For deep darkness is morning to all of them: the order of the Hebrew words of this line does not indicate clearly whether the emphasis is as in New Jerusalem Bible, “morning is a time of shadow dark as death,” or as in Revised Standard Version. According to New Jerusalem Bible‘s interpretation, which is the same as Good News Translation, the criminals dread the morning as that which brings to an end their favorite nighttime occupations. On the other hand, New English Bible agrees with Revised Standard Version and translates “but dark night is morning to them.” In this sense darkness is the favorite time for criminals. New International Version gives two alternatives: “For all of them, deep darkness is their morning,” and in a footnote, “For all of them, their morning is like the shadow of death.” Morning translates a word referring to “dawn,” and so Good News Translation “light of day.” Good News Translation‘s rendering follows suitably after verse 16 and is preferred over Revised Standard Version. This line may also be expressed “They are afraid when morning light comes” or “They are afraid when daylight comes.”

For they are friends with the terrors of deep darkness: the Hebrew is “he knows the terrors of deep darkness.” The Hebrew “knows” is the same verb found in verse 13b and usually means “recognize, be familiar with.” Revised Standard Version has translated this verb as they are friends with. This rendering is possible, but preferred is “they are familiar with the terrors of the night” or “they are accustomed to the fear of the dark.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .