Job 1:16

Authorized King James Version

While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ע֣וֹד׀

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

זֶ֣ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

מְדַבֵּ֗ר

H1696

While he was yet speaking

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וְזֶה֮

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

בָּ֣א

H935

there came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַיֹּאמַר֒

H559

also another and said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵ֣שׁ

H784

The fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

אֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

נָֽפְלָה֙

H5307

is fallen

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#10

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#11

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

from heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#12

וַתִּבְעַ֥ר

H1197

and hath burned up

to be(-come) brutish

#13

בַּצֹּ֛אן

H6629

the sheep

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#14

וּבַנְּעָרִ֖ים

H5288

and 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

#15

וַתֹּֽאכְלֵ֑ם

H398

and consumed

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#16

וָאִמָּ֨לְטָ֧ה

H4422

them 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

#17

רַק

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

#18

אֲנִ֛י

H589

#19

לְבַדִּ֖י

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

#20

לְהַגִּ֥יד

H5046

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

#21

לָֽךְ׃

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?