Job 11:8

Authorized King James Version

It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גָּבְהֵ֣י
It is as high
elation, grandeur, arrogance
#2
שָׁ֭מַיִם
as heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#3
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#4
תִּפְעָ֑ל
what canst thou do
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
#5
עֲמֻקָּ֥ה
deeper
deep (literally or figuratively)
#6
מִ֝שְּׁא֗וֹל
than hell
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
#7
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#8
תֵּדָֽע׃
what canst thou know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection