Job 15:22
He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַאֲמִ֣ין
He believeth
H539
יַאֲמִ֣ין
He believeth
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
שׁ֭וּב
not that he shall return
H7725
שׁ֭וּב
not that he shall return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
3 of 9
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מִנִּי
H4480
מִנִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
חֹ֑שֶׁךְ
out of darkness
H2822
חֹ֑שֶׁךְ
out of darkness
Strong's:
H2822
Word #:
5 of 9
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
וְצָפ֖וּ
and he is waited
H6822
וְצָפ֖וּ
and he is waited
Strong's:
H6822
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
Historical Context
The image of the sword waiting captures ancient Israel's experience of judgment and warfare. Prophets often used sword imagery for divine judgment (Ezekiel, Jeremiah), creating theological association between doom and divine displeasure.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish despair from sin versus despair from circumstance or depression?
- What biblical figures experienced hopelessness without it indicating hidden guilt?
- How does pastoral care differ when addressing guilt-based despair versus circumstantial grief?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked expect doom: 'He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.' Lack of hope characterizes the wicked—they don't expect to escape their dark circumstances. The sword 'waiting for' them suggests inevitable judgment. Eliphaz implies Job's despair indicates wickedness. But righteous sufferers in Scripture often express hopelessness (Psalms, Lamentations) without indicating guilt—despair can arise from suffering, not necessarily sin.