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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 24:16 In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves in, never to experience the light.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/24-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/18_Job_24_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 24:16 - Job: Judgment for the Wicked" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves in, never to experience the light." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/24-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/24-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/24-15.htm" title="Job 24:15">◄</a> Job 24:16 <a href="/job/24-17.htm" title="Job 24:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />In the dark, thieves break into houses, but by day they shut themselves in; they want nothing to do with the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Thieves break into houses at night and sleep in the daytime. They are not acquainted with the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves up; they do not know the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves in, never to experience the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />In the dark they dig through houses, <i>which</i> they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />In the dark they break into houses Which they marked for themselves in the daytime; They do not know the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“In the darkness they dig into houses, They shut themselves up by day; They do not know the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220In the dark they dig into houses, They shut themselves up by day; They do not know the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“In the dark they dig into houses, They shut themselves up by day; They do not know the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />In the dark they dig into houses; They shut themselves up by day; They do not know the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“In the dark they dig into [the penetrable walls of] houses; They shut themselves up by day; They do not know the light [of day].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the dark they break into houses; by day they lock themselves in, never experiencing the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the dark they break into houses; by day they lock themselves in, never experiencing the light. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />In the dark they dig through houses: They shut themselves up in the day-time; They know not the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Robbers hide during the day, then break in after dark because they reject the light. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />In the dark they dig through houses: they shut themselves up in the daytime; they know not the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />In the dark, they break into houses, [but] by day they lock themselves in. They do not [even] know the light,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />At night thieves break into houses, but by day they hide and avoid the light. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They break into houses in the dark; during the day they remained sealed in. They don't know daylight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves in, never to experience the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />In the dark the robber breaks into houses, but by day they shut themselves in; they do not know the light. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />In the dark they dig through houses. They shut themselves up in the daytime. They do not know the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />In the dark they dig through houses, which they had marked for themselves in the day-time: they know not the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />In the dark they dig through houses. They shut themselves up in the daytime. They don’t know the light. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He has dug in the darkness—houses; By day they shut themselves up, "" They have not known light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> He hath dug in the darkness -- houses; By day they shut themselves up, They have not known light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To break through houses in darkness in the day they shut up for themselves: they knew not light.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He diggeth through houses in the dark, as in the day they had appointed for themselves, and they have not known the light. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He passes through houses in the nighttime, just as they had agreed among themselves in the daytime; and they are ignorant of the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />in the dark he breaks into houses; By day they shut themselves in; they do not know the light. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves up; they do not know the light.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />In darkness he breaks into houses which he has marked in the daytime. The wicked know not the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He breaks into houses in darkness and by day marks them so that they will not see the light<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />In the dark they dig through houses; They shut themselves up in the day-time; They know not the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />In darkness he digs through houses: by day they conceal themselves securely: they know not the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/24-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=3746" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/24.htm">Job: Judgment for the Wicked</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>The eye of the adulterer watches for twilight. Thinking, ‘No eye will see me,’ he covers his face. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2822.htm" title="2822: ba·ḥō·šeḵ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- From chashak; the dark; hence darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness.">In the dark</a> <a href="/hebrew/2864.htm" title="2864: ḥā·ṯar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To dig, row. A primitive root; to force a passage, as by burglary; figuratively, with oars.">they dig through</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bāt·tîm (N-mp) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">houses;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3119.htm" title="3119: yō·w·mām (Adv) -- Daytime, by day. From yowm; daily.">by day</a> <a href="/hebrew/2856.htm" title="2856: ḥit·tə·mū- (V-Piel-Perf-3cp) -- To seal, affix a seal, seal up. A primitive root; to close up; especially to seal.">they shut themselves in,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·mōw (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">never</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏə·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">to experience</a> <a href="/hebrew/216.htm" title="216: ’ō·wr (N-cs) -- A light. From 'owr; illumination or luminary.">the light.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>For to them, deep darkness is their morning; surely they are friends with the terrors of darkness!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a></span><br />And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11-13</a></span><br />Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. / For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. / But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-2.htm">Luke 12:2-3</a></span><br />There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. / What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:7</a></span><br />For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12-13</a></span><br />The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. / Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22-23</a></span><br />The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. / But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/7-9.htm">Proverbs 7:9-10</a></span><br />at twilight, as the day was fading into the dark of the night. / Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-15.htm">Isaiah 29:15</a></span><br />Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/2-1.htm">Micah 2:1</a></span><br />Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-24.htm">Jeremiah 23:24</a></span><br />“Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-12.htm">Amos 5:12-13</a></span><br />For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate. / Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Psalm 10:8-9</a></span><br />He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. / He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/64-5.htm">Psalm 64:5-6</a></span><br />They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say. / They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-16.htm">Proverbs 4:16-17</a></span><br />For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. / For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-11.htm">Proverbs 1:11-12</a></span><br />If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, / let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">In the dark they dig through houses, which they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light.</p><p class="hdg">in the dark</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Exodus 22:2,3</a></b></br> If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, <i>there shall</i> no blood <i>be shed</i> for him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/12-5.htm">Ezekiel 12:5-7,12</a></b></br> Dig thou through the wall in their sight, and carry out thereby… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/24-43.htm">Matthew 24:43</a></b></br> But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.</p><p class="hdg">they know</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/24-13.htm">Job 24:13</a></b></br> They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/38-12.htm">Job 38:12,13</a></b></br> Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; <i>and</i> caused the dayspring to know his place; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20</a></b></br> For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/19-2.htm">Break</a> <a href="/job/24-14.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/job/23-17.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/job/5-14.htm">Daytime</a> <a href="/job/5-14.htm">Day-Time</a> <a href="/job/11-18.htm">Dig</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-25.htm">Dug</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-11.htm">Holes</a> <a href="/job/22-18.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/job/24-14.htm">Light</a> <a href="/job/22-30.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/job/22-15.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/job/18-9.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/job/11-10.htm">Shutting</a> <a href="/job/24-7.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/job/24-11.htm">Walls</a> <a href="/job/24-13.htm">Want</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/29-17.htm">Break</a> <a href="/job/24-17.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/job/24-17.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/psalms/22-2.htm">Daytime</a> <a href="/psalms/22-2.htm">Day-Time</a> <a href="/job/39-21.htm">Dig</a> <a href="/psalms/7-15.htm">Dug</a> <a href="/job/30-6.htm">Holes</a> <a href="/psalms/45-8.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/job/24-18.htm">Light</a> <a href="/job/25-2.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/job/26-10.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/job/26-8.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/psalms/18-29.htm">Shutting</a> <a href="/job/29-8.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/psalms/48-13.htm">Walls</a> <a href="/job/30-3.htm">Want</a><div class="vheading2">Job 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/24-1.htm">Wickedness often goes unpunished</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/24-17.htm">There is a secret judgment for the wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>In the dark they dig through houses;</b><br>This phrase highlights the actions of those who commit crimes under the cover of darkness. In ancient times, homes were often constructed with mud bricks or stone, making it feasible for thieves to dig through walls to gain entry. The darkness symbolizes evil and secrecy, a common biblical motif (<a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a>). The act of digging through houses indicates premeditated and deliberate sin, contrasting with the light, which represents truth and righteousness (1 <a href="/john/1-5.htm">John 1:5-7</a>).<p><b>by day they shut themselves in,</b><br>This suggests that those who commit evil deeds prefer isolation during the day to avoid detection and accountability. It reflects a lifestyle of hiding and deceit, reminiscent of Adam and Eve hiding from God after their sin (<a href="/genesis/3-8.htm">Genesis 3:8</a>). The behavior of shutting themselves in during the day indicates a rejection of community and transparency, which are valued in biblical teachings (<a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Hebrews 10:24-25</a>).<p><b>never to experience the light.</b><br>This phrase underscores the spiritual blindness and moral darkness of those who choose evil. Biblically, light is often associated with God's presence and truth (<a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>; <a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>). The refusal to experience the light signifies a willful rejection of God's ways and a life devoid of His guidance. It echoes the fate of those who love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil (<a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19</a>). This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the Light of the World, offering salvation and truth to those who believe (<a href="/john/1-4.htm">John 1:4-5</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure of the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who endures immense suffering and questions the justice of God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>In this context, those who commit crimes under the cover of darkness, representing moral and spiritual darkness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/darkness_and_light.htm">Darkness and Light</a></b><br>Symbolic elements representing evil and good, ignorance and knowledge, or sin and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_sin.htm">The Nature of Sin</a></b><br>Sin often seeks the cover of darkness to avoid exposure and accountability. This reflects the human tendency to hide wrongdoing rather than confront it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_secrecy.htm">The Illusion of Secrecy</a></b><br>While the wicked may believe they can hide their actions, God sees all. This serves as a reminder that nothing is hidden from God's sight.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_live_in_the_light.htm">The Call to Live in the Light</a></b><br>Christians are called to live transparently and righteously, as children of the light, rejecting the deeds of darkness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_darkness.htm">The Consequences of Darkness</a></b><br>Living in spiritual darkness leads to separation from God and a lack of true understanding and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_hope_of_redemption.htm">The Hope of Redemption</a></b><br>Even those who have lived in darkness can find redemption and transformation through Christ, who is the Light of the World.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_8_16-17_conflict_with_other_biblical_revelations.htm">Does the author's emphasis on the limitation of human understanding in Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 conflict with other biblical texts that claim revelations of divine mysteries?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_god_truthful_with_deceiver_deceived.htm">In Job 12:16, how can God be responsible for both the deceiver and the deceived without contradicting verses that uphold His truthfulness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god_silent_if_job's_pleas_lack_merit.htm">In light of Job 35:16, why would a merciful God remain silent if Job's pleas are without merit, given other scriptures showing God responding to human need?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_today's_evil_age.htm">Who is The Evil One in the story?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Which they had marked for themselves in the daytime.</span>--Or, as some understand, <span class= "ital">they seal </span>(<span class= "ital">i.e</span>., shut) <span class= "ital">themselves up in the daytime. </span>It is said that it is still the custom in Eastern cities for such persons to endeavour to obtain access to the harem in female attire.<p><span class= "bld">They know not the light.</span>--Compared with <a href="/job/24-13.htm" title="They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.">Job 24:13</a>, shows strongly the different usage of the expression in the two cases.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">In the dark they dig through houses</span>. In ancient times, burglary commonly took this form. Windows were few, and high up in the walls; doors were strongly fastened with bolts and bars. But the walls, being of clay, or rubble, or sun-dried brick, were weak and easily penetrable. This was especially the case with party walls; and if burglars entered an unoccupied house, nothing was easier than to break through the slight partition which separated it from the house next door. The Greek word for "burglar" is <span class="greek">τοιχώρυχος</span>" he who digs through a wall." <span class="cmt_word">Which they had marked for themselves in the daytime</span>; rather, they <span class="accented">shut themselves up in the daytime</span>; literally, <span class="accented">they seal themselves up</span>; the meaning being that they carefully keep themselves close. Professor Lee, however, defends the Authorized Version. They know not the light; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> they avoid it, keep away from it, will have nothing to do with it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/24-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">In the dark</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּחֹ֗שֶׁךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥō·šeḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2822.htm">Strong's 2822: </a> </span><span class="str2">The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they dig through</span><br /><span class="heb">חָתַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ṯar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2864.htm">Strong's 2864: </a> </span><span class="str2">To force a, passage, as by burglary, with oars</span><br /><br /><span class="word">houses;</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֫תִּ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(bāt·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by day</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹמָ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·mām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3119.htm">Strong's 3119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Daytime, by day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they shut themselves in,</span><br /><span class="heb">חִתְּמוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥit·tə·mū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2856.htm">Strong's 2856: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seal, affix a seal, seal up</span><br /><br /><span class="word">never</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to experience</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֥דְעוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the light.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֽוֹר׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_216.htm">Strong's 216: </a> </span><span class="str2">Illumination, luminary</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/24-16.htm">Job 24:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/24-16.htm">Job 24:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/24-16.htm">Job 24:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/24-16.htm">Job 24:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/24-16.htm">Job 24:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/24-16.htm">Job 24:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/24-16.htm">Job 24:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/24-16.htm">Job 24:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/24-16.htm">Job 24:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/24-16.htm">Job 24:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/24-16.htm">OT Poetry: Job 24:16 In the dark they dig through houses (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/24-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 24:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 24:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/24-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 24:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 24:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>