Job 19:8
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
He has fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he has set darkness in my paths.
American King James Version (AKJV)
He has fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he has set darkness in my paths.
American Standard Version (ASV)
He hath walled up my way that I cannot pass, And hath set darkness in my paths.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
My way is walled up by him so that I may not go by: he has made my roads dark.
Webster's Revision
He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.
World English Bible
He has walled up my way so that I can't pass, and has set darkness in my paths.
English Revised Version (ERV)
He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and hath set darkness in my paths.
Definitions for Job 19:8
Clarke's Job 19:8 Bible Commentary
He hath fenced up my way - This may allude to the mode of hunting the elephant, described at the conclusion of the preceding chapter; or to the operations of an invading army. See under Job 19:11 (note).
Barnes's Job 19:8 Bible Commentary
He hath fenced up my way - This figure is taken from a traveler, whose way is obstructed by trees, rocks, or fences, so that he cannot get along, and Job says it was so with him. He was traveling along in a peaceful manner on the journey of life, and all at once obstructions were put in his path, so that he could not go farther. This does not refer, particularly, to his spiritual condition, if it does at all. It is descriptive of the obstruction of his plans, rather than of spiritual darkness or distress.
And he hath set darkness in my paths - So that I cannot see - as if all around the traveler should become suddenly dark, so that he could not discern his way. The "language" here would well express the spiritual darkness which the friends of God sometimes experience, though it is by no means certain that Job referred to that. All the dealings of God are to them mysterious, and there is no light in the soul - and they are ready to sink down in despair.