Job 24:13
They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.
Original Language Analysis
הָיוּ֮
H1961
הָיוּ֮
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
א֥וֹר
against the light
H216
א֥וֹר
against the light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
4 of 10
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִכִּ֥ירוּ
they know
H5234
הִכִּ֥ירוּ
they know
Strong's:
H5234
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
דְרָכָ֑יו
not the ways
H1870
דְרָכָ֑יו
not the ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
7 of 10
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Proverbs 4:19The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.Jude 1:6And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.1 John 2:19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature equated light with order, justice, and divine presence. The Egyptian concept of Ma'at (cosmic order) and Mesopotamian emphasis on righteousness as enlightenment parallel biblical imagery. However, Job's observation that light-rebels prosper would have troubled ancient readers who believed cosmic order ensured justice. This prepares for Job 38-41, where God reveals that cosmic order is more complex and mysterious than humans assume.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the concept of rebelling against light challenge modern notions that sin results merely from ignorance or dysfunction?
- What does Job's observation about prospering light-rebels teach us about God's patience and the timing of judgment?
- How should Christians respond when we see active rebels against divine truth appear to succeed?
Analysis & Commentary
Job describes the wicked as "those that rebel against the light (or, אוֹר)." Light in Hebrew thought represents divine revelation, truth, and righteousness (Psalm 119:105). The verb marad (מָרַד, "rebel") indicates deliberate insurrection—not mere ignorance but willful rejection. Job observes that some don't merely lack light but actively fight against it. This echoes Jesus' teaching: "Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates total depravity—humanity's rebellion isn't passive but active. The natural man doesn't simply fail to seek God; he suppresses truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). Job's observation that such rebels often prosper earthly challenges retribution theology while affirming a deeper truth: judgment isn't always immediate because God is patient (2 Peter 3:9), but rebellion against light ultimately leads to darkness.