King James Version
Job 12:24 in the King James Version says “He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there...” — study this verse from Job chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way.”
Job 12:24 · KJV
He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.
He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again. straiteneth: Heb. leadeth in
He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way.
They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man. stagger: Heb. wander
KJV Study — Public Domain
“the heart”
H3820the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
“of the chief”
H7218the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
“of the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
“and causeth them to wander”
H8582to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
“in a wilderness”
H8414a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“where there is no way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Job 12:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Job 12:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge