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Job 24:17

Job 24:17 in Multiple Translations

For to them, deep darkness is their morning; surely they are friends with the terrors of darkness!

For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.

For the morning is to all of them as thick darkness; For they know the terrors of the thick darkness.

For the middle of the night is as morning to them, they are not troubled by the fear of the dark.

Total darkness is like light to them, for they are familiar with the night.

But the morning is euen to them as the shadow of death: if one knowe them, they are in the terrours of the shadowe of death.

When together, morning [is] to them death shade, When he discerneth the terrors of death shade.

For the morning is to all of them like thick darkness, for they know the terrors of the thick darkness.

For the morning is to them even as the shades of death: if one knoweth them , they are in the terrors of the shades of death.

If the morning suddenly appear, it is to them the shadow of death: and they walk in darkness as if it were in light.

All of those people want to do their evil things at night, not in the morning when it is light, because they are not afraid of the things that happen during the night that terrify others.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 24:17

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 24:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּ֤י יַחְדָּ֨ו בֹּ֣קֶר לָ֣/מוֹ צַלְמָ֑וֶת כִּֽי יַ֝כִּ֗יר בַּלְה֥וֹת צַלְמָֽוֶת
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj
יַחְדָּ֨ו yachad H3162 unitedness Adv
בֹּ֣קֶר bôqer H1242 morning N-ms
לָ֣/מוֹ Prep | Suff
צַלְמָ֑וֶת tsalmâveth H6757 shadow N-ms
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
יַ֝כִּ֗יר nâkar H5234 to recognize V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
בַּלְה֥וֹת ballâhâh H1091 terror N-fp
צַלְמָֽוֶת tsalmâveth H6757 shadow 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 24:17

כִּ֤י 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.
יַחְדָּ֨ו yachad H3162 "unitedness" Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
בֹּ֣קֶר bôqer H1242 "morning" N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
לָ֣/מוֹ "" Prep | Suff
צַלְמָ֑וֶת tsalmâveth H6757 "shadow" N-ms
This Hebrew word means a shadow of death, or a place of deep darkness and distress, like the grave. It appears in the Bible as a metaphor for extreme danger or calamity. In the KJV, it is translated as 'shadow of death'.
Definition: 1) death-shadow, deep shadow, deep darkness, shadow of death 1a) death-shadow 1b) death-shadow, deep shadow, darkness 1c) death-shadow (of distress, extreme danger) (fig) 1d) death-shadow (of place of the dead) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: shadow of death. See also: Job 3:5; Job 38:17; Psalms 23:4.
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.
יַ֝כִּ֗יר nâkar H5234 "to recognize" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
בַּלְה֥וֹת ballâhâh H1091 "terror" N-fp
This word means terror or destruction, causing alarm and trouble. It is used to describe dreadful events in the Bible, such as wars and disasters.
Definition: terror, destruction, calamity, dreadful event
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: terror, trouble. See also: Job 18:11; Psalms 73:19; Isaiah 17:14.
צַלְמָֽוֶת tsalmâveth H6757 "shadow" N-ms
This Hebrew word means a shadow of death, or a place of deep darkness and distress, like the grave. It appears in the Bible as a metaphor for extreme danger or calamity. In the KJV, it is translated as 'shadow of death'.
Definition: 1) death-shadow, deep shadow, deep darkness, shadow of death 1a) death-shadow 1b) death-shadow, deep shadow, darkness 1c) death-shadow (of distress, extreme danger) (fig) 1d) death-shadow (of place of the dead) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: shadow of death. See also: Job 3:5; Job 38:17; Psalms 23:4.

Study Notes — Job 24:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 3:5 May darkness and gloom reclaim it, and a cloud settle over it; may the blackness of the day overwhelm it.
2 Jeremiah 2:26 As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is disgraced. They, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets
3 Psalms 73:18–19 Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
4 2 Corinthians 5:10–11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
5 Revelation 6:16–17 And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”

Job 24:17 Summary

This verse is saying that for people who love sin and darkness, their whole life is filled with a kind of spiritual darkness, even when it's daytime outside. It's like they're living in a never-ending night, and they've become comfortable with the fears and terrors that come with it, as seen in Job 24:16. This is in contrast to those who love the light of God's presence, and who seek to live in the truth and goodness of His Word, as seen in Psalms 119:105. By trusting in God and seeking to live in His light, we can overcome the darkness of sin and evil, and live in the joy and peace of His presence, as seen in Psalms 16:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for deep darkness to be their morning?

This means that for those who love darkness and sin, their lives are filled with spiritual darkness, even in the midst of physical light, as seen in Job 24:16, and as the Psalmist writes in Psalms 74:20, the darkness can be a place of evil and suffering.

Who are the friends of the terrors of darkness?

According to Job 24:17, these are people who have chosen a life of sin and evil, and as a result, have become friends with the terrors that come with living in darkness, as also seen in Proverbs 2:12-15, where it warns against the path of the wicked.

Is this verse only talking about adulterers or is it broader?

While the context of Job 24:15-16 does mention adulterers, the language of Job 24:17 suggests that it is talking about anyone who loves and lives in darkness and sin, as seen in John 3:19-20, where it talks about those who love darkness rather than the light.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of the book of Job?

This verse fits into the book of Job's exploration of the nature of suffering and evil, and how God is sovereign over all, even in the midst of darkness and sin, as seen in Job 42:2-3, where Job acknowledges God's power and sovereignty.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be living in spiritual darkness, and how can I come into the light of God's presence?
  2. How can I be a light in the darkness for those around me who may be struggling with sin and evil?
  3. What are some 'terrors of darkness' that I may be facing in my own life, and how can I trust in God's power and sovereignty to overcome them?
  4. In what ways can I cultivate a deeper love for the light of God's presence, and a greater hatred for the darkness of sin and evil?

Gill's Exposition on Job 24:17

For the morning [is] to them even as the shadow of death,.... It is as disagreeable, and as hateful, and as terrible to them as the grossest and thickest darkness can be to others.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 24:17

For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 24:17

As the shadow of death, i.e. terrible and hateful, because it both discovers them and hinders their practices. If they are brought to light or discovered, they are overwhelmed with deadly horrors and terrors. Or, as the words are, and may very agreeably to the Hebrew be rendered thus: but (as the Hebrew particle commonly signifies) they know (Heb. he knoweth, every one of them knoweth, i.e. approveth and loveth) the terrors of the shadow of death, i.e. the grossest darkness of the night, which to other men is as terrible as the shadow of death, but to these men is most acceptable: so this clause is fitly opposed to the former; he hates the light, and he likes darkness.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 24:17

Job 24:17 For the morning [is] to them even as the shadow of death: if [one] know [them, they are in] the terrors of the shadow of death.Ver. 17. For the morning is unto them as the shadow of death] i.e. They are in deadly fear lest the light should bewray them, and expose them to condign punishment. How fearful was Judah of being shamed after he had thus sinned! Genesis 38:23; and how forward to save his credit by sending his kid by the hand of that hang by Hiram! That young man in Terence (in Eun.) was sore ashamed to be seen in the eunuch’ s garment, a token of his uncleanness; whereas to have done the deed did nothing so much trouble him. But the children of light hate and shun sin more for the filth that is in it than for the fire that is in it; the blackness of that coal offendeth them more than the heat of it. Plato condemneth the poets for setting forth Jupiter’ s adulteries, whereby the people were drawn to the like wantonness; and for saying, it were no matter though men did commit sin, so they could hide it, Wςλυσιτελειτοαδικεινεανλανθανη. Si non caste, saltem caute, say the Popish shavelings, who are sometimes taken in the manner, as was that carnal Cardinal Cremonensis, the Pope’ s legate here, in Henry VlII’ s days, and Dr Weston, dean of Windsor, in the reign of Queen Mary, apprehended in adultery, and for the same deprived of all his spiritual livings by Cardinal Pole. Pope John XII being taken to bed with another man’ s wife, was killed immediately by her husband. In Germany, a gentleman of note and his harlot were served in like sort, as Luther relateth. So was Rodoaldus VIII, king of Lombardy, and Sergus, a king of Scotland (P. Mel. Chron. Lang. Chron.). Of all these, and many more eiusdem furfuris, it may well be said, as here, that being noted and notified, they were in the terrors of the shadow of death. Which death to escape,

Cambridge Bible on Job 24:17

17. This verse expands the last clause of Job 24:16 :— For the morning is to them as the shadow of death, For they know the terrors of the shadow of death. The “shadow of death” is equivalent almost to “midnight;” see note ch. Job 3:5. These malefactors know not the light (Job 24:16), the morning seems to them midnight, so much do they fear and shun it; but they know, they are familiar with, the terrors of midnight, for this is their day. Others make “morning” predicate, for midnight is to them (like) the morning. This, however, does not connect so closely with Job 24:16. “Shakespeare has the same thought—as indeed what thought has he not?—and tells us that ‘when the searching eye of heaven, that lights this lower world, is hid behind the globe,’ ‘Then thieves and robbers range abroad unseen, In murders and in outrage … But when from under this terrestrial ball He fires the proud tops of the eastern pines, And darts his light through every guilty hole, Then murders, treason, and detested sins, The cloak of night being plucked from off their backs, Stand bare and naked, trembling at themselves.’ ” (Cox, Commentary on Job, p. 317.)

Barnes' Notes on Job 24:17

For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death - They dread the light as one does usually the deepest darkness. The morning or light would reveal their deeds of wickedness, and they therefore avoid it.

Whedon's Commentary on Job 24:17

17. Shadow of death — Delitzsch, Dillmann, and others, make this phrase equivalent to depth of night — the subject of the verb.

Sermons on Job 24:17

SermonDescription
Norman Grubb Job, 1975 Part 2 by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the preacher discusses various aspects of God's creation, focusing on animals such as hawks, peacocks, and unicorns. The preacher emphasizes God's power and wisdom
Jonathan Edwards Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Psalms 71-80 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the power and majesty of God, highlighting His control over nature and His guidance of His people. The speaker then shifts to addre
E.A. Johnston A Tour of Hell by E.A. Johnston In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting the Gospel and turning to Christ. He warns that sudden death can take people away without warning, just as the Bibl
F.B. Meyer This Is the Portion of a Wicked Man From God. by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the inevitable connection between wrongdoing and its consequences, as illustrated in the Book of Job. He reflects on the beliefs of Eastern peoples regarding
David Wilkerson Someone to Watch Over Me by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the struggles of Asaph, who felt his righteous efforts were in vain as he compared his suffering to the ease of the wicked. In his despair, Asaph questio
Paris Reidhead Standing in Slippery Places by Paris Reidhead Paris Reidhead's sermon 'Standing in Slippery Places' emphasizes the precarious state of the wicked who seem to prosper while the righteous suffer. He draws from Psalm 73, illustra

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