Job 24:16

Authorized King James Version

In the dark they dig through houses, which they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חָתַ֥ר
they dig through
to force a passage, as by burglary; figuratively, with oars
#2
בַּחֹ֗שֶׁךְ
In the dark
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
#3
בָּ֫תִּ֥ים
houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
יוֹמָ֥ם
for themselves in the daytime
daily
#5
חִתְּמוּ
which they had marked
to close up; especially to seal
#6
לָ֗מוֹ
H0
#7
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יָ֥דְעוּ
they know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#9
אֽוֹר׃
not the light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection