Job 12:3

Authorized King James Version

But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּם

H1571

But

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לִ֤י

לֵבָ֨ב׀

H3824

I have understanding

the heart (as the most interior organ)

כְּמוֹ

H3644

to you yea who knoweth not such things

as, thus, so

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נֹפֵ֣ל

H5307

as well as you I am not inferior

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

אָנֹכִ֣י

H595

מִכֶּ֑ם

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וְאֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#10

מִי

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#11

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#12

כְּמוֹ

H3644

to you yea who knoweth not such things

as, thus, so

#13

אֵֽלֶּה׃

H428

these or those

Analysis

Within the broader context of Job, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Job.

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?