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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 30:26 But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness fell.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/30-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/18_Job_30_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 30:26 - Job's Prosperity Becomes Calamity" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness fell." /><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/30-26.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/30-26.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/30.htm">Chapter 30</a> > Verse 26</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="/ad6.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/30-25.htm" title="Job 30:25">◄</a> Job 30:26 <a href="/job/30-27.htm" title="Job 30:27">►</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/30.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/30.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/30.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So I looked for good, but evil came instead. I waited for the light, but darkness fell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/30.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But when I hoped for good, evil came, and when I waited for light, darkness came.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/30.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness fell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/30.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When I looked for good, then evil came <i>unto me</i>: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/30.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But when I looked for good, evil came <i>to me;</i> And when I waited for light, then came darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/30.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“When I expected good, evil came; When I waited for light, darkness came.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/30.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220When I expected good, then evil came; When I waited for light, then darkness came.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/30.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“When I expected good, then evil came; When I waited for light, then darkness came.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/30.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When I hoped for good, then evil came; When I waited for light, then thick darkness came.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/30.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“When I expected good, then came evil [to me]; And when I waited for light, then came darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/30.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness came.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/30.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness came. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/30.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When I looked for good, then evil came; And when I waited for light, there came darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/30.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But when I beg for relief and light, all I receive are disaster and darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/30.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When I looked for good, then evil came; and when I waited for light, there came darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/30.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When I waited for good, evil came. When I looked for light, darkness came.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/30.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I hoped for happiness and light, but trouble and darkness came instead. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/30.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I have hoped for good, but evil came instead; I have hoped for light, but darkness came.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/30.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness fell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/30.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But when I hoped for good, trouble came; when I expected light, then darkness came. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/30.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When I looked for good, then evil came; When I waited for light, there came darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/30.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When I looked for good, then evil came: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/30.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When I looked for good, then evil came. When I waited for light, darkness came. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/30.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />When I expected good, then comes evil, "" And I wait for light, and darkness comes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/30.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> When good I expected, then cometh evil, And I wait for light, and darkness cometh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/30.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For I hoped for good and evil will come: and I shall wait for light and darkness will come.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/30.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I expected good things, and evils are come upon me: I waited for light, and darkness broke out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/30.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I expected good things, but evil things have come to me. I stood ready for light, yet darkness burst forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/30.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Yet when I looked for good, evil came; when I expected light, darkness came. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/30.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But when I looked for good, evil came; and when I waited for light, darkness came.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/30.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But when I looked for good, evil came; and when I waited for light, there came darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/30.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I have waited for good and evil came; I have waited for the light, and blackness came<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/30.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Yet, when I looked for good, there came evil; And when I waited for light, there came darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/30.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But I, when I waited for good things, behold, days of evils came the more upon me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/30-26.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=4548" 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/30.htm">Job's Prosperity Becomes Calamity</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">25</span>Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has my soul not grieved for the needy? <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">But when</a> <a href="/hebrew/6960.htm" title="6960: qiw·wî·ṯî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To bind together, collect, to expect. A primitive root; to bind together, i.e. Collect; to expect.">I hoped for</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3176.htm" title="3176: wa·’ă·ya·ḥă·lāh (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To wait, await. A primitive root; to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope.">when I looked</a> <a href="/hebrew/216.htm" title="216: lə·’ō·wr (Prep:: N-cs) -- A light. From 'owr; illumination or luminary.">for light,</a> <a href="/hebrew/652.htm" title="652: ’ō·p̄el (N-ms) -- Darkness, gloom. From the same as 'aphel; dusk.">darkness</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">fell.</a> </span><span class="reftext">27</span>I am churning within and cannot rest; days of affliction confront me.…<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/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="/lamentations/3-17.htm">Lamentations 3:17-20</a></span><br />My soul has been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. / So I say, “My strength has perished, along with my hope from the LORD.” / Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-9.htm">Isaiah 59:9-11</a></span><br />Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We hope for light, but there is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in gloom. / Like the blind, we feel our way along the wall, groping like those without eyes. We stumble at midday as in the twilight; among the vigorous we are like the dead. / We all growl like bears and moan like doves. We hope for justice, but find none, for salvation, but it is far from us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-15.htm">Jeremiah 8:15</a></span><br />We hoped for peace, but no good has come, for a time of healing, but there was only terror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/1-12.htm">Micah 1:12</a></span><br />For the dwellers of Maroth pined for good, but calamity came down from the LORD, even to the gate of Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-2.htm">Habakkuk 1:2-4</a></span><br />How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save? / Why do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds. / Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-20.htm">Psalm 69:20</a></span><br />Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/42-9.htm">Psalm 42:9-11</a></span><br />I say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?” / Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” / Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/88-15.htm">Psalm 88:15-18</a></span><br />From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair. / Your wrath has swept over me; Your terrors have destroyed me. / All day long they engulf me like water; they enclose me on every side. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-22.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:22-23</a></span><br />For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun? / Indeed, all his days are filled with grief, and his task is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-24.htm">Romans 8:24-25</a></span><br />For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? / But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.<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="/2_corinthians/1-8.htm">2 Corinthians 1:8-9</a></span><br />We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. / Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">1 Peter 1:6-7</a></span><br />In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a></span><br />Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When I looked for good, then evil came to me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.</p><p class="hdg">When I looked</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/3-25.htm">Job 3:25,26</a></b></br> For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/29-18.htm">Job 29:18</a></b></br> Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply <i>my</i> days as the sand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/8-15.htm">Jeremiah 8:15</a></b></br> We looked for peace, but no good <i>came; and</i> for a time of health, and behold trouble!</p><p class="hdg">light</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/18-6.htm">Job 18:6,18</a></b></br> The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/23-17.htm">Job 23:17</a></b></br> Because I was not cut off before the darkness, <i>neither</i> hath he covered the darkness from my face.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/97-11.htm">Psalm 97:11</a></b></br> Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/29-3.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/job/29-3.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/job/28-28.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-15.htm">Expected</a> <a href="/job/30-2.htm">Good</a> <a href="/job/6-20.htm">Hoped</a> <a href="/job/29-24.htm">Light</a> <a href="/job/29-23.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/job/29-23.htm">Waited</a> <a href="/job/29-23.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/30-28.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/job/34-22.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/job/31-29.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/39-7.htm">Expected</a> <a href="/job/34-4.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/33-22.htm">Hoped</a> <a href="/job/31-26.htm">Light</a> <a href="/job/31-9.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/job/32-4.htm">Waited</a> <a href="/job/31-9.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Job 30</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/30-1.htm">Job's honor is turned into extreme contempt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/30-15.htm">and his prosperity into calamity</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/30.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/30.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But when I hoped for good,</b><br>Job expresses a deep sense of disappointment and despair. In the context of the Book of Job, this phrase reflects Job's expectation of divine justice and restoration. Job, a man described as blameless and upright, had every reason to hope for good based on his past righteousness and faithfulness. This sentiment echoes the broader biblical theme of hope in God's goodness, as seen in Psalms and Proverbs, where the righteous are often encouraged to expect good outcomes. However, Job's experience challenges the simplistic view of retributive justice, where good is always rewarded immediately.<p><b>evil came;</b><br>The arrival of evil instead of good highlights the unpredictability of life and the mysterious nature of God's plans. In the historical and cultural context of the Ancient Near East, suffering was often seen as a direct result of personal sin. Job's experience contradicts this belief, as he suffers despite his righteousness. This phrase can be connected to the New Testament, where Jesus speaks of the rain falling on both the just and the unjust, illustrating that earthly experiences do not always align with one's moral standing. Job's suffering prefigures the suffering of Christ, who also endured evil despite His innocence.<p><b>when I looked for light,</b><br>Light in biblical literature often symbolizes understanding, truth, and divine presence. Job's search for light represents his desire for clarity and relief from his suffering. This longing for light is a common theme in the Psalms, where the psalmists frequently seek God's face and guidance. Theologically, light is associated with God's revelation and the hope of salvation, as seen in the prologue of John's Gospel, where Jesus is described as the true light coming into the world.<p><b>darkness fell.</b><br>Darkness, in contrast to light, symbolizes confusion, despair, and the absence of God's presence. Job's experience of darkness falling upon him signifies a profound spiritual and emotional crisis. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where darkness represents judgment or the withdrawal of divine favor, such as the plagues of Egypt or the darkness at the crucifixion of Christ. Job's lament foreshadows the ultimate darkness that Jesus faced on the cross, bearing the weight of sin and experiencing separation from the Father.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/u/uz.htm">Uz</a></b><br>The land where Job lived. It is often associated with the region east of Israel, though its exact location is uncertain.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_suffering.htm">Job's Suffering</a></b><br>The context of this verse is Job's lament over his undeserved suffering. Despite his righteousness, he faces severe trials, including loss of wealth, health, and family.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_suffering.htm">The Reality of Suffering</a></b><br>Job's experience reminds us that suffering is a part of the human condition, even for the righteous. It challenges the notion that good deeds always lead to immediate blessings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/expectations_vs._reality.htm">Expectations vs. Reality</a></b><br>Job hoped for good and light, yet faced evil and darkness. This teaches us to manage our expectations and trust in God's sovereignty, even when life doesn't go as planned.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_the_midst_of_darkness.htm">Faith in the Midst of Darkness</a></b><br>Despite his despair, Job's account encourages believers to maintain faith and seek God, trusting that He is present even in the darkest times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_god's_plan.htm">The Mystery of God's Plan</a></b><br>Job's trials illustrate that God's ways are often beyond human understanding. Believers are called to trust in His wisdom and timing, even when they cannot see the full picture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_beyond_circumstances.htm">Hope Beyond Circumstances</a></b><br>While Job's immediate circumstances were bleak, his account ultimately points to the hope and restoration that God can bring, encouraging believers to hold onto hope.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_30.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 30</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_slippery_slope_of_sin.htm">What does 'deliver us from evil' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_god_coexist_with_evil.htm">Psalm 139:7-10: If God is truly everywhere, how can He coexist with evil or suffering in remote or unknown places?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_the_faithful_suffer_severely.htm">(Psalm 44:17-19) How is it consistent with other biblical texts that the righteous suffer so severely despite remaining faithful?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_suffering.htm">Why does God allow injustice and suffering to persist?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/30.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) <span class= "bld">When I looked for good.</span>--Before, in <a href="/context/job/3-25.htm" title="For the thing which I greatly feared is come on me, and that which I was afraid of is come to me.">Job 3:25-26</a>, he had spoken as one who did not wish to be the <span class= "ital">fool </span>of prosperity, and so overtaken unawares by calamity, and who therefore looked at things on the darker side; now he speaks as one who hoped for the best, and yet, notwithstanding that hope, was disappointed and deceived.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/30.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 26.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When I looked for flood, then evil came unto me</span>. Job was "looking for good," expecting fully the continuance of his great wealth and prosperity, when the sudden shock of calamity fell upon him It was wholly unexpected, and therefore the harder to bear. And when I waited for light, there came darkness. This may refer to periods, after his calamities began, when he had hopes that his prayers would be answered, and a rest or pause, an interval of repose, be granted him (<a href="/job/9-34.htm">Job 9:34</a>; <a href="/job/10-20.htm">Job 10:20</a>), but when his hopes were disappointed, and the darkness closed in upon him thicker and murkier than ever. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/30-26.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">But when</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I hoped for</span><br /><span class="heb">קִ֭וִּיתִי</span> <span class="translit">(qiw·wî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6960.htm">Strong's 6960: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bind together, collect, to expect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good,</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֣וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֑ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came;</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֣בֹא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when I looked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽאֲיַחֲלָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·ya·ḥă·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3176.htm">Strong's 3176: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wait, to be patient, hope</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for light,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְ֝א֗וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | 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 /><br /><span class="word">darkness</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹֽפֶל׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·p̄el)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> </span><span class="str2">Darkness, gloom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֥בֹא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/30-26.htm">OT Poetry: Job 30:26 When I looked for good then evil (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/30-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 30:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 30:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/30-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 30:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 30:27" /></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>