The verse highlights the sheer diligence of the wicked, rising early and prowling at night not for honest work, but to exploit the vulnerable. It suggests the word "as" a thief doesn't just mean "like" a thief, but that the murderer is a thief in reality, blurring the lines between violent crime and covert theft in their pursuit of darkness.
The murderer rises before it is light, that he may kill the poor and needy, and in the night he is like a thief. The eye of the adulterer also waits for the twilight, saying, ‘No eye will see me’; and he veils his face. In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves up; they do not know the light. For deep darkness is morning to all of them; for they are friends with the terrors of deep darkness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job is describing the utter lawlessness and cruelty that proliferates when justice is absent, painting a grim picture of a society where oppressors thrive. This verse specifically highlights the deliberate and calculated violence of murderers and thieves, who rise early to prey on the vulnerable and operate secretly at night, showing their complete disregard for human life and property. It's part of a broader lament about why the wicked prosper, with Job detailing their wicked acts in stark contrast to the supposed silence of God.
Think about your own morning routine. Do you rise with such purpose and energy? The wicked often display an astonishing dedication to their sin.
Job describes the murderer and thief who rise "with the light" and work "in the night." This isn't about accidental evil, but a deliberate, scheduled pursuit. They are as diligent in their wicked practices as honest laborers are in their daily tasks. Their crimes aren't random acts but are timed for maximum impact and secrecy, showing a chilling commitment to their destructive paths. This diligence should be a stark contrast to our own potential sluggishness in pursuing righteousness.
Who are the easiest targets for criminals? The text points to those with the least power and protection.
Job specifically highlights that the wicked target "the poor and needy." This reveals a profound cruelty: they prey on those least able to defend themselves or fight back. Their violence isn't indiscriminate; it's calculated to inflict maximum suffering on those already struggling. The murderer kills the defenseless, and the thief likely targets those who have little to lose, compounding their misery. It’s a grim picture of injustice where the vulnerable are stripped of what little they possess, even their lives.
Evil often hides its true face. What does this verse reveal about the deceptive nature of sin?
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The passage suggests a dual nature to the wicked: they murder "with the light" (implying early morning activity, perhaps on roads or in planned ambushes) and are "like a thief" in the night. This isn't necessarily two different people, but one individual operating under different guises. By day, they might be a more overt predator, and by night, a stealthy thief. The commentary notes they often disguise themselves, hiding their faces. This points to the deceptive character of sin – it operates in darkness, hides its true intentions, and often wears a mask to avoid detection, all while escaping true accountability.
Understand the original words
rotsach · Hebrew Noun
One who commits the act of unlawful killing. Biblically, it is condemned as a grave violation of God’s command regarding the sanctity of human life created in His image.
ani · Hebrew Noun
Those who lack financial security or social status. The Bible frequently emphasizes God’s special concern for them, condemning those who exploit them for personal gain.
mena'eph · Hebrew Noun
Someone who violates the covenant of marriage through sexual infidelity. It represents a betrayal of trust and a disregard for the sacred institution established by God.
choshek · Hebrew Noun
In biblical usage, darkness is frequently contrasted with God's light, representing ignorance, moral depravity, concealment of sin, and separation from God's presence. It is the realm where those who reject God operate.
or · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, 'light' symbolizes God's presence, truth, holiness, and the path of righteousness. Those who practice evil hate the light because it exposes their deeds.
This proverb directly contrasts with Job's depiction of the wicked, highlighting that true generosity and compassion are divine attributes, unlike the predatory nature described in Job.
Jeremiah 5:26-27This passage echoes Job's theme by describing wicked people who act like predators, enriching themselves through deceit and violence, specifically preying on the vulnerable.
Matthew 5:21-22Jesus broadens the definition of murder, showing that the intent and anger behind the act, even without physical violence, carries the same severe judgment, thus connecting to the moral depravity seen in Job's description.
1 John 3:12This verse directly links to the crime of murder, contrasting the actions of Cain with those of believers and underscoring the sinfulness of acting out of hatred towards others, a spirit exemplified by the murderer in Job.
bensonJob 24:14: "The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief."
Job 24:14-15 . The murderer rising with the light — As soon as the light appears, using no less diligence in his wicked practices than labourers do in their honest and daily employments; killeth the poor and needy — Where he finds nothing to satisfy his covetousness, he exerciseth his cruelty. And in the night is as a thief — He is really a thief; the particle as being often used to expre…
clarkeJob 24:14: "The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief."
The murderer rising with the light - Perhaps the words should be read as Mr. Good has done: - With the daylight ariseth the murderer; Poor and needy, he sheddeth blood. This description is suitable to a highwayman; one who robs in daylight, and who has been impelled by poverty and distress to use this most unlawful and perilous mode to get bread; and for fear of being discovered or taken,…
The verse highlights the sheer diligence of the wicked, rising early and prowling at night not for honest work, but to exploit the vulnerable. It suggests the word "as" a thief doesn't just mean "like" a thief, but that the murderer is a thief in reality, blurring the lines between violent crime and covert theft in their pursuit of darkness.
Job is describing the utter lawlessness and cruelty that proliferates when justice is absent, painting a grim picture of a society where oppressors thrive. This verse specifically highlights the deliberate and calculated violence of murderers and thieves, who rise early to prey on the vulnerable and operate secretly at night, showing their complete disregard for human life and property. It's part of a broader lament about why the wicked prosper, with Job detailing their wicked acts in stark contrast to the supposed silence of God.
Job is describing the utter lawlessness and cruelty that proliferates when justice is absent, painting a grim picture of a society where oppressors thrive. This verse specifically highlights the deliberate and calculated violence of murderers and thieves, who rise early to prey on the vulnerable and operate secretly at night, showing their complete disregard for human life and property. It's part of a broader lament about why the wicked prosper, with Job detailing their wicked acts in stark contrast to the supposed silence of God.
"The murderer rises before it is light, that he may kill the poor and needy, and in the night he is like a thief. The eye of the adulterer also waits for the twilight, saying, ‘No eye will see me’; and he vei…" — The verse highlights the sheer diligence of the wicked, rising early and prowling at night not for honest work, but to exploit the vulnerable. It suggests the word "as" a thief doesn't just mean "lik…
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Last reviewed October 2026
