King James Version

What Does Job 24:17 Mean?

Job 24:17 in the King James Version says “For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death...” — study this verse from Job chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.”

Job 24:17 · KJV

Context

15

The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face. disguiseth: Heb. setteth his face in secret

16

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

17

For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.

18

He is swift as the waters ; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.

19

Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so doth the grave those which have sinned. consume: Heb. violently take

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death—Job employs powerful irony: while normal people dread darkness, the wicked fear daylight. "Morning" (boqer, בֹּקֶר) typically symbolizes deliverance and divine favor (Psalm 30:5, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning"). But for evildoers, dawn brings "the shadow of death" (tsalmaveth, צַלְמָוֶת), the same term describing deep darkness and mortal danger (Psalm 23:4). Their moral inversion is complete.

If one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death—Exposure terrifies the wicked more than death itself. "Know them" (יַכִּיר) means recognition or identification—if their identity is discovered, they experience ballahot tsalmaveth (בַּלָּהוֹת צַלְמָוֶת), the "terrors of death-shadow." This anticipates Jesus's teaching that "there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed" (Luke 12:2). Yet Job's frustration remains: Why doesn't God expose and judge now?

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Historical & Cultural Context

The "shadow of death" appears frequently in wisdom literature and psalms, often describing life-threatening danger or deepest darkness. Job's use here inverts typical symbolism: the wicked fear light that exposes rather than darkness that threatens. This reflects the moral chaos Job perceives in a world where retribution seems absent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the wicked person's fear of exposure ('morning is to them even as the shadow of death') reveal the psychological torment of hidden sin?
  2. What does the moral inversion—fearing light, loving darkness—teach about sin's deforming power on human nature?
  3. How does Christ's promise that all secrets will be revealed (Luke 12:2-3) both warn the wicked and comfort the oppressed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כִּ֤י1 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יַחְדָּ֨ו׀2 of 9

“is to them even as”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

בֹּ֣קֶר3 of 9

“For the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

לָ֣מוֹ4 of 9
H0
צַלְמָֽוֶת׃5 of 9

“of the shadow of death”

H6757

shade of death, i.e., the grave (figuratively, calamity)

כִּֽי6 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יַ֝כִּ֗יר7 of 9

“if one know”

H5234

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (

בַּלְה֥וֹת8 of 9

“them they are in the terrors”

H1091

alarm; hence, destruction

צַלְמָֽוֶת׃9 of 9

“of the shadow of death”

H6757

shade of death, i.e., the grave (figuratively, calamity)

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 24:17 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 24:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 3:52 Corinthians 5:10-11Revelation 6:16-17Jeremiah 2:26Psalms 73:18-19

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