King James Version
What Does Job 5:14 Mean?
“They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night. meet: or, run into”
Context
12
He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. their enterprise: or, any thing
13
He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.
14
They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night. meet: or, run into
15
But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.
16
So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **Darkness in the daytime.**—This is possibly an allusion to the Egyptian plague of darkness “that may be felt” (Exodus 10:21), as the words used are similar. This may be a note of probable date. (Compare Isaiah 59:10, where the thoughts correspond, but the words differ.) This is one of the many passages of Job in which there seems to be an indication of some acquaintance with the events related in the Pentateuch, though the points of contact are too slight for us to be quite sure of it.
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 5:14 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 5:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge