Job 24:17 - For the morning is to all of them like thick darkness, for they know the terrors of the thick darkness.

Generated Verse: Job 24:17

What does "Job 24:17" mean?


Job 24:17 is part of a larger section in Job where Job is describing the wicked and their activities. This verse specifically focuses on the psychological state of those wicked people. Let's break it down:

"For the morning is to all of them like thick darkness..." This is the core image. Normally, morning is a time of hope, new beginnings, and light dispelling the darkness of night. However, for these wicked individuals, the morning offers no such comfort. Instead, it's perceived as "thick darkness." This suggests:

Guilt and Fear: Their deeds are done under the cover of night. Morning brings the risk of exposure and punishment. They are constantly looking over their shoulder. The light of day is not their friend; it's a threat.
Loss of Innocence and Peace: They have corrupted their own inner light. The natural joy and hope associated with a new day are replaced with the darkness of their actions and conscience.
Symbolic Darkness: "Darkness" can represent ignorance, evil, and the absence of God's presence. The wicked have aligned themselves with these things, so the light of day is unwelcome.

"...for they know the terrors of the thick darkness." This explains why they perceive the morning as darkness. They understand the "terrors of the thick darkness." This likely refers to:

The Consequences of Their Actions: They are aware of the potential repercussions of their wicked deeds. They fear being caught, punished, or facing retribution from their victims.
Inner Turmoil and Guilt: They may be tormented by their conscience, the knowledge of the harm they have caused, and the moral emptiness of their lives. The "terrors" are not just external threats, but also internal struggles.
A Vicious Cycle: They exist in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety, fueled by their own actions. They are trapped in a "dark" world of their own making.

In summary, Job 24:17 portrays the wicked as people who live in fear and guilt. The natural light of morning, which represents hope and new beginnings, is distorted for them into a terrifying darkness because they are acutely aware of the consequences of their evil actions and the inner turmoil that accompanies their lifestyle. They are haunted by the "terrors" of their own darkness, preventing them from experiencing any joy or peace in the light of day.