:38. This word appears in the Bible to describe total annihilation. It is often used in a literal sense, such as in war, but also figuratively, like in Ezekiel 28:16.
Definition: 1) to put an end to, cut off, destroy, exterminate, extirpate 1a) (Qal) to put an end to, terminate 1b) (Niphal) to be ended, be annihilated, be exterminated 1c) (Piel) to put an end to 1d) (Pilel) to be exterminated, be annihilated 1e) (Hiphil) to exterminate, annihilate
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: consume, cut off, destroy, vanish. See also: 2 Samuel 22:41; Psalms 88:17; Psalms 18:41.
מִ/פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
חֹ֑שֶׁךְ
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.
וּ֝/מִ/פָּנַ֗/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כִּסָּה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
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.
אֹֽפֶל
ʼôphel
H652
"darkness"
N-ms
This word describes a state of darkness or gloom, both physically and spiritually. In the book of Isaiah, it is used to describe a time of spiritual darkness and calamity. The term can also imply secrecy or stealth.
Definition: 1) darkness, gloom 2) spiritual unreceptivity, calamity (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: darkness, obscurity, privily. See also: Job 3:6; Job 30:26; Psalms 11:2.
Study Notes — Job 23:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 23:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 23:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 23:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 23:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 23:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 23:17
- Cambridge Bible on Job 23:17
- Barnes' Notes on Job 23:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 23:17
- Sermons on Job 23:17
Context — Job Longs for God
15Therefore I am terrified in His presence; when I consider this, I fear Him.
16God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me.
17Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 19:8 | He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; He has veiled my paths with darkness. |
| 2 | Isaiah 57:1 | The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are swept away, while no one considers that the righteous are guided from the presence of evil. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 22:20 | ‘Therefore I will indeed gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the calamity that I will bring on this place.’” So they brought her answer back to the king. |
| 4 | Job 18:18 | He is driven from light into darkness and is chased from the inhabited world. |
| 5 | Job 22:11 | it is so dark you cannot see, and a flood of water covers you. |
| 6 | Job 6:9 | that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off! |
| 7 | Job 18:6 | The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him goes out. |
| 8 | Job 15:22 | He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword. |
Job 23:17 Summary
[Job 23:17 means that even when life gets really tough and feels like a heavy darkness, we don't have to be quiet or give up. We can keep trusting in God and talking to Him, just like Job did. This is similar to what David experienced in Psalm 23:4, where he walked through a dark valley but was not afraid. Job's trust in God is a great example for us to follow, especially when things seem really hard, as encouraged in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Job mean by 'the darkness' in this verse?
Job is referring to the difficult and trying circumstances of his life, which feel like a thick darkness covering his face, as described in Job 23:17, similar to the feeling of being in a dark valley as mentioned in Psalm 23:4.
How can Job say he is not silenced by the darkness when he is clearly struggling?
Despite his struggles, Job finds the strength to continue speaking and trusting in God, even in the midst of great suffering, as seen in Job 13:15, where he says 'Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him'.
What is the significance of the 'thick darkness' covering Job's face?
The thick darkness covering Job's face symbolizes the overwhelming and suffocating nature of his trials, similar to the darkness that covered the land during the plague in Exodus 10:21-22, yet he finds a way to persevere and trust in God's presence.
How can we apply Job's experience to our own lives when facing difficulties?
We can learn from Job's example to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when our circumstances seem dark and overwhelming, as encouraged in Romans 8:28, which reminds us that God works all things together for our good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'dark' circumstances in my life that I feel are silencing me, and how can I find the strength to trust in God like Job?
- How can I, like Job, distinguish between the darkness of my circumstances and the presence of God in my life?
- In what ways can I apply Job's perseverance and trust in God to my own struggles, and what scriptures can I hold onto for encouragement?
- What are some practical ways I can 'speak' and trust in God, even when my circumstances seem overwhelming and dark?
- How can I use my experiences of darkness to minister to others who may be going through similar struggles, as Job's story ministers to us?
Gill's Exposition on Job 23:17
Because I was not cut off before the darkness,.... That is, it was amazing to him, and troubled him when he thought of it, that he was not cut off by death, before the darkness of afflictions, or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 23:17
Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face. Because I was not taken away by death from the evil to come (literally, from before the face of the darkness, Isaiah 57:1).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 23:17
Because I was not cut off; because God did not cut me off by death. Before the darkness, i.e. before these dark and dismal miseries came upon me. Or, before the face, or by reason of the darkness, i.e. that God hath not yet cut me off by these calamities, but prolonged nay days under them, that he might increase my torment. Neither hath he covered the darkness from my face; so that I might no longer see or feel my miseries, but might be taken out of them by my long-desired death. Seeing (and consequently having before one’ s face) is oft put for experiencing, for enjoying good, or feeling evil, as , &c. Or, but he hath covered darkness, to wit, death, which is so called ,22, and elsewhere, from my face, i.e. he will not allow me the favour to see death.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 23:17
Job 23:17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, [neither] hath he covered the darkness from my face.Ver. 17. Because I was not cut off before the darkness] i.e. The afflictions that now are upon me. It is a mercy to some to die sometimes, as Josiah, and those righteous ones, Isaiah 57:1, who were taken away from the evil to come. When God’ s glory was to pass by, he put Moses into the hole of the rock; so he sometimes doth his servants, till the glory of his justice hath passed upon others. Neither hath he covered the darkness from my face] i.e. He hath neither prevented my troubles by death, as I wished he would have done, Job 3:3; Job 3:11-13, nor yet will he put an end to them by the same means; for, Mors aerumnarum requies (Chaucer’ s motto), Death is a rest from trouble. To the tossed soul it is as Mount Ararat was to Noah, where the ark rested; as Michel was to David, a means to shift him out of the way, when Saul sent to slay him; or as the fall of the house was to Samson, an end of all his sorrows and servitude.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 23:17
Verse 17. Because I was not cut off] "O, why can I not draw darkness over my face? Why may not thick darkness cover my face?" Mr. Good. This verse should be read in connection with the preceding; and then we shall have the following sense. Ver. 16: "The Lord hath beaten down my strength, and my soul has been terrified by his fear." Ver. 17: "For it is not this deep night in which I am enveloped, nor the evils which I suffer, that have overwhelmed me; I sink only through the fear which the presence of his Majesty inspires. This is my greatest affliction; sufferings, diseases, yea, death itself, are nothing in comparison of the terror which my soul feels in the presence of his tremendous holiness and justice." NOTHING can humble a pious mind so much as Scriptural apprehensions of the majesty of God. It is easy to contemplate his goodness, loving-kindness, and mercy; in all these we have an interest, and from them we expect the greatest good: but to consider his holiness and justice, the infinite righteousness of his nature, under the conviction that we have sinned, and broken the laws prescribed by his sovereign Majesty, and to feel ourselves brought as into the presence of his judgment-seat, - who can bear the thought? If cherubim and seraphim veil their faces before his throne, and the holiest soul exclaims, I loathe myself when God I see, And into nothing fall; what must a sinner feel, whose conscience is not yet purged from dead works and who feels the wrath of God abiding on him? And how without such a mediator and sacrifice as Jesus Christ is, can any human spirit come into the presence of its Judge?
Those who can approach him without terror, know little of his justice and nothing of their sin. When we approach him in prayer, or in any ordinance, should we not feel more reverence than we generally do?
Cambridge Bible on Job 23:17
17. This verse reads, For I am not dismayed because of the darkness, Nor because of myself whom thick darkness covereth. The words refer back to the language of Eliphaz, ch. Job 22:11, “or seest thou not the darkness?” The “darkness” is the fatal calamity that has overtaken Job, a frequent use of the word. What dismays Job, or strikes him dumb with moral awe, is not his calamity in itself, nor himself (or, his face) marred and distorted by disease, but this, that it is God who has inflicted the calamity upon him, not because he is guilty, but in the arbitrary and unjust exercise of His almighty power. This is the point in this whole speech, both in ch. 23 and ch. 24; Job misses any true moral rule in the world. The A. V. seems to make the enigma consist in this, that Job was not removed by death before such afflictions overtook him. But this would at best have substituted one enigma for another.
Barnes' Notes on Job 23:17
Because I was not cut off before the darkness - Before these calamities came upon me. Because I was not taken away in the midst of prosperity, and while I was enjoying his smiles and the proofs of his love.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 23:17
17. Cut off — The key to this much-vexed passage lies in nitsmath, “cut off,” which should bear its Arabic meaning of brought to silence.
Sermons on Job 23:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out! by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, seeking God's forgiveness, and walking in the Spirit to overcome sin and live a life pleasing to God. It highlights the power o |
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Manifest Presence - Part 5 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a high view of God and being humble before Him. He addresses the issue of pride and encourages listeners to honestly |
|
Comfort for Mourners by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the profound comfort and joy that believers can find in the midst of sorrow and loss, emphasizing the assurance of eternal rest and peace in the presence o |
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Sermon: The Prayer of Jabez by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the story of Jabez, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's blessings, acknowledging His sovereignty, power, providence, protection, and presence in |
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Of the Separate State of the Soul Until the Resurrection, and Its Employment in That State. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the immediate state of the soul after death, asserting that it enters a realm of either happiness or misery, actively engaging in worship and communion with Go |
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Sensitive to Warning by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to God's warnings, as exemplified by King Josiah, who humbled himself and trembled at God's Word. Spurgeon highlights tha |
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The Death of Saints Precious by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the preciousness of the death of saints in God's sight, explaining that their transition to eternal rest is a source of joy for both God and the departed. |