Job 24 16

Job 24:16 kjv

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

Job 24:16 nkjv

In the dark they break into houses Which they marked for themselves in the daytime; They do not know the light.

Job 24:16 niv

In the dark, thieves break into houses, but by day they shut themselves in; they want nothing to do with the light.

Job 24:16 esv

In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves up; they do not know the light.

Job 24:16 nlt

Thieves break into houses at night
and sleep in the daytime.
They are not acquainted with the light.

Job 24 verses

Job 24 16 Meaning

Job 24:16 describes the clandestine actions of the wicked, depicting them as operating solely under the cover of darkness. They break into homes, presumably for theft, and conversely, confine themselves during the day. This behavior demonstrates a profound aversion to light, not merely physical light, but the symbolic light of truth, exposure, and divine judgment, indicating a preference for deeds hidden from accountability and righteousness.

Job 24 16 Context

Job 24:16 is spoken by Job in his third cycle of speeches. Chapters 23 and 24 capture Job’s profound lament and intellectual struggle concerning divine justice. His friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) uphold the traditional wisdom that suffering is a direct result of sin, and righteousness always leads to prosperity. Job, suffering unjustly, passionately challenges this simplistic worldview. In this chapter, Job meticulously details various acts of oppression, violence, and theft committed by the wicked. Unlike his friends who assert that the wicked are swiftly punished, Job presents examples where they prosper, go unpunished, and operate without consequence (Job 21:7). Verse 16 specifically exemplifies this by illustrating the stealthy, night-time activities of burglars and outlaws, whose deeds are never brought to light, contradicting the prevailing theology that all wickedness is openly exposed and immediately recompensed. This challenges his friends' narrow understanding of God's immediate retributive justice on earth.

Job 24 16 Word analysis

• In the dark (בַּחֹ֥שֶׁךְ, baḥōšeḵ): This Hebrew term signifies not just physical absence of light but carries strong metaphorical connotations of secrecy, moral obscurity, spiritual blindness, and the concealment of evil deeds. It points to a realm where divine order and righteous judgment are evaded.
• they dig through houses (יַחְתְּרוּ בָתִּ֑ים, yaḥtterū bāttîm): The verb "yaḥtterū" (יַחְתְּרוּ) means "to dig," "to break through," or "to undermine." This precisely describes the method of housebreaking in ancient times, where homes, often made of mud brick, could literally be tunneled through. The plural "bāttîm" (בָתִּ֑ים) refers to "houses" or "homes," signifying a direct violation of personal security and property. This is a common ancient crime.
• they shut themselves up in the daytime (חָתְמ֣וּ לָהֶ֣ם יוֹמָ֑ם, ḥātmû lāhem yômām): The verb "ḥātmû" (חָתְמ֣וּ) can mean "to seal," "to stamp," or "to close up." In this context, it implies concealing themselves, or making their houses inaccessible and secret during daylight hours. This reverses the natural human rhythm: instead of resting at night and working by day, these individuals "rest" (hide, sleep) by day, preserving their energy for their night-time illicit activities. Their lifestyle is a perverse inversion of moral and societal norms, fearing the light of detection.
• they know not the light (לֹֽא יָדְעוּ אוֹר, lōʾ yāḏəʿû ʾôr): This phrase is deeply significant. "ʾôr" (אוֹר) is "light," but it encompasses more than just physical illumination. In biblical thought, light often symbolizes truth, knowledge, righteousness, God's presence, wisdom, and judgment. The verb "yāḏəʿû" (יָדְעוּ) means "to know," implying a profound acquaintance or relationship. Thus, "they know not the light" means they are utterly alienated from or actively reject divine truth, moral uprightness, and exposure. Their preference for darkness is not merely tactical for their crimes, but deeply reflective of their moral and spiritual state – an embrace of depravity and a deliberate avoidance of spiritual understanding or divine revelation.

• "In the dark they dig through houses; they shut themselves up in the daytime": This describes a lifestyle completely dictated by illicit activity. Their modus operandi is one of total concealment and reversal of normal patterns. The dark provides anonymity for breaking the law, while the day is used for evasion and rest, hiding their ill-gotten gains and evading scrutiny. This group exemplifies individuals who deliberately live outside of moral law and societal accountability.
• "they know not the light": This culmination clarifies the core issue. It is not just about physically avoiding light; it's about a deep-seated spiritual and moral ignorance or active rebellion against what is right, true, and divinely sanctioned. Their deeds are evil because their hearts are opposed to truth and justice, which are symbolized by light. Their rejection of light means they have no affinity for goodness, preferring to dwell in spiritual obscurity where their wickedness thrives unseen.

Job 24 16 Bonus section

This verse subtly challenges ancient Near Eastern and Israelite conceptions of cosmic order, where divine light was intrinsically linked to justice, creation, and revelation. The idea of the wicked actively eschewing light and flourishing in darkness suggests a perceived disarray in the divine administration of justice on earth. The criminals' mastery of concealment, symbolized by their living in darkness and reversing their daily schedules, reflects a pervasive fear of detection by human or divine eyes, yet implies a perceived lack of immediate divine oversight. This "knowledge not of light" also connects to the theological concept of spiritual blindness, where individuals are unable or unwilling to perceive divine truth (2 Cor 4:4). While Job sees this as evidence of delayed justice, the broader biblical narrative assures us that "nothing is hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Heb 4:13). Ultimately, no darkness can truly conceal from the Lord (Ps 139:11-12).

Job 24 16 Commentary

Job 24:16 encapsulates Job’s assertion that justice is often delayed or unseen in this life, contrary to the simplistic "reap what you sow" theology of his friends. It paints a vivid picture of wicked individuals who meticulously organize their lives around evildoing, mastering the art of concealment. Their activities are restricted to the darkness—breaking into homes under its cover—and their daylight hours are spent in hiding, reversing the typical rhythm of honest living. The crucial point, "they know not the light," extends beyond mere physical avoidance. It profoundly speaks to their spiritual condition: a deliberate turning away from truth, moral discernment, and the illuminating presence of God. This signifies not just ignorance, but a fundamental moral rebellion, an intrinsic hatred for righteousness, and a willful commitment to deeds that cannot withstand scrutiny. Job’s portrayal underscores the uncomfortable reality for him that God does not always intervene to punish such clear evil in the visible realm, thereby deepening his wrestling with the mysteries of divine governance.