Job 1:18

Authorized King James Version

While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַ֚ד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#2
זֶ֣ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#3
מְדַבֵּ֔ר
While he was yet speaking
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#4
וְזֶ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#5
בָּ֣א
there came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר
also another and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
בָּנֶ֨יךָ
Thy 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
#8
וּבְנוֹתֶ֤יךָ
and thy daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#9
אֹֽכְלִים֙
were eating
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#10
וְשֹׁתִ֣ים
and drinking
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#11
יַ֔יִן
wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#12
בְּבֵ֖ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#13
אֲחִיהֶ֥ם
brother's
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#14
הַבְּכֽוֹר׃
in their eldest
first-born; hence, chief

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