Job 1:20

Authorized King James Version

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֤קָם

H6965

arose

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אִיּוֹב֙

H347

Then Job

ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience

וַיִּקְרַ֣ע

H7167

and rent

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מְעִל֔וֹ

H4598

his mantle

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

וַיָּ֖גָז

H1494

and shaved

to cut off; specifically to shear a flock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רֹאשׁ֑וֹ

H7218

his head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַיִּפֹּ֥ל

H5307

and fell down

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

#10

אַ֖רְצָה

H776

upon the ground

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ׃

H7812

and worshipped

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

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

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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?