Job 38:17
Job 38:17 in Multiple Translations
Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death?
Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?
Have the gates of death been revealed unto thee? Or hast thou seen the gates of the shadow of death?
Have the doors of death been open to you, or have the door-keepers of the dark ever seen you?
Have you been shown where the gates of death are? Have you seen the gates of utter darkness?
Haue the gates of death bene opened vnto thee? or hast thou seene the gates of the shadowe of death?
Revealed to thee were the gates of death? And the gates of death-shade dost thou see?
Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the gates of the shadow of death?
Have the gates of death been opened to thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shades of death?
Have the gates of death been opened to thee, and hast thou seen the darksome doors?
Has someone shown you the gates to the place where dead people are, the gates to the place where it is very dark?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:17
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 38:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/נִגְל֣וּ
לְ֭/ךָ
שַׁעֲרֵי
מָ֑וֶת
וְ/שַׁעֲרֵ֖י
צַלְמָ֣וֶת
תִּרְאֶֽה
הֲ/נִגְל֣וּ
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
Part | V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
לְ֭/ךָ
Prep | Suff
שַׁעֲרֵי
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-mp
מָ֑וֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
וְ/שַׁעֲרֵ֖י
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Conj | N-mp
צַלְמָ֣וֶת
tsalmâveth
H6757
shadow
N-ms
תִּרְאֶֽה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
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 38:17
הֲ/נִגְל֣וּ
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
Part | V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
לְ֭/ךָ
""
Prep | Suff
שַׁעֲרֵי
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
מָ֑וֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
וְ/שַׁעֲרֵ֖י
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
צַלְמָ֣וֶת
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.
תִּרְאֶֽה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
Study Notes — Job 38:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:17
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:17
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:17
- Sermons on Job 38:17
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
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?
18Have you surveyed the extent of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this. 19Where is the way to the home of light? Do you know where darkness resides,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 9:13 | Be merciful to me, O LORD; see how my enemies afflict me! Lift me up from the gates of death, |
| 2 | Psalms 107:18 | They loathed all food and drew near to the gates of death. |
| 3 | Job 3:5 | May darkness and gloom reclaim it, and a cloud settle over it; may the blackness of the day overwhelm it. |
| 4 | Psalms 107:10 | Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and chains, |
| 5 | Psalms 107:14 | He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains. |
| 6 | Psalms 23:4 | Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. |
| 7 | Job 12:22 | He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into light. |
| 8 | Psalms 116:3 | The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow. |
| 9 | Amos 5:8 | He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns darkness into dawn and darkens day into night, who summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth— the LORD is His name— |
| 10 | Matthew 4:16 | the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” |
Job 38:17 Summary
This verse is asking if we have experienced or understood the mystery of death, which is a transition from life to eternity. The 'gates of death' and 'shadow of death' are symbolic expressions for the unknown and often feared aspects of dying, as seen in Psalm 23:4. However, as Christians, we can find comfort in knowing that God is in control of life and death, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:39. We can trust in His sovereignty and presence, even in the face of uncertainty and fear, as seen in Romans 8:38-39, where nothing can separate us from God's love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'gates of death' mean in this verse?
The phrase 'gates of death' refers to the entrance or threshold of death, symbolizing the transition from life to death, as seen in Psalm 9:13, where the gates of death are associated with the realm of the dead.
Is the 'shadow of death' a physical or spiritual place?
The 'shadow of death' is a metaphorical expression for a state of darkness, fear, and hopelessness, as described in Psalm 23:4, where the valley of the shadow of death is a place of spiritual darkness, but also a place where God's presence can be found.
Why is God asking Job these questions about death and the afterlife?
God is asking Job these questions to highlight the limitations of human knowledge and understanding, as stated in Job 37:23, where Elihu says that God's ways are beyond human comprehension, and to emphasize God's sovereignty over life and death, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:39, where God says 'I put to death and I bring to life'
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Job?
This verse is part of God's response to Job's questions about suffering and injustice, as seen in Job 31:35, where Job longs for an opportunity to present his case to God, and it serves to remind Job of God's wisdom, power, and authority, as stated in Isaiah 55:9, where God's thoughts and ways are higher than human thoughts and ways.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'gates of death' in my own life, and how can I surrender them to God's control?
- How do I respond to the unknowns of death and the afterlife, and what does Scripture say about these mysteries?
- In what ways do I try to comprehend or control the mysteries of life and death, and how can I learn to trust in God's sovereignty?
- What shadows of death or darkness am I currently facing, and how can I find hope and comfort in God's presence?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:17
Have the gates of death been opened unto thee?.... Meaning not by which death has entered into the world, and which have been the causes and occasion of it; as the sin of man, the appointment of God,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:17
Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? Seen. The second clause heightens the thought in the first.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:17
Hast thou seen, or dost thou perfectly know, the place and state of the dead, the depths and bowels of that earth in which the generality of dead men are buried, or the several ways and methods of death, or the various states and conditions of men after death? And the same thing is repeated.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:17
Job 38:17 Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?Ver. 17. Have the gates of death been opened unto thee] sc. That thou shouldest know when, how, and of what disease every man shall die; together with the state and condition of the dead. Or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?] No, nor any man living hath ever seen those dark and dismal receptacles of the dead, called here the shadow of death; that is, so dreadful, that they were enough to strike a man dead.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:17
Verse 17. Have the gates of death been opened unto thee?] Dost thou know in what the article of death consists? This is as inexplicable as the question, What is animal life? The doors of the shallow of death?] צלמות tsalmaveth, the intermediate state, the openings into the place of separate spirits. Here two places are distinguished: מות maveth, death, and צלמות tsalmaveth, the shadow of death. It will not do to say, death is the privation of life, for what then would be the shadow of that privation?
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:17
17. have the gates of death] Or, were the gates? Death is personified; it is Sheol, the place of the dead, ch. Job 28:22. This is a lower deep than the recesses of the sea; Job, no doubt, went down there also. hast thou seen] Or, didst thou see?
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:17
Have the gates of death been opened unto thee - That is, the gates of the world where death reigns; or the gates that lead to the abodes of the dead. The allusion here is to “Sheol,” or “Hades,” the dark abodes of the dead.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:17
17. Gates of death — Used figuratively, or according to the usage of that age. The Assyrian legend of the descent of Ishtar into hades, “the house men enter but cannot depart from,” speaks of seven gates.
Sermons on Job 38:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Suffering by Ralph Shallis | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and the revelation of God's greatness in nature. He highlights various verses where God questions Job about his understandin |
|
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 |
|
How to Prosper in Hard Times by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being convicted by the Holy Ghost and acknowledging one's sins before God. He encourages the congregation to rejoice in th |
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What Child Is This? the Benedictus by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prevailing conditions of desolation and darkness in the world during the time of Zechariah. He emphasizes the need for salvation from enem |
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The Blessing of Affliction by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal anecdote about a man named Brother Harry who initially struggled with his preaching. However, after surrendering to God, his life tur |
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Community Thanksgiving - Comfort by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher starts by mentioning a game that starts over again when someone bursts. He then refers to a passage from the tenth chapter of John, where Jesus is desc |
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Overcoming the Pain of Regret by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the topic of regret, focusing on overcoming the pain of regret by acknowledging the harm it causes, the endless cycle it creates, and the need to turn to Go |