Job 30:26
When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.
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
ט֣וֹב
for good
H2896
ט֣וֹב
for good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
2 of 9
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
קִ֭וִּיתִי
When I looked
H6960
קִ֭וִּיתִי
When I looked
Strong's:
H6960
Word #:
3 of 9
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
וַֽאֲיַחֲלָ֥ה
unto me and when I waited
H3176
וַֽאֲיַחֲלָ֥ה
unto me and when I waited
Strong's:
H3176
Word #:
6 of 9
to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope
לְ֝א֗וֹר
for light
H216
לְ֝א֗וֹר
for light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
7 of 9
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
Cross References
Jeremiah 8:15We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble!Jeremiah 14:19Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and there is no healing for us? we looked for peace, and there is no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!Isaiah 50:10Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.Psalms 97:11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.Micah 1:12For the inhabitant of Maroth waited carefully for good: but evil came down from the LORD unto the gate of Jerusalem.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom taught that good produces good and righteousness brings blessing. Job's experience contradicts this comfortable expectation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when righteous behavior brings suffering instead of blessing?
- What does the inversion of expected outcomes teach about God's ways?
Analysis & Commentary
Job's disappointed expectation: 'When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.' This captures the inversion of expected blessing. Righteous behavior should bring reward, but Job experiences the opposite.