Job 24:17
For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַחְדָּ֨ו׀
is to them even as
H3162
יַחְדָּ֨ו׀
is to them even as
Strong's:
H3162
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
בֹּ֣קֶר
For the morning
H1242
בֹּ֣קֶר
For the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
צַלְמָֽוֶת׃
of the shadow of death
H6757
צַלְמָֽוֶת׃
of the shadow of death
Strong's:
H6757
Word #:
5 of 9
shade of death, i.e., the grave (figuratively, calamity)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַ֝כִּ֗יר
if one know
H5234
יַ֝כִּ֗יר
if one know
Strong's:
H5234
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
Historical Context
The "shadow of death" appears frequently in wisdom literature and psalms, often describing life-threatening danger or deepest darkness. Job's use here inverts typical symbolism: the wicked fear light that exposes rather than darkness that threatens. This reflects the moral chaos Job perceives in a world where retribution seems absent.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the wicked person's fear of exposure ('morning is to them even as the shadow of death') reveal the psychological torment of hidden sin?
- What does the moral inversion—fearing light, loving darkness—teach about sin's deforming power on human nature?
- How does Christ's promise that all secrets will be revealed (Luke 12:2-3) both warn the wicked and comfort the oppressed?
Analysis & Commentary
For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death—Job employs powerful irony: while normal people dread darkness, the wicked fear daylight. "Morning" (boqer, בֹּקֶר) typically symbolizes deliverance and divine favor (Psalm 30:5, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning"). But for evildoers, dawn brings "the shadow of death" (tsalmaveth, צַלְמָוֶת), the same term describing deep darkness and mortal danger (Psalm 23:4). Their moral inversion is complete.
If one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death—Exposure terrifies the wicked more than death itself. "Know them" (יַכִּיר) means recognition or identification—if their identity is discovered, they experience ballahot tsalmaveth (בַּלָּהוֹת צַלְמָוֶת), the "terrors of death-shadow." This anticipates Jesus's teaching that "there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed" (Luke 12:2). Yet Job's frustration remains: Why doesn't God expose and judge now?