Job 1:14

Authorized King James Version

And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמַלְאָ֛ךְ
H4397
a messenger
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#2
בָּ֥א
H935
And there came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אִיּ֖וֹב
H347
unto Job
ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience
#5
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר
H559
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
הַבָּקָר֙
H1241
The oxen
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#7
הָי֣וּ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
חֹֽרְשׁ֔וֹת
H2790
were plowing
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
#9
וְהָֽאֲתֹנ֖וֹת
H860
and the asses
a female donkey (from its docility)
#10
רֹע֥וֹת
H7462
feeding
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#11
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
יְדֵיהֶֽם׃
H3027
beside
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Job Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection