Old Testament
Job 22:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
'Thick clouds are a covering to him, so that he does not see; and he walks in the circuit of heaven.'
Compare translations
Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven.
What Job 22:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job's friend Eliphaz is suggesting that God is so transcendent and powerful that He is beyond human understanding. The 'thick clouds' symbolize the mystery and distance between God and humanity, implying that God is hidden from our sight and comprehension. The phrase 'walks in the circuit of heaven' indicates that God is sovereign over all creation, moving freely in the heavenly realm. This reflects the belief that God is omnipresent and omnipotent, governing the universe from a place that is not accessible to human perception. Eliphaz is trying to convey that God’s ways are not easily seen or understood by people, and that His actions are part of a divine plan that may be beyond our grasp. This perspective emphasizes the majesty and mystery of God, reminding us of our limitations in understanding His nature and purposes.
How to apply Job 22:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to acknowledge the mystery of God and our limitations in understanding His ways. In times of confusion or suffering, we can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even when we cannot see or understand His plans. Trusting in His sovereignty can bring peace to our hearts.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 22:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 22:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 22:14 mean?
Job 22:14 means that God is so powerful and transcendent that He is beyond human understanding. The 'thick clouds' represent the mystery that separates God from humanity, while 'walks in the circuit of heaven' indicates His sovereignty over all creation.
What is the significance of 'thick clouds' in Job 22:14?
The 'thick clouds' in Job 22:14 symbolize the mystery and distance between God and humans, suggesting that God's ways and actions are often hidden from our understanding.
What does 'walks in the circuit of heaven' refer to in Job 22:14?
The phrase 'walks in the circuit of heaven' refers to God's sovereignty and omnipresence, indicating that He governs the universe freely and is not limited by human perception.
How does Job 22:14 relate to human limitations?
Job 22:14 highlights human limitations by emphasizing that God's nature and plans are often beyond our comprehension, reminding us of our need to trust in His wisdom.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.