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

JOB 22:11KJV
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Job 22:11 (KJV)

What does Job 22:11 mean?

Job 22:11 describes a situation where someone is surrounded by darkness and overwhelmed by a flood of water, making it impossible for them to see or escape. The verse uses these images to express a sense of being trapped and helpless, unable to find a way out.

In this verse, Eliphaz is speaking to Job, accusing him of being blind to his own troubles and suggesting that Job’s suffering is like being covered by darkness (unable to see) and flooded by waters (overwhelmed). Eliphaz is arguing that Job’s hardships are a result of his own actions, painting a vivid picture of distress to make his point.

The Hebrew behind Job 22:11

  • "darkness" (חֹשֶׁךְ, ḥōshek): This word often refers to literal darkness, but here it also suggests confusion, despair, or spiritual blindness.
  • "see" (רָאָה, ra’ah): The word means to see or perceive; Eliphaz is saying Job cannot see a way out because of his troubles.
  • "abundance" (שִׁפְעָה, shiph‘ah): This word means a great quantity or flood, emphasizing just how overwhelming the waters are.
  • "waters" (מַיִם, mayim): Waters often symbolize chaos or overwhelming trouble in Hebrew poetry.
  • "cover" (כָּסָה, kasah): To cover or conceal, showing that Job is completely engulfed by his problems, unable to escape or even see clearly.

Why Job 22:11 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that Eliphaz is not offering comfort but is instead accusing Job of being spiritually blind and overwhelmed because of supposed wrongdoing.
  • The imagery of darkness and flood connects to other biblical themes where overwhelming trouble is described as water or darkness, helping readers see the emotional weight of Job’s suffering.
  • Understanding the original Hebrew words deepens the sense of how total and suffocating Job’s troubles are meant to feel in Eliphaz’s accusation.

Where else these words appear

“abundance” Hebrew H8229 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Kings 9:17 And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?
  • Job 38:34 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?
  • Isaiah 60:6 The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.

“darkness” Hebrew H2822 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Job 19:8 He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:17 All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.

“cover” Hebrew H3680 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
  • Judges 4:19 And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.
  • Proverbs 24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.