4:19

Notice the parallelism. In the first line, the life of wicked people is compared to a person who walks in the darkness. The second line describes what walking in the darkness is like.

19a But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom ;

19b
they do not know what makes them stumble.

4:19a–b

is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble: In this context (4:18–19), darkness probably represents insecurity, danger, and disaster, but it may also describe misery, uncertainty, or ignorance. So it may be better to leave the point of comparison implied.

4:19a

the darkest gloom: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as darkest gloom means “like darkness.” Use a natural expression in your language that is used to describe:

extreme darkness
-or-
total darkness (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the darkness of night

4:19b

stumble: The word stumble is a metaphor that refers to trouble, disaster, difficulties, and harm. It should not be understood literally. See the note on 3:23a–b.

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