Job 34:22

Authorized King James Version

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There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

Original Language Analysis

אֵֽין H369
אֵֽין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 1 of 8
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
חֹ֭שֶׁךְ There is no darkness H2822
חֹ֭שֶׁךְ There is no darkness
Strong's: H2822
Word #: 2 of 8
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
וְאֵ֣ין H369
וְאֵ֣ין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 3 of 8
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
צַלְמָ֑וֶת nor shadow of death H6757
צַלְמָ֑וֶת nor shadow of death
Strong's: H6757
Word #: 4 of 8
shade of death, i.e., the grave (figuratively, calamity)
לְהִסָּ֥תֶר may hide H5641
לְהִסָּ֥תֶר may hide
Strong's: H5641
Word #: 5 of 8
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
שָׁ֝֗ם H8033
שָׁ֝֗ם
Strong's: H8033
Word #: 6 of 8
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
פֹּ֣עֲלֵי where the workers H6466
פֹּ֣עֲלֵי where the workers
Strong's: H6466
Word #: 7 of 8
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
אָֽוֶן׃ of iniquity H205
אָֽוֶן׃ of iniquity
Strong's: H205
Word #: 8 of 8
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

Analysis & Commentary

There is no darkness, nor shadow of death (אֵין־חֹשֶׁךְ וְאֵין צַלְמָוֶת, 'ein-choshek ve'ein tsalmaveth)—Elihu declares God's absolute omniscience reaches even into complete darkness. The Hebrew choshek denotes physical darkness, while tsalmaveth (literally 'death-shadow') represents the deepest, most impenetrable gloom where death itself seems to cast shadows. This compound phrase echoes Psalm 139:11-12: darkness and light are alike to God.

Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves (לְהִסָּתֶר שָׁם פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן)—The reflexive verb histater emphasizes active concealment, but Elihu insists no hiding place exists from divine scrutiny. Po'alei aven (workers of iniquity) describes those who labor at evil, making wickedness their occupation. Hebrews 4:13 echoes this: 'Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight.' God's omnipresence means moral accountability is inescapable. This refutes Job's implied complaint that God overlooks injustice—rather, divine justice sees everything and will ultimately hold all accountable.

Historical Context

Elihu is speaking in Job 32-37, positioned between the three friends' failed arguments and God's direct answer. As a younger man (32:6-7), Elihu waited respectfully before speaking, then offered a perspective emphasizing God's transcendence and pedagogical use of suffering. Chapter 34 specifically addresses God's justice and governance. In ancient Near Eastern thought, darkness represented chaos and the realm where divine order might not reach. Elihu's assertion of God's omniscience even in darkness was theologically radical, opposing pagan cosmologies that limited divine knowledge or power.

Questions for Reflection