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

JOB 38:15KJV
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Job 38:15 (KJV)

What does Job 38:15 mean?

Job 38:15 says that the light is withheld from the wicked, and their power (“the high arm”) will be broken. This verse describes how those who do evil will lose their guidance and strength, as part of God’s control over the world.

In this part of the book of Job, God is speaking directly to Job out of a storm, challenging Job’s understanding of how the world works. God is describing His power over creation, including how He limits the influence and success of the wicked. The verse uses vivid images—light being taken away and a strong arm being broken—to show that God can stop evil people from prospering.

The Hebrew behind Job 38:15

  • “wicked” (רָשָׁע, rasha): This word points to people who act unjustly or oppose what is right, emphasizing that the verse is about those who do wrong.
  • “light” (אוֹר, or): In Hebrew thought, light often means life, hope, or understanding. Here, it suggests that the wicked lose their way or their chance to flourish.
  • “withholden” (מָנַע, mana): This verb means to hold back or keep from someone. It stresses that God actively prevents the wicked from enjoying light.
  • “high” (רוּם, rum) and “arm” (זְרוֹעַ, zeroa): Together, these words paint a picture of pride or power. The “high arm” is a symbol for strength or arrogance, and its being “broken” (שָׁבַר, shavar) means that God brings down those who exalt themselves.

Why Job 38:15 matters

  • Job 38:15 clarifies that God is not absent when the wicked seem to prosper; He has the power to limit and eventually end their success.
  • The verse connects to the larger speech where God shows Job that human understanding is limited compared to God’s wisdom and control over creation.
  • By using the image of light and a strong arm, Job 38:15 emphasizes that both guidance and strength come from God, and He can remove them from those who oppose Him.

Where else these words appear

“withholden” Hebrew H4513 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 30:2 And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?
  • Job 22:7 Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

“arm” Hebrew H2220 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob;(from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
  • Job 40:9 Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?
  • Isaiah 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

“light” Hebrew H216 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
  • Job 36:30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.
  • Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

“broken” Hebrew H7665 · used in 145 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • Psalms 37:15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
  • Jeremiah 30:8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: