Job 26:6
Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.
Original Language Analysis
שְׁא֣וֹל
Hell
H7585
שְׁא֣וֹל
Hell
Strong's:
H7585
Word #:
2 of 6
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
נֶגְדּ֑וֹ
H5048
נֶגְדּ֑וֹ
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
3 of 6
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
Cross References
Psalms 139:8If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.Proverbs 15:11Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.Job 28:22Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.Amos 9:2Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures universally conceived of an underworld where the dead existed in shadowy form. Israel's Sheol theology was more restrained than neighboring mythologies, emphasizing God's sovereignty even over death. Job's statement represents advanced revelation for his patriarchal era, anticipating later biblical teaching on resurrection and final judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's omniscience—knowing even the dead in Sheol—comfort or challenge you?
- What does this verse teach about God's sovereignty over realms that seem beyond His reach?
- How should the truth that nothing is hidden from God affect your daily life and secret thoughts?
Analysis & Commentary
Hell is naked before him—The Hebrew Sheol (שְׁאוֹל), here translated 'hell,' refers to the realm of the dead, the underworld where departed spirits go. Arom (עָרוֹם, naked) means exposed, bare, without covering—total vulnerability before divine omniscience. Destruction hath no covering uses Abaddon (אֲבַדּוֹן), the place of destruction or perishing, parallel to Sheol. The phrase ein kesut (אֵין כְּסוּת) means 'no covering/concealment.'
Job affirms God's exhaustive knowledge penetrates even death and destruction—domains considered beyond human reach. Sheol cannot hide the dead from God's sight (Psalm 139:8, Proverbs 15:11). This prepares for the New Testament revelation that Christ holds the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18), and nothing in all creation—including death—can separate believers from God's love (Romans 8:38-39). Job's suffering doesn't mean God is absent or ignorant; rather, God sees and knows everything, even when His purposes remain mysterious.