Job 38:17

Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?

Have the gates {H8179} of death {H4194} been opened {H1540} unto thee? or hast thou seen {H7200} the doors {H8179} of the shadow of death {H6757}?

Have the gates of death been revealed to you, the gates of death-like darkness?

Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death?

Have the gates of death been revealed unto thee? Or hast thou seen the gates of the shadow of death?

Commentary

Job 38:17 (KJV) is part of a profound and humbling speech delivered by God Himself to Job, challenging Job's understanding and wisdom. After chapters of Job lamenting his suffering and questioning God's justice, the Almighty finally speaks from a whirlwind, posing a series of rhetorical questions designed to highlight the vast chasm between divine omniscience and human ignorance.

Context

This verse is situated early in God's first discourse to Job, beginning in Job 38:1. God systematically questions Job about the creation of the cosmos, the forces of nature, and the mysteries of life and death. The purpose is not to condemn Job, but to remind him of his finite perspective and God's infinite power and knowledge. By asking if Job has experienced or understood the 'gates of death' or the 'doors of the shadow of death,' God underscores that even the most fundamental aspects of existence, such as the transition from life to death, are beyond human comprehension or control.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty Over Life and Death: The verse powerfully asserts God's exclusive authority over the realms of life and death. Humans have no access or insight into these ultimate boundaries unless granted by God.
  • Human Limitation and Ignorance: It serves as a stark reminder of humanity's limited knowledge compared to God's boundless wisdom. Job, despite his suffering and profound questions, is shown to be utterly incapable of grasping the deep mysteries of existence and the afterlife.
  • The Mystery of the Afterlife: The 'gates of death' and 'shadow of death' point to the impenetrable mystery of what lies beyond this life, a domain exclusively known and controlled by God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrases used here are rich with ancient Near Eastern imagery and biblical metaphor:

  • "Gates of death" (Hebrew: sha'arei mavet): This metaphor refers to the entrance to Sheol, the common grave or underworld, the realm of the dead. It suggests a fixed, inescapable boundary that only God can open or close. Similar imagery appears in Psalm 9:13 and Isaiah 38:10, signifying the point of no return for the living.
  • "Shadow of death" (Hebrew: tsalmavet): This potent term literally means "deep darkness" or "gloom of death." It evokes a place of profound danger, despair, and the deepest obscurity. It is famously used in Psalm 23:4, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death," to describe the most perilous and terrifying circumstances. God is asking Job if he has truly traversed or comprehended such a terrifying and ultimate boundary.

Practical Application

Job 38:17 encourages profound humility before God. It reminds us that there are aspects of existence, particularly concerning life, death, and the afterlife, that remain beyond our full comprehension and control. Instead of striving to understand every mystery, we are called to trust in the One who holds the keys to death and the grave (Revelation 1:18). This verse offers comfort in knowing that death is not a chaotic void, but a realm under God's sovereign hand, and it prompts us to live in awe of His incomprehensible wisdom and power.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 9:13 (6 votes)

    Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble [which I suffer] of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:

  • Psalms 107:18 (5 votes)

    Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

  • Job 3:5 (4 votes)

    Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.

  • Psalms 107:10 (3 votes)

    ¶ Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, [being] bound in affliction and iron;

  • Psalms 23:4 (3 votes)

    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

  • Job 12:22 (3 votes)

    He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.

  • Psalms 107:14 (3 votes)

    He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.