Job 11:5

Authorized King James Version

But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְֽאוּלָ֗ם
But
however or on the contrary
#2
מִֽי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#3
יִתֵּ֣ן
oh that
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#4
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
God
a deity or the deity
#5
דַּבֵּ֑ר
would speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#6
וְיִפְתַּ֖ח
and open
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#7
שְׂפָתָ֣יו
his lips
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#8
עִמָּֽךְ׃
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection