Job 1:21

Authorized King James Version

And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּאמֶר֩
And said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
וְעָרֹם֙
Naked
nude, either partially or totally
#3
יָצָ֜תִי
came I out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#4
מִבֶּ֣טֶן
womb
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
#5
אִמִּ֗י
of my mother's
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#6
וְעָרֹם֙
Naked
nude, either partially or totally
#7
אָשׁ֣וּב
shall I return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#8
שָׁ֔מָה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#9
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
נָתַ֔ן
gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
לָקָ֑ח
hath taken away
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#13
יְהִ֛י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
שֵׁ֥ם
be the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#15
יְהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
מְבֹרָֽךְ׃
blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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