King James Version

What Does Job 15:24 Mean?

Job 15:24 in the King James Version says “Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle. — study this verse from Job chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.

Job 15:24 · KJV


Context

22

He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.

23

He wandereth abroad for bread, saying, Where is it? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.

24

Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.

25

For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty.

26

He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fear overwhelms the wicked: 'Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.' The imagery of overwhelming military force captures the wicked's experience—trouble and anguish attack like conquering armies. This theologically describes consequences of sin. Yet Eliphaz's error is assuming all who experience such overwhelming suffering must be wicked. Christ, the truly righteous one, experienced such anguish in Gethsemane.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israelites knew the terror of invading armies (Assyria, Babylon). Using military imagery for internal distress would resonate powerfully. However, Israel's own suffering under foreign conquest complicated the simple equation: conquered ≠ always guilty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's experience of overwhelming anguish despite His righteousness transform how we interpret suffering?
  2. What comfort comes from knowing the righteous can experience trouble and anguish without it indicating God's displeasure?
  3. How do we maintain that sin has consequences while acknowledging that suffering doesn't always indicate specific sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יְֽ֭בַעֲתֻהוּ1 of 7

shall make him afraid

H1204

to fear

צַ֣ר2 of 7

Trouble

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

וּמְצוּקָ֑ה3 of 7

and anguish

H4691

narrowness, i.e., (figuratively) trouble

תִּ֝תְקְפֵ֗הוּ4 of 7

they shall prevail

H8630

to overpower

כְּמֶ֤לֶךְ׀5 of 7

against him as a king

H4428

a king

עָתִ֬יד6 of 7

ready

H6264

prepared; by implication, skilful; feminine plural the future; also treasure

לַכִּידֽוֹר׃7 of 7

to the battle

H3593

perhaps tumult


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Job 15:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 15:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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