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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 23:9 When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/23-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/18_Job_23_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 23:9 - Job Longs for God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him." /><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/23-9.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/23-9.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/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 9</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="/ad9.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/23-8.htm" title="Job 23:8">◄</a> Job 23:9 <a href="/job/23-10.htm" title="Job 23:10">►</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/23.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/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I look to the south, but he is concealed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold <i>him</i>: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see <i>him</i>:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold <i>Him;</i> When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see <i>Him.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When He acts on the left, I cannot see <i>Him;</i> He turns to the right, but I cannot see Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him; He turns on the right, I cannot see Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When He acts on the left, I cannot behold <i>Him;</i> He turns on the right, I cannot see Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When He acts on the left, I cannot behold <i>Him</i>; He turns on the right, I cannot see Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />To the left (north) He turns, but I cannot behold Him; He turns to the right hand (south), but I cannot see Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When he is at work to the north, I cannot see him; when he turns south, I cannot find him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When He is at work to the north, I cannot see Him; when He turns south, I cannot find Him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him; He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />to my left or my right. God is always at work, though I never see him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If I go northward, where he is at work, I can't observe him. If I turn southward, I can't see him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God has been at work in the North and the South, but still I have not seen him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If he's working in the north, I can't observe him; If he turns south, I can't see him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />In the north when he is at work, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I see no trace of him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He works to the north, but I can't see him. He turns south, but I can't catch a glimpse of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He works to the north, but I can’t see him. He turns south, but I can’t catch a glimpse of him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />[To] the left in His working—and I do not see, "" He is covered [on] the right, and I do not behold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To the left in His working -- and I see not, He is covered on the right, and I behold not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The left hand in his working, and I shall not behold: he will cover himself on the right hand, and I shall not see.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If to the left hand, what shall I do? I shall not take hold on him: if I turn myself to the right hand, I shall not see him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If I turn to the left, what can I do? I will not take hold of him. If I turn myself to the right, I will not see him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The north enfolds him, and I cannot catch sight of him; The south hides him, and I cannot see him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him; I turn to the right, but I cannot see him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I seek him on my left hand, but I cannot behold him; then I turn to my right hand, but I cannot see him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I looked at my left and he did not appear to me, and I turned to my right and I did not see him<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />On the left hand, when He doth work, but I cannot behold Him, He turneth Himself to the right hand, but I cannot see Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />When he wrought on the left hand, then I observed <i>it</i> not: his right hand shall encompass me but I shall not see <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/23-9.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=3586" 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/23.htm">Job Longs for God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ba·‘ă·śō·ṯōw (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">When He is at work</a> <a href="/hebrew/8040.htm" title="8040: śə·mō·wl (N-ms) -- The left. ">in the north,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/2372.htm" title="2372: ’ā·ḥaz (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-1cs) -- See, behold. A primitive root; to gaze at; mentally, to perceive, contemplate; specifically, to have a vision of.">behold Him;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5848.htm" title="5848: ya‘·ṭōp̄ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To shroud, clothe, to languish. A primitive root; to shroud, i.e. Clothe; hence to languish.">when He turns</a> <a href="/hebrew/3225.htm" title="3225: yā·mîn (N-fs) -- Right hand. From yaman; the right hand or side of a person or other object; locally, the south.">to the south,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: ’er·’eh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">see Him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.…<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="/psalms/139-7.htm">Psalm 139:7-10</a></span><br />Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? / If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. / If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-23.htm">Jeremiah 23:23-24</a></span><br />“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?” / “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="/isaiah/45-15.htm">Isaiah 45:15</a></span><br />Truly You are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, the Savior.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-1.htm">Psalm 10:1</a></span><br />Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/77-7.htm">Psalm 77:7-9</a></span><br />“Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again? / Is His loving devotion gone forever? Has His promise failed for all time? / Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has His anger shut off His compassion?” Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-44.htm">Lamentations 3:44</a></span><br />You have covered Yourself with a cloud that no prayer can pass through.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-17.htm">Isaiah 8:17</a></span><br />I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding His face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/31-17.htm">Deuteronomy 31:17-18</a></span><br />On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed, and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. On that day they will say, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’ / And on that day I will surely hide My face because of all the evil they have done by turning to other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/13-1.htm">Psalm 13:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/22-1.htm">Psalm 22:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? / I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-8.htm">Isaiah 54:8</a></span><br />In a surge of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD your Redeemer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-46.htm">Matthew 27:46</a></span><br />About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">2 Corinthians 4:8-9</a></span><br />We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">On the left hand, where he does work, but I cannot behold him: he hides himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:</p><p class="hdg">he hideth himself</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/89-46.htm">Psalm 89:46</a></b></br> How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/8-17.htm">Isaiah 8:17</a></b></br> And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/22-17.htm">Able</a> <a href="/job/16-17.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/job/18-9.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/job/22-11.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/job/9-25.htm">Glimpse</a> <a href="/job/23-2.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/job/6-16.htm">Hideth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/23-10.htm">North</a> <a href="/job/22-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/job/20-10.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/job/13-5.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/job/9-9.htm">South</a> <a href="/job/22-17.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/job/19-9.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/job/20-19.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/job/2-3.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/job/20-18.htm">Work</a> <a href="/job/7-1.htm">Working</a> <a href="/job/9-10.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/27-15.htm">Able</a> <a href="/job/26-14.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/job/23-17.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/job/9-25.htm">Glimpse</a> <a href="/job/26-7.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/job/34-29.htm">Hideth</a> <a href="/job/26-7.htm">North</a> <a href="/job/27-2.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/4-2.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/job/31-35.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/job/37-9.htm">South</a> <a href="/job/23-11.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/job/24-18.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/job/23-11.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/job/24-18.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/job/24-5.htm">Work</a> <a href="/job/31-5.htm">Working</a> <a href="/job/26-14.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Job 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/23-1.htm">Job longs to appear before God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/23-6.htm">in confidence of his mercy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/23-8.htm">God, who is invisible, observes our ways</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/23-11.htm">Job's innocence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/23-13.htm">God's decree is immutable</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/23.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/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When He is at work in the north,</b><br>In the ancient Near Eastern context, the north often symbolized mystery and the unknown. Job's reference to God working in the north suggests the hidden and incomprehensible nature of God's actions. The north could also be associated with divine judgment or power, as seen in other biblical texts like <a href="/isaiah/14-13.htm">Isaiah 14:13</a>, where the "mount of assembly" is in the far north. This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and the human inability to fully grasp His plans.<p><b>I cannot behold Him;</b><br>Job expresses his frustration and sense of alienation from God. Despite God's active presence, Job feels unable to perceive Him. This reflects the theme of divine hiddenness found throughout the book of Job, where God's ways are beyond human understanding. It also echoes the sentiments of other biblical figures, such as the psalmist in <a href="/psalms/10.htm">Psalm 10:1</a>, who questions God's apparent absence in times of trouble.<p><b>when He turns to the south,</b><br>The south, often associated with warmth and life, contrasts with the mysterious north. In biblical geography, the south could refer to regions like Egypt or the Negev desert. This phrase may imply that God's actions are not limited by geography or human expectation. It underscores the idea that God's presence and work are pervasive, yet still elusive to human perception.<p><b>I cannot see Him.</b><br>Job's inability to see God highlights the theme of faith amidst suffering. Despite his righteous life, Job struggles with the absence of tangible evidence of God's presence. This resonates with the New Testament teaching in <a href="/2_corinthians/5-7.htm">2 Corinthians 5:7</a>, where believers are called to "walk by faith, not by sight." Job's experience foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who makes the invisible God known (<a href="/john/1-18.htm">John 1:18</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The omnipresent and omnipotent Creator, whose ways and presence are often beyond human understanding.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_north_and_south.htm">The North and South</a></b><br>Symbolic directions representing the vastness of God's presence and the mystery of His workings, which are beyond Job's perception.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_omnipresence.htm">God's Omnipresence</a></b><br>Even when we cannot perceive God, He is always present and active in our lives. Our inability to see Him does not negate His presence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_uncertainty.htm">Faith in Uncertainty</a></b><br>Like Job, we are called to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when His ways are hidden from us. Faith is not dependent on our ability to see or understand.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_god.htm">The Mystery of God</a></b><br>God's ways are often mysterious and beyond human comprehension. This should lead us to humility and reverence, acknowledging our limited understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_trials.htm">Perseverance in Trials</a></b><br>Job's perseverance amidst suffering teaches us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god.htm">Seeking God</a></b><br>In times of spiritual dryness or confusion, we should continue to seek God through prayer, Scripture, and community, trusting that He will reveal Himself in His timing.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/which_books_are_in_the_old_testament.htm">Which books are in the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_job_28_align_with_other_wisdom.htm">Why does Job 28 offer poetic descriptions of wisdom's source without reconciling them with scientific or pagan wisdom traditions of the time?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_23_8-9_conflict_with_god's_omnipresence.htm">If Job 23:8-9 insists God is nowhere to be found, does this conflict with the broader biblical teaching that God is always present?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/main_themes_of_bible's_books.htm">What are the main themes of the Bible's books?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">On the left hand, where he doth work;</span> literally, <span class="accented">in his workshop.</span> There is an ellipse after "workshop" of some phrase like "I look for him." But I cannot behold him; rather, <span class="accented">but I apprehend him not -</span> I cannot as it were, lay my hand upon him (LXX., <span class="greek">οὐ κάτεσχον</span>). <span class="cmt_word">He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him</span>; literally, and I do not see <span class="accented">him.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/23-9.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">When He is at work</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּעֲשֹׂת֣וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ba·‘ă·śō·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the north,</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂמֹ֣אול</span> <span class="translit">(śə·mō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8040.htm">Strong's 8040: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dark, the north, the left hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">behold [Him];</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֑חַז</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḥaz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2372.htm">Strong's 2372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when He turns</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעְטֹ֥ף</span> <span class="translit">(ya‘·ṭōp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5848.htm">Strong's 5848: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shroud, clothe, to languish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the south,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֝מִ֗ין</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3225.htm">Strong's 3225: </a> </span><span class="str2">The right hand, side, the south</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">see [Him].</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶרְאֶֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(’er·’eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/23-9.htm">Job 23:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/23-9.htm">Job 23:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/23-9.htm">Job 23:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/23-9.htm">Job 23:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/23-9.htm">Job 23:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/23-9.htm">Job 23:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/23-9.htm">Job 23:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/23-9.htm">Job 23:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/23-9.htm">Job 23:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/23-9.htm">Job 23:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/23-9.htm">OT Poetry: Job 23:9 He works to the north but (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/23-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 23:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 23:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/23-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 23:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 23:10" /></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>