Job 15:23
He wandereth abroad for bread, saying, Where is it? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.
Original Language Analysis
נֹ֘דֵ֤ד
He wandereth abroad
H5074
נֹ֘דֵ֤ד
He wandereth abroad
Strong's:
H5074
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לַלֶּ֣חֶם
for bread
H3899
לַלֶּ֣חֶם
for bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
3 of 10
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
יָדַ֓ע׀
saying Where is it he knoweth
H3045
יָדַ֓ע׀
saying Where is it he knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָכ֖וֹן
is ready
H3559
נָכ֖וֹן
is ready
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
בְּיָד֣וֹ
at his hand
H3027
בְּיָד֣וֹ
at his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 10
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Historical Context
Begging for bread represented extreme destitution in ancient economies. Wandering without stable food sources indicated covenant curse (Deuteronomy 28:15-68), creating theological connection between poverty and divine judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we acknowledge that sin has real consequences without assuming all deprivation indicates wickedness?
- What biblical examples show the righteous experiencing poverty or hunger without indicating divine displeasure?
- How should we respond to economic suffering—both our own and others'?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked wander seeking bread: 'He wandereth abroad for bread, saying, Where is it? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.' Eliphaz describes restless anxiety and deprivation. The wicked suffer hunger and know judgment approaches. This describes real consequences of sin and divine judgment. However, Eliphaz's application to Job fails—Job's suffering doesn't fit this description (he was generous, not grasping), yet Eliphaz forces Job's experience into his theological framework.