Job 38:19
Job 38:19 in Multiple Translations
Where is the way to the home of light? Do you know where darkness resides,
Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof,
Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And as for darkness, where is the place thereof,
Which is the way to the resting-place of the light, and where is the store-house of the dark;
In which direction does light live? Where does darkness dwell?
Where is the way where light dwelleth? and where is the place of darkenesse,
Where [is] this — the way light dwelleth? And darkness, where [is] this — its place?
“What is the way to the dwelling of light? As for darkness, where is its place,
Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is its place,
Where is the way where light dwelleth, and where is the place of darkness:
“Where is the road to the place where light comes from? And can you tell me where darkness lives?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:19
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 38:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵי
זֶ֣ה
הַ֭/דֶּרֶךְ
יִשְׁכָּן
א֑וֹר
וְ֝/חֹ֗שֶׁךְ
אֵי
זֶ֥ה
מְקֹמֽ/וֹ
אֵי
ʼay
H335
where?
Part
זֶ֣ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הַ֭/דֶּרֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Art | N-cs
יִשְׁכָּן
shâkan
H7931
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
א֑וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
light
N-cs
וְ֝/חֹ֗שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
Conj | N-ms
אֵי
ʼay
H335
where?
Part
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
מְקֹמֽ/וֹ
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:19
אֵי
ʼay
H335
"where?"
Part
The Hebrew word for where or how, used to ask questions about location or method, as seen in various Bible translations, including how, what, or which way.
Definition: 1) whereto ?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with other adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). See also: Genesis 3:9; Job 2:2; Proverbs 31:4.
זֶ֣ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הַ֭/דֶּרֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Art | N-cs
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.
יִשְׁכָּן
shâkan
H7931
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
א֑וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
N-cs
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.
וְ֝/חֹ֗שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
Conj | 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.
אֵי
ʼay
H335
"where?"
Part
The Hebrew word for where or how, used to ask questions about location or method, as seen in various Bible translations, including how, what, or which way.
Definition: 1) whereto ?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with other adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). See also: Genesis 3:9; Job 2:2; Proverbs 31:4.
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
מְקֹמֽ/וֹ
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms | Suff
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
Study Notes — Job 38:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:19
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:19
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:19
- Sermons on Job 38:19
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
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,
20so you can lead it back to its border? Do you know the paths to its home? 21Surely you know, for you were already born! And the number of your days is great!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 32:8 | All the shining lights in the heavens I will darken over you, and I will bring darkness upon your land,’ declares the Lord GOD. |
| 2 | Genesis 1:14–18 | And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to distinguish between the day and the night, and let them be signs to mark the seasons and days and years. And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. And He made the stars as well. God set these lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth, to preside over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. |
| 3 | Genesis 1:3–4 | And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. |
| 4 | Job 38:12–13 | In your days, have you commanded the morning or assigned the dawn its place, that it might spread to the ends of the earth and shake the wicked out of it? |
| 5 | Psalms 18:11 | He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him. |
| 6 | Isaiah 45:7 | I form the light and create the darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things. |
| 7 | Matthew 27:45 | From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 4:19 | When you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. |
| 9 | Psalms 105:28 | He sent darkness, and it became dark— yet they defied His words. |
| 10 | Psalms 104:20 | You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when all the beasts of the forest prowl. |
Job 38:19 Summary
[In Job 38:19, God is asking Job where the way to light is, and where darkness resides, to show Job that He is all-knowing and all-powerful, as seen in Psalm 139:12 and Jeremiah 23:24. This verse is saying that God knows everything, even the things we don't understand, like the nature of light and darkness, and that we should trust in His wisdom and guidance, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6. Just like Job, we may not have all the answers, but we can have confidence in God's goodness and love for us, and trust that He is working everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of light and darkness in Job 38:19?
In this verse, light and darkness symbolize the realms of good and evil, or understanding and ignorance, as seen in Isaiah 5:20 and Psalm 119:105, where light represents God's guidance and truth.
Is God asking Job a rhetorical question in Job 38:19?
Yes, God is asking Job a rhetorical question to emphasize Job's limitations and God's sovereignty, similar to Psalm 8:4, where the psalmist asks, 'What is mankind that you are mindful of them?'
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 and complaints, highlighting the vast difference between God's knowledge and power and human understanding, as seen in Job 42:3, where Job says, 'I have heard of you, but now my eye has seen you.'
What can we learn from God's questions to Job in Job 38:19?
We can learn that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, as stated in Isaiah 55:9, and that we should approach Him with humility and reverence, recognizing our limitations and His greatness.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when God seems to be asking me questions I cannot answer, and what does this reveal about my faith and trust in Him?
- In what ways do I try to lead or control the 'darkness' in my life, and how can I instead surrender it to God's sovereignty and guidance?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge my limitations and rely on God's wisdom and power, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's majesty and power, as displayed in Job 38:19 and other passages like Psalm 104:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:19
Where [is] the way [where] light dwelleth?.... Or the way to the place where it dwells, and what that is; and [as for] darkness, where [is] the place thereof?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:19
Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, 'What is the way (to the place wherein) light dwelleth?' The origin of light and darkness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:19
The way; or rather, the place, as the next clause explains it, and the Hebrew phrase will bear. Where light dwelleth, i.e. hath its constant and settled abode; for in the place where Job lived, and in most other parts of the inhabited world, it is like a traveller, that cometh and goeth continually every day. This may be referred either, 1. To the place under the two poles, where first the light, and then the darkness, continues for six months together. Or rather, 2. To the sun, the fountain of light. And as this is a poetical book, so this may be a poetical expression and question, Whither goes the sun, when it departs from this hemisphere? Where is the tabernacle and the chamber in which both sacred, as ,5, and profane poets suppose the sun to rest? Dost thou know the place where the sun when it sets may be found, and whence thou canst fetch it back again. For it is to be carefully observed, that he speaks not here of a bare and simple knowledge of this matter, which was plain and easy to Job, and many others, who were not ignorant that the sun was the fountain of light, from whose approach light comes, and by whose departure darkness is caused; but of an operative knowledge, even such as could and did enable him to take it to the bound thereof, as it follows, .
And withal, he seems here to speak not only of the daily course and motion of the sun, and the vicissitude of day and night, but also and especially of the first production of the light, which was before Job was born, as is evident from . And this makes the question more difficult and more considerable, the sense whereof may be this: Seeing there was a time when there was nothing but gross and comfortless darkness upon the face of the earth, what way came light into the world? which was the place where light dwelt at that time, and whence it was fetched? and whence came that orderly constitution and constant succession of light and darkness? Was this thy work? or wast thou privy to it, or a counsellor or assistant in it? or was it not done by me alone long before thou hadst a being?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:19
Job 38:19 Where [is] the way [where] light dwelleth? and [as for] darkness, where [is] the place thereof,Ver. 19. Where is the way where light dwelleth?] These are poetic terms likewise; which signify, or mean nothing else, but that God alone, without any help or work of any man, appointed the various points of sunrising and sunsetting. And as for darkness, where is the place thereof?] i.e. Little canst thou tell what is become of it, or where the sun setteth; by the absence whereof cometh darkness. The truth is, our reason is by original sin so darkened that we understand not these lesser and common matters. Those that are more high and hard we learn not but with much labour and long experience. As for the mysteries of God, and things pertaining to salvation, we cannot at all attain unto them by human reason, as is to be seen in Nicodemus, John 3:9-10 1 Corinthians 2:14
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:19
Verse 19. Where light dwelleth] What is the source of light? Yea, what is light itself? It is not in the sun, for light was before the sun; but what is light? It is no doubt a substance; but of what kind? and of what are its particles? As to darkness, what is IT? Is it philosophical to say, it is the mere privation of light? I shall think philosophy has made some advances to general accuracy and perfection when it proves to us what cold is, and what darkness is, leaving mere privations out of the question.
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:19
4–38. A survey of the inanimate creation, the wonders of earth and sky—the earth, Job 38:4-18; the heavens, Job 38:18-38
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:19
Where is the way where light dwelleth? - Or, rather, where is the way or path to the place where light dwells? Light is conceived of as coming from a great distance, and as having a place which might be regarded as its home.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:19
β. He must also understand the cosmical phenomena of light and darkness; must not only know the paths to their house, but himself, venerable in years, must at some time have escorted them to their home, Job 38:19-21.19.
Sermons on Job 38:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Darkness of Jealousy by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving our best to God, using the example of Abel's offering. He highlights that God accepted Abel's offering because it wa |
|
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 |
|
Genesis #02 Ch. 1:2 Creation or Re-Creation by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Mitzvah discusses Genesis chapter 1, verses 2 and 3. He mentions that in the previous study, they covered various topics including biblical background and Ein |
|
(Through the Bible) Genesis 1:1-18 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the creation of the earth and the existence of a designer. They explain that on the first day of creation, God brought the earth out of darkne |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 1:6-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the firmament as mentioned in the Bible. They explain that the firmament refers to the space or air between the waters above an |
|
|
(Through the Bible) Genesis 8-9 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the limitations of human language in describing the glory and beauty of God. He emphasizes that while we use anthropomorphic terms to describe |
|
(Genesis) 3 - the Creation Continued by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the creation of the universe as described in the book of Genesis. He references a statement by geochemist Professor Harrison Brown, who sugges |