What does Job 22:11 mean?

Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee. Job 22:11

Explanation

Job 22:11 is a verse from the Book of Job, which is part of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. The verse reads: “Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee.” In this verse, the speaker, Eliphaz the Temanite, is suggesting that Job is experiencing suffering and metaphorical darkness so profound that he cannot see, and he is overwhelmed as if by a flood. The darkness and the waters are symbolic of extreme affliction and confusion. It is important to note that Job, the main character of the book, is presented as a righteous man who suffers immense hardships not as a punishment for sin, but as a test of his character and faith.

Historical Context

The Book of Job is thought to have been written between the 7th and 4th centuries BCE. Job is described as a wealthy and pious man who lives in the land of Uz. The historical context of the book is not clear-cut, but it is considered to explore themes such as the nature of suffering, the justice of God, and the integrity of faith. In this specific verse, Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, is giving his opinion on why Job might be suffering, implying that it could be due to hidden sins.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Job 22:11 can be seen from different viewpoints. One perspective sees the verse as an example of “retribution theology,” which proposes that suffering is a direct consequence of personal sin. Eliphaz seems to be asserting this viewpoint, suggesting that Job’s misfortune is hidden from his sight, just as he may be blind to his alleged transgressions. Another viewpoint is the antithetical argument presented by the larger narrative of Job, where such simplistic explanations for suffering are debated and challenged, ultimately suggesting that suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin.

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Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can remind individuals to consider the complexity of suffering and to be cautious about making quick judgments when others experience hardship. It can serve as a lesson in empathy and humility, reminding people to offer support and compassion instead of unverified assessments of someone’s troubles. It also encourages personal introspection and the understanding that not all misfortunes have clear explanations or reasons.

Cross-References

• Job 5:14: “They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night.”
• Psalm 69:2: “I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.”
• Lamentations 3:6: “He hath set me in dark places, as they that be dead of old.”
• 2 Samuel 22:5: “When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;”

Language Study

The key words in Hebrew for Job 22:11 include:

• “Darkness” (choshek) often symbolizes ignorance, wickedness, or the unknown.
• “Canst not see” (lo' ro'eh), indicating a lack of vision or understanding.
• “Abundance of waters” (mayim rabim), which frequently represents chaos, distress, or overwhelming situations.

These terms paint a picture of a situation that is not only physically dark but also spiritually or emotionally obscure and overwhelming.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern culture and religious thought, darkness and deep waters were often associated with chaos and the abode of evil forces. For instance, in the Babylonian creation myth, “Enuma Elish,” the primordial state of the universe is described as a watery chaos. Similarly, in the biblical creation narrative in Genesis, the Spirit of God hovers over the “deep” waters before establishing order. The symbolism in Job 22:11 is consistent with a broader cultural context where darkness and waters can signify turmoil and disorder.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse metaphorically refers to situations that can be paralleled to the psychological experiences of being overwhelmed, similar to conditions like depression or extreme stress, where one feels consumed by darkness or “drowning” in difficulties. Though the language is poetic, understanding the psychological impact of intense stress or trauma can give a modern reader a metaphorical framework for relating to the verse.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have divergent interpretations of Job 22:11. Some reiterate Eliphaz’s perspective that sin is the root of Job’s suffering, while most modern commentators disagree with Eliphaz, aligning with the broader message of the Book of Job that righteous individuals can suffer without it being a punishment for sin. Many scholars point out that Eliphaz’s viewpoint lacks compassion and understanding of Job’s character and innocence, highlighting the need for a more nuanced view of theology and human suffering.

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