Job 23:8

Authorized King James Version

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Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

Original Language Analysis

הֵ֤ן H2005
הֵ֤ן
Strong's: H2005
Word #: 1 of 8
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
קֶ֣דֶם forward H6924
קֶ֣דֶם forward
Strong's: H6924
Word #: 2 of 8
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ Behold I go H1980
אֶהֱלֹ֣ךְ Behold I go
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 3 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְאֵינֶ֑נּוּ H369
וְאֵינֶ֑נּוּ
Strong's: H369
Word #: 4 of 8
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
וְ֝אָח֗וֹר but he is not there and backward H268
וְ֝אָח֗וֹר but he is not there and backward
Strong's: H268
Word #: 5 of 8
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
וְֽלֹא H3808
וְֽלֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָבִ֥ין but I cannot perceive H995
אָבִ֥ין but I cannot perceive
Strong's: H995
Word #: 7 of 8
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
לֽוֹ׃ H0
לֽוֹ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 8 of 8

Analysis & Commentary

Job's complaint: 'Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him.' The four-directional search (forward/backward/left/right) emphasizes totality of divine hiddenness. Yet Job continues seeking, modeling faith that pursues despite absence.

Historical Context

Ancient cosmology oriented by four directions. Job's exhaustive search reveals both divine transcendence and human limitation in perceiving God's presence.

Questions for Reflection