Job 1:15

Authorized King James Version

And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּפֹּ֤ל
fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#2
שְׁבָא֙
And the Sabeans
sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an ethiopian district
#3
וַתִּקָּחֵ֔ם
upon them and took them away
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#4
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַנְּעָרִ֖ים
the servants
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#6
הִכּ֣וּ
yea they have slain
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#7
לְפִי
with the edge
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#8
חָ֑רֶב
of the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#9
וָאִמָּ֨לְטָ֧ה
and I only am escaped
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#10
רַק
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
#11
אֲנִ֛י
i
#12
לְבַדִּ֖י
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#13
לְהַגִּ֥יד
alone to tell
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#14
לָֽךְ׃
H0

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection