King James Version

What Does Job 24:23 Mean?

“Though it be given him to be in safety, whereon he resteth; yet his eyes are upon their ways.”

Context

He evil entreateth the barren that beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.

He draweth also the mighty with his power: he riseth up, and no man is sure of life. no: or, he trusteth not his own life

Though it be given him to be in safety, whereon he resteth; yet his eyes are upon their ways.

They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn. are gone: Heb. are not taken: Heb. closed up

And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **Though it be given.**—“Yea, he, that is each of them, giveth him tribute, &c., that he may be secure and stable.” **Yet his eyes**—that is, the great tyrant’s eyes—**are upon their ways.**—They are exalted for a little while, but are soon gone, and are taken out of the way like all others. Some understand the subject of the first verb, “he giveth him to be in security,” to be God, and that also makes very good sense, for while God so allows him to be secure, His eyes are on their ways, the ways of all of them. In this case, however, Job 24:24 does not correspond so well with what Job has already said of the impunity with which the wicked are wicked, unless indeed the *suddenness *of their fate is the main point of his remarks, as in Job 24:19.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 24:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.