Job 23:8
Job 23:8 in Multiple Translations
If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him.
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; And backward, but I cannot perceive him;
See, I go forward, but he is not there; and back, but I do not see him;
If I go to the east, he's not there; if I go the west, I don't find him.
Behold, if I go to the East, he is not there: if to the West, yet I can not perceiue him:
Lo, forward I go — and He is not, And backward — and I perceive him not.
“If I go east, he is not there. If I go west, I can’t find him.
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there ; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand him.
“But, I have gone to the east, and he is not there; I have gone to the west, but I have not found him there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 23:8
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 23:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֤ן
קֶ֣דֶם
אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ
וְ/אֵינֶ֑/נּוּ
וְ֝/אָח֗וֹר
וְֽ/לֹא
אָבִ֥ין
לֽ/וֹ
הֵ֤ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
קֶ֣דֶם
qedem
H6924
front
N-ms
אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אֵינֶ֑/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part | Suff
וְ֝/אָח֗וֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
back
Conj | N-ms
וְֽ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אָבִ֥ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | 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 23:8
הֵ֤ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
קֶ֣דֶם
qedem
H6924
"front"
N-ms
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וְ/אֵינֶ֑/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
וְ֝/אָח֗וֹר
ʼâchôwr
H268
"back"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Definition: 1) the back side, the rear 1a) backwards 1b) hereafter (of time) 1c) behind
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter, (be-) hind(-er part), time to come, without. See also: Genesis 49:17; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 9:4.
וְֽ/לֹא
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.
אָבִ֥ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Job 23:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 23:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 23:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 23:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 23:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 23:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 23:8
- Cambridge Bible on Job 23:8
- Barnes' Notes on Job 23:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 23:8
- Sermons on Job 23:8
Context — Job Longs for God
6Would He contend with me in His great power? No, He would certainly take note of me.
7Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge.
8If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him.
9When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him. 10Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 10:1 | Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble? |
| 2 | Job 9:11 | Were He to pass by me, I would not see Him; were He to move, I would not recognize Him. |
| 3 | Job 35:14 | How much less, then, when you say that you do not see Him, that your case is before Him and you must wait for Him, |
| 4 | 1 Timothy 6:16 | He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. |
| 5 | Psalms 13:1–3 | How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me? Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death, |
| 6 | Isaiah 45:15 | Truly You are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, the Savior. |
Job 23:8 Summary
In Job 23:8, Job is expressing his frustration and confusion about not being able to find God, even when he looks in every direction. He's not saying that God is not with him, but rather that he can't understand or see God's presence in his life right now. This is a feeling that many of us can relate to, and it's a reminder that God's ways are not our ways, as Isaiah 55:8-9 says. As we seek to understand God's presence in our lives, we can remember that He is always with us, even when we can't see or feel Him, just like He promises in Matthew 28:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Job feel like he cannot find God in Job 23:8?
Job feels like he cannot find God because he is looking for Him in the wrong ways, trying to understand His presence through his own physical location, as if God's presence was limited to a specific geography, similar to the Israelites' misconception in Deuteronomy 4:19, but God is omnipresent as stated in Psalm 139:7-10.
Is Job saying that God is not with him in this verse?
No, Job is not saying that God is not with him, but rather that he cannot find God through his own efforts, as if God's presence was something to be discovered by human means, but as the Bible says in Jeremiah 29:13, when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights the mystery of God's sovereignty, where Job, despite his best efforts, cannot comprehend or find God through his own understanding, but as Romans 11:33-34 reminds us, God's ways are higher than ours, and His thoughts are not our thoughts.
What does this verse teach us about our relationship with God?
This verse teaches us that our relationship with God is not based on our ability to find Him or understand Him, but rather on His initiative to reveal Himself to us, as seen in Isaiah 65:1, where God says 'I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to 'find' God, and how might these efforts be misguided?
- How do I respond when I feel like God is distant or absent from my life, and what does this verse teach me about those feelings?
- In what ways can I seek God 'with all my heart' as Jeremiah 29:13 encourages, and what might be the outcome of such a pursuit?
- How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as hinted at in this verse, shape my understanding of His presence and activity in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Job 23:8
Behold, I go forward, but he [is] not [there],.... Job here returns to what he had said before, Job 23:3; as Jarchi observes, where he expresses his earnest desire after God, that he might know where
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 23:8
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: But I wish in vain. For "behold," etc.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 23:8
I go forward, i.e. towards the east, which in Scripture is accounted the forepart of the world, as the Hebrew name of it signifies, because of the light of the sun, which ariseth there, and draweth the eye of men towards it. He is not there, to wit, so as I would have him, as a judge to hear and determine my cause, of which he is here speaking; for otherwise he knew and believed that God was essentially present in all places. Backward, i.e. towards the west; so also the north is called the left hand, and the south the right hand, , because so they all are to a man who looks towards the east. He names all the several parts of the world, to show his eager desire and restless endeavours to find out God, and to present himself before him.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 23:8
Job 23:8 Behold, I go forward, but he [is] not [there]; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:Ver. 8. Behold, I go forward] Heb. Eastward, which is reckoned the forepart of the world; because that eye of the world, the sun, riseth there; and every man looketh to the rising sun. But he is not there] sc. In that sort, as I desired to find him, Job 23:3, he is not visible to me; he is too subtile for sinew or sight to seize upon; his judgments also are unsearchable, and his paths past finding out. True it is, that the whole world is nothing else but Deus explicatus, God expounded, a mirror or theatre wherein God may he seen; yea, felt and found out by those who are blind, Acts 17:27. If a man hear a sermon by night, and in the dark, though he see not the preacher, yet he knows he is there. So Job questioned not God’ s omnipresence; but complaineth that himself was benighted, and forsaken of his hopes to be eased of his troubles, outwardly in body, or inwardly in mind; this is the judgment of the flesh, when under affliction. And backward, but I cannot perceive him] For indeed he is imperceptible by bodily eyes, neither sitteth he anywhere in this world to decide controversies, as he shall do in the clouds at the last day, when the righteous shall look up, for their redemption draweth nigh, Luke 21:28, and the wicked shall look on and wail because of him, οψονταικοψονται, Revelation 1:7, they shall look and lament, yea, be mad for the sight of their eyes which they shall see, as Deuteronomy 28:34.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 23:8
Verse 8. Behold, I go forward] These two verses paint in vivid colours the distress and anxiety of a soul in search of the favour of God. No means are left untried, no place unexplored, in order to find the object of his research. This is a true description of the conduct of a genuine penitent.
Cambridge Bible on Job 23:8
8–9. From this fascinating dream of a Divine tribunal after the manner of that of a human judge, Job awakens to realise the actual circumstances in which he is placed. God, everywhere present, everywhere eludes him; he feels His omnipotent power, but in vain seeks to see His face.
Barnes' Notes on Job 23:8
Behold, I go forward - The meaning of these verses is, I go in all directions, but I cannot find God. I am excluded from the trial which I seek, and I cannot bring my cause to his throne.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 23:8
8. Forward — Or, eastward. The Orientals determined the cardinal points by facing the east; unlike ourselves, who, for reasons not so natural, confront the north, making this the starting point.
Sermons on Job 23:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Strategy of God (Job 23:8-14) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God's strategy in the life of Job reveals His initiative in the face of suffering, demonstrating that God knows us better than we know ourselves. H |
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Fearing the Lord and Walking in Darkness by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord and trusting Him even when one walks in darkness. He explains that this darkness is not a result of disobedience or gui |
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Wholly Dependent on Him by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of total reliance on God, illustrating this through the experiences of Israel in the wilderness and Job's profound trials. He explains that |
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When God Quits Speaking by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice and obeying His commands. He warns that there may come a time when God stops speaking to us if we |
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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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Prevailing Prayer - God Always Triumphs by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of prevailing prayer, highlighting three keys: perseverance in prayer, knowing who you are praying to, and humbling yourself to be heard b |
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When God Is Silent and Evil Prevails by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the feelings of abandonment and confusion when God seems silent amidst the prevalence of evil in the world. He emphasizes the importance of venting to God, |