The verse reminds us that secret wrongdoing leads to inevitable unease and fear.
“For the morning is the same to him as thick darkness, For he is familiar with the terrors of thick darkness” (Job 24:17). This verse continues Job’s observation of the plight of the wicked and their hidden deeds. In the immediate context, Job is describing those who prefer the cover of night to commit their acts, believing that darkness conceals them from judgment or consequence. The phrase “For the morning is the same to him as thick darkness” (Job 24:17) depicts a distorted mindset: to these wrongdoers, any hint of daylight brings as much dread as the deepest night, revealing that they live in constant fear of exposure. Such imagery contrasts with the biblical theme that God sees all, whether day or night (Psalm 139:11-12), indicating that no darkness can ultimately hide evil from the Lord’s sight.
“For he is familiar with the terrors of thick darkness” (Job 24:17) highlights not only an environment of moral and spiritual gloom but also the habitual nature of these secret sins. The wicked have grown accustomed to stealth and dread, finding comfort in what is concealed. In the broader narrative, Job—a man often dated to the era of the Patriarchs around 2000-1800 BC—laments their successful deceptions, lacking immediate consequences. Yet the overarching biblical story shows that nothing remains truly hidden (Hebrews 4:13). Although the Book of Job does not name specific regions or personalities here, it still reflects a universal principle: evil thrives in hiddenness, but it will be brought to account in the light of God’s justice (John 3:19).
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Job 24:17 meaning
“For the morning is the same to him as thick darkness, For he is familiar with the terrors of thick darkness” (Job 24:17). This verse continues Job’s observation of the plight of the wicked and their hidden deeds. In the immediate context, Job is describing those who prefer the cover of night to commit their acts, believing that darkness conceals them from judgment or consequence. The phrase “For the morning is the same to him as thick darkness” (Job 24:17) depicts a distorted mindset: to these wrongdoers, any hint of daylight brings as much dread as the deepest night, revealing that they live in constant fear of exposure. Such imagery contrasts with the biblical theme that God sees all, whether day or night (Psalm 139:11-12), indicating that no darkness can ultimately hide evil from the Lord’s sight.
“For he is familiar with the terrors of thick darkness” (Job 24:17) highlights not only an environment of moral and spiritual gloom but also the habitual nature of these secret sins. The wicked have grown accustomed to stealth and dread, finding comfort in what is concealed. In the broader narrative, Job—a man often dated to the era of the Patriarchs around 2000-1800 BC—laments their successful deceptions, lacking immediate consequences. Yet the overarching biblical story shows that nothing remains truly hidden (Hebrews 4:13). Although the Book of Job does not name specific regions or personalities here, it still reflects a universal principle: evil thrives in hiddenness, but it will be brought to account in the light of God’s justice (John 3:19).