Job 38:15
Job 38:15 in Multiple Translations
Light is withheld from the wicked, and their upraised arm is broken.
And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.
And from the wicked their light is withholden, And the high arm is broken.
And from the evil-doers their light is kept back, and the arm of pride is broken.
The ‘light’ of the wicked is taken away from them; their acts of violence are stopped.
And from the wicked their light shall be taken away, and the hie arme shalbe broken.
And withheld from the wicked is their light, And the arm lifted up is broken.
From the wicked, their light is withheld. The high arm is broken.
And from the wicked their light is withheld, and the high arm shall be broken.
From the wicked their light shall be taken away, and the high arm shall be broken.
When it becomes daylight, the wicked do not have the darkness that they like; in the daylight they no longer are able to raise up their arms, ready to hurt people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:15
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 38:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יִמָּנַ֣ע
מֵ/רְשָׁ
אוֹרָ֑/ם
וּ/זְר֥וֹעַ
רָ֝מָ֗ה
תִּשָּׁבֵֽר
וְ/יִמָּנַ֣ע
mânaʻ
H4513
to withhold
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
מֵ/רְשָׁ
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Prep | Adj
אוֹרָ֑/ם
ʼôwr
H216
light
N-cs | Suff
וּ/זְר֥וֹעַ
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
arm
Conj | N-cs
רָ֝מָ֗ה
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Qal
תִּשָּׁבֵֽר
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
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 38:15
וְ/יִמָּנַ֣ע
mânaʻ
H4513
"to withhold"
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To withhold means to hold something back or keep it from someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe God withholding something from people, or people withholding things from each other.
Definition: 1) to withhold, hold back, keep back, refrain, deny, keep restrain, hinder 1a) (Qal) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold. See also: Genesis 30:2; Proverbs 1:15; Psalms 21:3.
מֵ/רְשָׁ
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Prep | Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
אוֹרָ֑/ם
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
N-cs | Suff
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
וּ/זְר֥וֹעַ
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
"arm"
Conj | N-cs
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
רָ֝מָ֗ה
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
תִּשָּׁבֵֽר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
Study Notes — Job 38:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:15
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:15
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:15
- Sermons on Job 38:15
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
13that it might spread to the ends of the earth and shake the wicked out of it?
14The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its hills stand out like the folds of a garment.
15Light is withheld from the wicked, and their upraised arm is broken.
16Have you journeyed to the vents of the sea or walked in the trenches of the deep? 17Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 10:15 | Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call him to account for his wickedness until none is left to be found. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:17 | For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. |
| 3 | Job 18:5 | Indeed, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow. |
| 4 | Proverbs 4:19 | But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. |
| 5 | Job 18:18 | He is driven from light into darkness and is chased from the inhabited world. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 30:22 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt. I will break his arms, both the strong one and the one already broken, and will make the sword fall from his hand. |
| 7 | Job 5:14 | They encounter darkness by day and grope at noon as in the night. |
| 8 | Exodus 10:21–23 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that darkness may spread over the land of Egypt—a palpable darkness.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and total darkness covered all the land of Egypt for three days. No one could see anyone else, and for three days no one left his place. Yet all the Israelites had light in their dwellings. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 13:16 | Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness. |
| 10 | Isaiah 8:21–22 | They will roam the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged; and looking upward, they will curse their king and their God. Then they will look to the earth and see only distress and darkness and the gloom of anguish. And they will be driven into utter darkness. |
Job 38:15 Summary
[This verse means that God doesn't give understanding or guidance to people who are against Him, and He will stop them from doing bad things. It's like when someone is trying to do something wrong, and God says 'no' and stops them. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 119:105, where God's Word is a light to our path. We can trust that God is in control and will bring justice, as promised in Romans 12:19.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for light to be withheld from the wicked?
This means that God withholds understanding, guidance, and spiritual illumination from those who reject Him, as seen in Job 38:15, and is similar to what is described in Psalm 119:105, where light is a metaphor for God's Word and guidance.
Why are the wicked described as having their upraised arm broken?
The upraised arm is a symbol of rebellion and pride, and God breaking it signifies His judgment and humbling of those who oppose Him, as also seen in Isaiah 2:11, where the proud are brought low.
Does this verse imply that all wicked people will be punished immediately?
No, this verse is a statement of God's general principle of judgment, as seen in Romans 6:23, but the timing and specifics of His judgment are known only to Him, as stated in Ecclesiastes 3:17.
How can I, as a believer, apply this verse to my life?
This verse reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, and to seek His guidance and light, as encouraged in Psalm 43:3, rather than relying on our own strength or wisdom, which can lead to pride and rebellion against God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have seen God's light and guidance in my life, and how can I be more attentive to His leading?
- In what ways am I tempted to rely on my own strength or wisdom, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty and guidance?
- How can I balance the desire for God's justice and judgment with the need for mercy and compassion, as seen in Matthew 5:7?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of God's character, and how can I apply that to my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:15
And from the wicked their light is withholden,.... Whose light is darkness, and whose day is the night, of which they are deprived when the morning light breaks forth; see Job 24:17; it may be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:15
Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; Passing from creation to phenomena in the existing inanimate world. Verse 12. Hast thou - as God daily does.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:15
And, or but; for the following words seem to be added by way of opposition to what went before. The earth, and the men, and the things in it have the comfort and benefit of the light, but so have not the wicked. Their light, i.e. their portion of light. That light which is enjoyed by others is withholden from them, either by their own choice, because they love and choose darkness rather than light; or by the judgment of God, or the magistrate, by whom they are cut off from the light of the living, as it is called, , or at least deprived of their peace, and comfort, and prosperity, which frequently goes under the name of light in Scripture, and may be so called here by an elegant allusion to the natural light of the sun mentioned before. The high arms; their great strength, which they used tyrannically, to the oppression and crushing of others.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:15
Job 38:15 And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.Ver. 15. And from the wicked their light is withholden] They have no such joy of those comforts which the light afforded; but as it discovereth their dark practices, Ephesians 5:13, so it bringeth them forth to condign punishment, Utpote indignos, qui hac luce fruantur. And the high arm shall be broken] i.e. His strength, tyranny, and power, whereby he oppressed others as with an outstretched arm, lifted up to strike with violence, this shall be broken, as Moab’ s was, Jeremiah 48:1-47, and as all the wicked’ s shall be; but the Lord upholdeth the righteous, Psalms 37:17. It is well noted that this verse is an exposition of the latter part of Job 38:13, as the former verse was of the former part. And well might Mercer say of this and the three following chapters, Sunt haec alta et insignia, et nonnulla difficilia, these are things high, and excellent, and something dark and difficult
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:15
15. shall be broken] Rather, is broken. The “light” of the wicked is the darkness, ch. Job 24:17. The “high arm” is the arm already uplifted to commit violence. Again the moral meaning of the dayspring is expressed.
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:15
And from the wicked their light is withholden - While the light thus spreads over the earth, rendering every object beautiful and blessing the righteous, light and prosperity are withheld from the
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:15
15. Their light — Darkness is their light, (Delitzsch, “their favourite light,”) as in Job 24:17; John 3:19. The high arm — Compare Job 22:8-9; Job 31:22.
Sermons on Job 38:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Do Not Fear What You See by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the assurance found in Psalms 37, where God promises to uphold the righteous amidst a world filled with chaos and sin. He highlights that despite the ala |
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I Am the Way, Truth Life by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes that Christ is the only way to God, bridging the gap between sinners and the divine. He argues that human efforts to reach God are futile and that true underst |
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The Blind Child by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody shares a poignant story of a mother whose child is declared blind, illustrating the deep sorrow and anguish that accompanies such a loss. He emphasizes that while physic |
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The Wicked Stumbling in Their Darkness by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the profound wisdom found in Proverbs, particularly the truth that the wicked stumble in darkness, unaware of their missteps. He explores the various ways |
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Matthew 2:19-23. Joseph's Return. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the important charge committed to Joseph in protecting the infant Savior and His mother, emphasizing God's guidance through dreams in times of perpl |
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What Is the Individual in the Papal System? by Ian Paisley | Ian Paisley preaches about the dangers of the Romish system, highlighting how it leads individuals to blindness, superstition, and poverty. He emphasizes the importance of reading |
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(Exodus) Exodus 10:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God hardened Pharaoh's heart in order to reveal his true nature as a godless man. The preacher explains that God could have immediately t |