Job 11:3

Authorized King James Version

Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּ֭דֶּיךָ
Should thy lies
a brag or lie; also a liar
#2
מְתִ֣ים
men
properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)
#3
יַחֲרִ֑ישׁו
hold their peace
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
#4
וַ֝תִּלְעַ֗ג
and when thou mockest
to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly
#5
וְאֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#6
מַכְלִֽם׃
shall no man make thee ashamed
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

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 peace 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection