Job 38:15

KJV

And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.

KJV (with Strong's)

And from the wicked {H7563} their light {H216} is withholden {H4513}, and the high {H7311} arm {H2220} shall be broken {H7665}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But from the wicked the light is withheld, and the arm raised [to strike] is broken.

Berean Standard Bible

Light is withheld from the wicked, and their upraised arm is broken.

American Standard Version

And from the wicked their light is withholden, And the high arm is broken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 38:15, delivered from the whirlwind, powerfully asserts God's sovereign control over creation and His unwavering commitment to justice. As part of a series of rhetorical questions challenging Job's limited understanding, this verse declares that the dawn, a natural phenomenon, serves as an instrument of divine judgment, exposing the wicked by withholding their symbolic "light"—representing prosperity, influence, or favor—and decisively breaking their "high arm," a potent metaphor for their oppressive power and arrogant might. It underscores that no human authority, however formidable, can withstand the Creator's ultimate decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 38 marks a pivotal shift in the book of Job, as God finally breaks His silence and addresses Job directly from a whirlwind. After chapters of Job's impassioned laments and his friends' theological debates about the nature of suffering and divine justice, God does not offer a direct explanation for Job's suffering. Instead, He embarks on a majestic discourse, challenging Job's finite wisdom by posing a series of unanswerable rhetorical questions about the intricacies of creation and the vastness of divine governance. This particular verse, [Job 38:15](/job/38-15 "Job 38:15 - God's Judgment on the Wicked"), follows God's vivid description of the dawn and its ability to "shake out the wicked" from the corners of the earth (cf. [Job 38:12-14](/job/38-12 "Job 38:12-14 - The Dawn as God's Instrument")). It functions as a direct consequence of this cosmic process, illustrating how God's control over the natural order extends to the moral order, ensuring that evil deeds are exposed and their perpetrators are brought low.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, light and darkness were profound symbols. Light often represented life, truth, prosperity, divine favor, and order, while darkness symbolized death, chaos, evil, and judgment. The "arm" was a common idiom for strength, power, and authority, with a "high arm" (or "uplifted arm") frequently denoting arrogance, rebellion, or oppressive power. The concept of a divine judge who actively intervenes in human affairs to uphold justice and punish the wicked was central to the worldview of the Israelites and many surrounding cultures, though the *nature* of that justice was often debated, as seen in Job's dialogue with his friends. God's speech here taps into these widely understood symbols to convey His absolute sovereignty and moral governance over all creation, including human societies and their rulers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice**, asserting God's active and unwavering role in judging and punishing the wicked. Their "light" is withheld, signifying a reversal of their fortunes and the cessation of their influence, aligning with the biblical truth that the way of the wicked is darkness (cf. [Proverbs 4:19](/proverbs/4-19 "Proverbs 4:19 - The Way of the Wicked")). Secondly, it underscores the **Exposure and Overthrow of Arrogance**. The "high arm" is a potent metaphor for human power, pride, and oppressive strength, which God declares "shall be broken." This signifies the complete dismantling of the wicked's authority and ability to do harm, serving as a reminder that no human power can stand against the [almighty arm of the Lord](/isaiah/59-1 "Isaiah 59:1 - The Lord's Arm Not Shortened"). Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Sovereignty over Darkness and Evil**. By withholding light and breaking power, God demonstrates His absolute control over the forces of darkness and the activities of those who oppose Him, revealing that the very dawn, a natural phenomenon, becomes an instrument of divine judgment, exposing those who prefer darkness rather than light (cf. [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Men Love Darkness Rather Than Light")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Light (Hebrew, _'or'_):** In this context, "light" (אֹור) extends beyond mere physical illumination. It is a rich metaphor encompassing life, prosperity, joy, success, divine favor, and moral uprightness. To have light "withholden" implies a deprivation of these blessings, a reversal of fortune, and an exposure of their true, dark state, devoid of divine favor and true flourishing.
* **Withholden (Hebrew, _m'noa'_):** The verb "withholden" (מְנֹעַ) signifies to restrain, prevent, or keep back. It implies an active, deliberate act on God's part. This is not a passive absence of light but a divine intervention that actively removes or prevents the wicked from experiencing the blessings and success they might otherwise have, bringing their hidden deeds into the open and halting their progress.
* **High Arm (Hebrew, _z'roa' ramah'_):** This phrase (זְרוֹעַ רָמָה) is a powerful idiom. The "arm" (זְרוֹעַ) symbolizes strength, power, and authority, while "high" or "uplifted" (רָמָה) denotes arrogance, haughtiness, or oppressive might. Thus, the "high arm" represents the proud, oppressive power of the wicked, their ability to dominate, inflict harm, or carry out their evil schemes. It is a symbol of human self-sufficiency and rebellion against God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from the wicked their light is withholden":** This clause declares a divine act of judgment. The "wicked" (רְשָׁעִים, _r'sha'im_) are those whose actions are contrary to God's will and justice. Their "light"—symbolizing prosperity, influence, joy, or even life itself—is actively removed or prevented by God. This suggests a reversal of their fortunes, a cessation of their ill-gotten gains, and an exposure of their true character, as their deeds are brought into the light of divine scrutiny. It implies that their period of apparent success or hidden activity is over.
* **"and the high arm shall be broken":** This second clause describes the decisive shattering of the wicked's power. The "high arm," representing their oppressive strength, arrogant authority, and ability to execute their evil plans, is depicted as being "broken" (תִּשָּׁבֵר, _tishshaver_). This signifies a complete dismantling, a rendering powerless, and an utter defeat of their might. It is a declaration that no human power, however formidable or arrogant, can ultimately stand against the sovereign will and judgment of God. This breaking is a direct consequence of their wickedness and God's intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Job 38:15 employs potent **metaphor** and **symbolism** to convey its message of divine justice. "Light" serves as a powerful **symbol** for prosperity, favor, and success, while its "withholding" metaphorically represents the deprivation of these blessings and the exposure of the wicked's true state. The "high arm" is a vivid **metaphor** and **symbol** for human power, pride, and oppressive strength, often associated with rebellion against God. Its "breaking" is a clear **metaphor** for the complete dismantling and defeat of this power. The verse, situated within God's larger discourse on creation, also subtly uses **juxtaposition**, contrasting the orderly, divinely controlled natural world (e.g., dawn) with the chaotic and ultimately futile efforts of the wicked, whose power is subject to the same divine decree that governs the cosmos.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 38:15 stands as a profound declaration of God's active and unwavering commitment to justice within His creation. It underscores the biblical truth that while the wicked may appear to prosper for a time, their success is ultimately fleeting and subject to divine intervention. God is not a passive observer but an engaged sovereign who actively governs the moral order, ensuring that prideful power is dismantled and hidden evil is exposed. This verse resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's righteous judgment against those who oppose Him and oppress others, offering both a warning to the unrepentant and comfort to the afflicted, affirming that ultimately, the Lord will vindicate the righteous.

* [Psalm 37:17](/psalms/37-17 "Psalm 37:17 - The Arms of the Wicked Shall Be Broken")
* [Psalm 10:15](/psalms/10-15 "Psalm 10:15 - Break the Arm of the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 4:19](/proverbs/4-19 "Proverbs 4:19 - The Way of the Wicked is Darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 38:15 offers profound comfort to those who feel overwhelmed by injustice or oppressed by the powerful. It serves as a potent reminder that even when the wicked seem to flourish and their "high arm" appears unassailable, their dominion is temporary and ultimately subject to the sovereign decree of God. He sees, He knows, and in His perfect timing and manner, He will act to bring about justice, exposing hidden deeds and dismantling oppressive structures. For those who might be tempted by pride, arrogance, or the misuse of power, this verse stands as a stark warning: all human strength is fragile before the Creator, and divine judgment will inevitably follow unrepentant evil. It calls believers to cultivate a deep trust in God's ultimate justice, even amidst seemingly bleak circumstances, knowing that He is the one who orchestrates both the cosmic dawn and the downfall of the proud, bringing low and lifting up according to His righteous will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust God's justice, even when I don't see immediate evidence of it?**
* **How might I be tempted to rely on my own "high arm" (strength, influence, resources) rather than God's sovereign power?**
* **What does it mean for me to live as someone whose "light" is from God, rather than seeking a fleeting, self-generated "light"?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to pray for those who are oppressed and for the repentance of those who oppress?**

### FAQ
**What does "their light is withholden" mean in a practical sense for the wicked?**

Answer: Practically, "their light is withholden" signifies a cessation of the wicked's prosperity, influence, and perceived success. Just as the dawn exposes hidden deeds, God's judgment removes the "cover" under which the wicked operate, bringing their actions into the open. This can manifest as a loss of reputation, a failure of their schemes, a decline in their power, or even a literal end to their life or dynasty. It means their period of flourishing, often achieved through unjust means, is brought to an abrupt and divinely orchestrated halt, revealing their true, dark state before God and humanity. It contrasts sharply with the path of the righteous, whose "path is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day" ([Proverbs 4:18](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18 - The Path of the Righteous")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 38:15, with its declaration of God's sovereign judgment over the wicked and the breaking of their oppressive power, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true [Light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), who came to expose the deeds of darkness and to bring salvation to those who walk in it. The "withholding of light" from the wicked foreshadows Christ's judgment upon those who "loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil" ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light")). Furthermore, the "breaking of the high arm" of the wicked finds its most profound expression in Christ's victory over the ultimate oppressive powers: sin, death, and the devil. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "high arm" of human rebellion and satanic oppression was decisively broken by the [almighty arm of the Lord](/isaiah/59-1 "Isaiah 59:1 - The Lord's Arm Not Shortened") manifested in Christ. His return will bring the final and complete withholding of light from all unrepentant wickedness and the definitive breaking of every high arm that opposes God's righteous reign, establishing His eternal kingdom of light and justice ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 10:15

Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil [man]: seek out his wickedness [till] thou find none.

Job 18:5

¶ Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.

Psalms 37:17

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.

Proverbs 4:19

The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Job 5:14

They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night.

Job 18:18

He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.

Exodus 10:21

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness [which] may be felt.