Job 11:7

Authorized King James Version

Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַחֵ֣קֶר
Canst thou by searching
examination, enumeration, deliberation
#2
אֱל֣וֹהַ
God
a deity or the deity
#3
תִּמְצָֽא׃
canst thou find
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#4
אִ֤ם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#5
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#6
תַּכְלִ֖ית
unto perfection
completion; by implication, an extremity
#7
שַׁדַּ֣י
out the Almighty
the almighty
#8
תִּמְצָֽא׃
canst thou find
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

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

Questions for Reflection