Job 24:23
Job 24:23 in Multiple Translations
He gives them a sense of security, but His eyes are on their ways.
Though it be given him to be in safety, whereon he resteth; yet his eyes are upon their ways.
God giveth them to be in security, and they rest thereon; And his eyes are upon their ways.
He takes away his fear of danger and gives him support; and his eyes are on his ways.
He supports them and gives them security, but he is always watching what they're doing.
Though men giue him assurance to be in safetie, yet his eyes are vpon their wayes.
He giveth to him confidence, and he is supported, And his eyes [are] on their ways.
God gives them security, and they rest in it. His eyes are on their ways.
Though it is given him to be in safety, on which he resteth; yet his eyes are upon their ways.
God hath given him place for penance, and he abuseth it unto pride: but his eyes are upon his ways.
God allows them to think that they are secure and safe, but he is watching [MTY] them all the time.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 24:23
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 24:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִתֶּן
ל֣/וֹ
לָ֭/בֶטַח
וְ/יִשָּׁעֵ֑ן
וְ֝/עֵינֵ֗י/הוּ
עַל
דַּרְכֵי/הֶֽם
יִתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ל֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לָ֭/בֶטַח
beṭach
H983
security
Prep | N-ms
וְ/יִשָּׁעֵ֑ן
shâʻan
H8172
to lean
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
וְ֝/עֵינֵ֗י/הוּ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Conj | N-cd | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דַּרְכֵי/הֶֽם
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | 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 24:23
יִתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
ל֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לָ֭/בֶטַח
beṭach
H983
"security"
Prep | N-ms
Security refers to a feeling of safety or refuge, like a place where one can feel protected, as the Bible describes God as a rock or fortress, providing assurance and hope to those who trust in Him.
Definition: 1) security, safety adv 2) securely
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: assurance, boldly, (without) care(-less), confidence, hope, safe(-ly, -ty), secure, surely. See also: Genesis 34:25; Isaiah 14:30; Psalms 4:9.
וְ/יִשָּׁעֵ֑ן
shâʻan
H8172
"to lean"
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To lean means to support oneself or trust in something, like God. In Psalm 37:7, it means to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. This concept is central to the biblical idea of trust and faith.
Definition: 1) to lean on, trust in, support 1a) (Niphal) to lean, lean upon, support oneself 1a1) of trust in God (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: lean, lie, rely, rest (on, self), stay. See also: Genesis 18:4; 2 Chronicles 16:8; Proverbs 3:5.
וְ֝/עֵינֵ֗י/הוּ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Conj | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דַּרְכֵי/הֶֽם
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
Study Notes — Job 24:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 24:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 24:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 24:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 24:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 24:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 24:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 24:23
- Cambridge Bible on Job 24:23
- Barnes' Notes on Job 24:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 24:23
- Sermons on Job 24:23
Context — Job: Judgment for the Wicked
21They prey on the barren and childless, and show no kindness to the widow.
22Yet by His power, God drags away the mighty; though rising up, they have no assurance of life.
23He gives them a sense of security, but His eyes are on their ways.
24They are exalted for a moment, then they are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others; they are cut off like heads of grain. 25If this is not so, then who can prove me a liar and reduce my words to nothing?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:3 | The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. |
| 2 | 1 Thessalonians 5:3 | While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. |
| 3 | Revelation 2:23 | Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. |
| 4 | Job 11:11 | Surely He knows the deceit of men. If He sees iniquity, does He not take note? |
| 5 | Amos 8:7 | The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: “I will never forget any of their deeds. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 5:8 | If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. |
| 7 | Luke 12:45 | But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. |
| 8 | Psalms 73:3–12 | For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them. From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance. The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth. |
| 9 | Psalms 10:13–14 | Why has the wicked man renounced God? He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.” But You have regarded trouble and grief; You see to repay it by Your hand. The victim entrusts himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless. |
| 10 | Amos 9:2 | Though they dig down to Sheol, from there My hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, from there I will pull them down. |
Job 24:23 Summary
This verse means that even though God may allow wicked people to feel safe and secure, He is still watching their actions and will hold them accountable. This is a reminder that our feelings of security can be deceiving, and that true security can only be found in God (Psalm 37:3-7). We should seek to live in a way that is pleasing to God, knowing that He is always watching and will judge us according to our actions (Hebrews 4:13). By trusting in God and following His ways, we can find true security and peace, no matter what circumstances we face.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God gives them a sense of security?
This means that God allows the wicked to feel safe and secure in their ways, but it is a false sense of security, as seen in Psalm 36:1-4, where it says that the wicked have no fear of God and think they will not be punished for their actions.
Why does God watch their ways if He already knows what they will do?
God watches their ways to see if they will repent and turn to Him, as seen in Ezekiel 33:11, where God says He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they would turn from their ways and live.
Is this verse saying that God is responsible for the wicked feeling secure?
No, this verse is not saying that God is responsible for the wicked feeling secure, but rather that He allows it, as seen in Romans 1:24-25, where it says that God gave them over to their sinful desires because they rejected Him.
How does this verse relate to the concept of divine sovereignty?
This verse relates to the concept of divine sovereignty in that it shows that God is in control of all things, even the feelings and actions of the wicked, as seen in Proverbs 16:9, where it says that a man's heart plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be feeling a false sense of security in my own life, and how can I seek true security in God?
- How can I balance the truth that God is sovereign over all things with the reality that humans have free will to make choices?
- In what ways can I be mindful of God's watching eyes in my own life, and how can I live in a way that is pleasing to Him?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to find security in things other than God, and how can I repent and turn to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Job 24:23
[Though] it be given him [to be] in safety,.... Or "he gives him" (g), that is, it is God gives the wicked man to be in safety, notwithstanding all his wickedness; for Job, having described the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 24:23
He draweth also the mighty with his power: he riseth up, and no man is sure of life. Reply of Job to the opinions of the friends. Experience proves the contrary.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 24:23
Heb. He giveth to him to be in safety, or all things necessary for his safety, &c. This verse is understood either, 1. Of the oppressor; if the oppressor give a man his hand or promise that he shall live in safety by him, or if the oppressed give gifts to the oppressor to purchase his quiet and safety, and, as it follows, he resteth upon that assurance given him; yet his, i.e. the oppressor’ s, eyes are upon their ways; he watcheth for their halting, and seeks for all occasions to quarrel with them, and to destroy them. Or rather, 2. Of God; and so the words are fitly rendered thus, He, i.e. God, giveth or granteth to him, i.e. to the oppressor, to be in safety, i.e. to live a quiet and comfortable life, and he resteth secure, or he resteth or leaneth upon him, i.e. upon God; his former experience of God’ s favour makes him confident of the continuance of it: so he is not only happy in his present enjoyments, but also in his freedom from distracting fears of future miseries; and his, i.e. God’ s, eyes are upon their ways, i.e. God blesseth and prospereth him in all his undertakings, as this phrase most commonly signifies, as . Or, yet his eyes are upon their ways, i.e. although God giveth them such strange successes, this doth not proceed from his ignorance or regardlessness of their wicked actions; for he sees and observes them all, and will in due time punish them, though not always in this life, nor as soon as their sins are committed, but in such time and way as he in deep wisdom seeth most fit.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 24:23
Job 24:23 [Though] it be given him [to be] in safety, whereon he resteth; yet his eyes [are] upon their ways.Ver. 23. Though it be given him to be in safety] Heb. It is given him to be in safety, whereon he resteth. His safety and prosperity was given him for a better purpose; but (as if God had hired him to be wicked) he abuseth it to creature confidence, leaning too hard upon the arm of flesh. Yet his eyes are upon their ways] Nevertheless God prospereth them (according to Psalms 34:11). Or, as others sense it, God eyeth their wicked ways, and designeth them to destruction. And the next verse seemeth to make for this interpretation.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 24:23
(23) Though it be given.—“Yea, he, that is each of them, giveth him tribute, &c., that he may be secure and stable.” Yet his eyes—that is, the great tyrant’s eyes—are upon their ways.—They are exalted for a little while, but are soon gone, and are taken out of the way like all others. Some understand the subject of the first verb, “he giveth him to be in security,” to be God, and that also makes very good sense, for while God so allows him to be secure, His eyes are on their ways, the ways of all of them. In this case, however, Job 24:24 does not correspond so well with what Job has already said of the impunity with which the wicked are wicked, unless indeed the suddenness of their fate is the main point of his remarks, as in Job 24:19.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 24:23
Verse 23. Though it be given him to be in safety] The Vulgate gives this verse a singular turn: Dedit ei Deus locum paenitentiae, et ille abutitur eo in superbiam, "God gave him space for repentance, but he has abused it through pride." This is by no means conformable to the original. I think the words should be translated thus: "He gives them (i.e., the guards) to him for security, and he leans upon them; yet his eyes are upon their ways." Though he have taken the guards, mentioned in the preceding verse, for his personal defence, and for this purpose he uses them; yet he is full of diffidence, and he is continually watching them lest they should be plotting his destruction. The true picture of an Eastern tyrant. Without are fightings; within are fears.
Cambridge Bible on Job 24:23
23. though it be given] Rather, he giveth them to be in safety. God makes the tents of the violent men to be secure, ch. Job 12:6; He watches over them, His eyes being upon their ways; comp. ch. Job 10:3, “He shines upon the counsel of the wicked.”
Barnes' Notes on Job 24:23
Though it be given him to be in safety - That is, God gives him safety. The name God is often understood, or not expressed. The meaning is, that God gives this wicked man, or oppressor, safety.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 24:23
23. Given… in safety, etc. — Rather, He (God) giveth him to be in safety, and he is sustained. His eyes — God’s eyes are upon their ways, in order to keep and preserve them.
Sermons on Job 24:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
This Heart Is Too Small - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon delves into the message to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3, emphasizing the importance of being true and faithful witnesses before God. It highlights the need to |
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God - No Absentee Landlord by Bill Wright | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for transparent honesty, security, and encouragement in the family of God. He shares how the 139th Psalm has personally encouraged h |
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The Omnipresence of God by Roy Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three attributes of God that are interconnected and have the power to radically transform lives. The sermon begins with a personal anecdote a |
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The Lord Examines Our Paths by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the profound truth that every action and motive of our lives is fully exposed to the Lord, who meticulously examines our paths. There is no hiding from God' |
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Special Rules for Young Men by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of young men committing to a life of holiness and diligence in their Christian walk. He urges them to break off every known sin, avoid occasions |
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Guidelines for the Godly Man by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to confo |
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Dark Recesses by Frederick William Faber | Frederick William Faber preaches about the universal tendency to hide certain aspects of ourselves from God, fearing the discomfort or change that may come with exposing those hidd |