Job 23:9
On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
Original Language Analysis
שְׂמֹ֣אול
On the left hand
H8040
שְׂמֹ֣אול
On the left hand
Strong's:
H8040
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
בַּעֲשֹׂת֣וֹ
where he doth work
H6213
בַּעֲשֹׂת֣וֹ
where he doth work
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָ֑חַז
but I cannot behold
H2372
אָ֑חַז
but I cannot behold
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
4 of 8
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
יַעְטֹ֥ף
him he hideth
H5848
יַעְטֹ֥ף
him he hideth
Strong's:
H5848
Word #:
5 of 8
to shroud, i.e., clothe (whether transitive or reflexive); hence (from the idea of darkness) to languish
יָ֝מִ֗ין
himself on the right hand
H3225
יָ֝מִ֗ין
himself on the right hand
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
6 of 8
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
Historical Context
Written during Job's darkest hour, this verse captures the painful experience of divine absence despite continued faith. Ancient Near Eastern religions emphasized visible manifestations of deity through idols, natural phenomena, or temple presence. Job's theology of an invisible yet active God anticipates biblical monotheism that forbids graven images (Exodus 20:4) and emphasizes God's spiritual nature (John 4:24).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain faith when God seems hidden despite evidence of His work in the world?
- What does Job's directional search teach about the futility of seeking God through physical perception alone?
- How does Christ as the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15) answer Job's longing to behold God?
Analysis & Commentary
On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him (בִּשְׂמֹאול בַּעֲשֹׂתוֹ וְלֹא־אָחָז, bis'mol ba'asoto v'lo-achaz)—The left hand (שְׂמֹאול, s'mol) represents the north in Hebrew spatial orientation. Job searches for God in every direction but cannot chazah (behold, perceive) divine presence. The verb asah (work, do) indicates God actively operates in human history, yet remains imperceptible to Job's senses.
He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him (יַעְטֹף יָמִין וְלֹא אֶרְאֶה, ya'tof yamin v'lo er'eh)—Ataf means to envelop, cover, or wrap oneself, suggesting deliberate concealment. The right hand (יָמִין, yamin) signifies south. Job's directional search (north/left, south/right, combined with vv. 8's east and west) represents comprehensive seeking—yet God remains hidden. This paradox of divine hiddenness amid divine activity became central to theology: Deus absconditus (the hidden God) who works invisibly yet powerfully. Isaiah echoes: 'Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself' (Isaiah 45:15).