Job 15:22
Job 15:22 in Multiple Translations
He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword.
He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.
He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, And he is waited for of the sword.
He has no hope of coming safe out of the dark, and his fate will be the sword;
They don't believe they will escape the darkness—they know a sword is waiting for them.
He beleeueth not to returne out of darknesse: for he seeth the sworde before him.
He believeth not to return from darkness, And watched [is] he for the sword.
He doesn’t believe that he will return out of darkness. He is waited for by the sword.
He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for by the sword.
He believeth not that he may return from darkness to light, looking round about for the sword on every side.
Wicked people surely know that they will not escape from darkness/death, because they are sure that someone is waiting to kill them with a sword.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 15:22
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 15:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
יַאֲמִ֣ין
שׁ֭וּב
מִנִּי
חֹ֑שֶׁךְ
ו/צפו
וְ/צָפ֖וּי
ה֣וּא
אֱלֵי
חָֽרֶב
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַאֲמִ֣ין
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
שׁ֭וּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Inf-a
מִנִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep
חֹ֑שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
ו/צפו
tsâphâh
H6822
to watch
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
וְ/צָפ֖וּי
tsâphâh
H6822
to watch
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
אֱלֵי
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
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 15:22
לֹא
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.
יַאֲמִ֣ין
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
שׁ֭וּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
מִנִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
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.
ו/צפו
tsâphâh
H6822
"to watch"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.
Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.
וְ/צָפ֖וּי
tsâphâh
H6822
"to watch"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.
Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
אֱלֵי
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
Study Notes — Job 15:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 15:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 15:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:22
- Cambridge Bible on Job 15:22
- Barnes' Notes on Job 15:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 15:22
- Sermons on Job 15:22
Context — Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God
20A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless.
21Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him.
22He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword.
23He wanders about as food for vultures; he knows the day of darkness is at hand. 24Distress and anguish terrify him, overwhelming him like a king poised to attack.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 20:24–25 | Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow will pierce him. It is drawn out of his back, the gleaming point from his liver. Terrors come over him. |
| 2 | Matthew 27:5 | So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. |
| 3 | Job 9:16 | If I summoned Him and He answered me, I do not believe He would listen to my voice. |
| 4 | Job 6:11 | What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient? |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Job 19:29 | then you should fear the sword yourselves, because wrath brings punishment by the sword, so that you may know there is a judgment.” |
| 7 | 2 Kings 6:33 | While Elisha was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him. And the king said, “This calamity is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?” |
| 8 | Job 27:14 | Though his sons are many, they are destined for the sword; and his offspring will never have enough food. |
Job 15:22 Summary
This verse is saying that someone who is living a life of sin and rebellion against God will eventually face the consequences of their actions. They will be 'marked for the sword', which means they will face judgment and destruction (as seen in Jeremiah 25:31). The 'darkness' mentioned in this verse is a spiritual darkness, which means being separated from God's love and presence (as seen in Psalm 88:6). To avoid this fate, we must seek to live in obedience to God's will and walk in the light of His presence (as seen in 1 John 1:7).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'marked for the sword' in Job 15:22?
To be marked for the sword means to be destined for judgment and destruction, as seen in Jeremiah 25:31, where God declares that He will execute judgment on the nations with the sword.
Is the darkness mentioned in Job 15:22 a physical or spiritual darkness?
The darkness in this verse is likely a spiritual darkness, as it is often associated with separation from God, as seen in Psalm 88:6, where the psalmist feels abandoned by God and is in a state of darkness.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Eliphaz's second speech to Job, where he is trying to convince Job that his suffering is a result of his own sin, as seen in Job 15:20, where Eliphaz states that the wicked man writhes in pain all his days.
What does this verse teach us about the fate of the wicked?
This verse teaches us that the wicked will ultimately face judgment and destruction, as seen in Proverbs 10:24, where it is written that the fear of the wicked will come upon him, and the desire of the righteous will be granted.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'marked for the sword' due to my own sin or rebellion against God?
- How can I avoid the spiritual darkness that is described in this verse, and instead walk in the light of God's presence?
- What are some ways that I can apply the truth of this verse to my own life, and seek to live in obedience to God's will?
- How can I use this verse to minister to others who may be struggling with feelings of hopelessness or despair?
Gill's Exposition on Job 15:22
He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness,.... When he lies down at night he despairs of ever seeing the light of the morning, through fear of an enemy, a robber, a murderer, or of one
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:22
He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword. Darkness - namely, danger or calamity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:22
i.e. When he falls into trouble, he despairs of God’ s mercy, and of deliverance, by reason of his guilty conscience; which he speaks with particular reflection upon Job, who would receive no comfort nor matter of hope. He is waited for of the sword, i.e. besides the calamity which is upon him, he is in constant expectation of further and greater miseries; for the sword is oft used for any grievous affliction, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:22
Job 15:22 He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.Ver. 22. He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness] He despondeth and despaireth of a better condition, sighing out that doleful ditty, Spes et fortuna valete; Farewell hope and fortune, he looks for no further light and delight of former comforts; he knows that they that go down into the dark pit cannot hope for God’ s truth, Isaiah 38:18; there being left them neither hope of better nor place of worse. Desperat qui summus est diffidentiae gradus (Jun.). And he is waited for of the sword] Or, looked upon by the sword, which waiteth, as it were, an opportunity to slay him. Circumspectans undique gladium, so the Vulgate; he looketh this way and that way, as fearing the murderer; his guilt representing to him on all sides nothing but naked swords; he believeth that they will assassinate him in his bed. This was the case of Saul, who suspected his best servants; of Dionysius the tyrant, who durst not trust his own daughter with his throat; of Alexander Pheraeus, who would not go to bed to his wife Thebe, whom he loved, till he had first searched the room and her pocket for edge-tools (Cicero. Offic. lib. 2); of Richard III, who, after the death of his two innocent nephews, had fearful dreams and apprehensions, insomuch that he did often leap out of his bed in the dark, and catching his sword (which, always naked, stuck by his side), he did go distractedly about the chamber, everywhere seeking to find out the cause of his own occasioned disquiet, saith the chronologer (Dan. Hist. 249). Tiberius felt the remorse of conscience so violently, that he protested to the Senate that he suffered death daily through fear of death; whereupon the historian maketh this profitable observation, Tandem facinora et flagitia in supplicium vertuntur, Heinous sins will at length have heavy punishments (Tacit.).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:22
Verse 22. That he shall return out of darkness] If he take but a few steps in the dark, he expects the dagger of the assassin. This appears to be the only meaning of the place. Some think the passage should be understood to signify that he has no hope of a resurrection; he can never escape from the tomb. This I doubt: in the days of the writer of this book, the doctrine of a future judgment was understood in every part of the East where the knowledge of the true God was diffused.
Cambridge Bible on Job 15:22
22. return out of darkness] “Darkness” is calamity, and the words mean that the wicked man anticipates a calamity which shall be final, and from which, when it befals him, there shall be no escape. he is waited for of the sword] So he feels in regard to himself; he is marked out for the sword, i. e., the hostile sword or the avenging sword of God, ch. Job 19:29; Isaiah 31:8.
Barnes' Notes on Job 15:22
He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness - Darkness is used in the Bible, as elsewhere, to denote calamity; and the meaning here is, that the wicked man has not confidence (יאמין לא lo'
Whedon's Commentary on Job 15:22
22. Darkness — Destruction is represented by the figure of night. The sword — Metaphorical for the wrath of God. The same poet (ibid.) speaks of the naked sword suspended over the impious neck of the tyrant.
Sermons on Job 15:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Spiritual Leader by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a strong and uncompromising leader for the next generation of believers. He urges listeners to take their calling ser |
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Jabez a Lonely Man by John Phillips | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing a cartoon that appeared in an American newspaper during the time of the moon landing. The cartoon depicts two astronauts on Mars, |
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Can a Christian Commit Suicide? by Tim Conway | This sermon addresses the question of whether a Christian can commit suicide, highlighting that suicide is self-murder driven by unfulfilled desires. It explores biblical examples |
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Understanding Marriage - Spiritual Preparation for Marriage by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of humility and meekness as described in Ephesians chapter four. He emphasizes the importance of living new lives as new people in |
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Knowing God's Will by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the certainty of God's guidance for His children. He highlights that God is revealed as a shepherd and a father in the Bible, guiding His pe |
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Are You Perishing? the Reason for Our Being by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead preaches about the urgency of repentance and the impending judgment by God, as seen in Acts 17:23-31. He emphasizes that sin is not just an inherited condition but a |
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The Reward of Perseverance by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the theme of perseverance through suffering, using the story of Job as a powerful example. Despite Job's immense losses and despair, he ultimately found |