Job 1:13

Authorized King James Version

And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֖י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הַיּ֑וֹם
And there was a day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
וּבָנָ֨יו
when his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
וּבְנֹתָ֤יו
and his daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#5
אֹֽכְלִים֙
were eating
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#6
וְשֹׁתִ֣ים
and drinking
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#7
יַ֔יִן
wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#8
בְּבֵ֖ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
אֲחִיהֶ֥ם
brother's
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#10
הַבְּכֽוֹר׃
in their eldest
first-born; hence, chief

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection