Job 12:5

Authorized King James Version

He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לַפִּ֣יד
is as a lamp
a flambeau, lamp or flame
#2
בּ֭וּז
despised
disrespect
#3
לְעַשְׁתּ֣וּת
in the thought
cogitation
#4
שַׁאֲנָ֑ן
of him that is at ease
secure; in a bad sense, haughty
#5
נָ֝כ֗וֹן
He that is ready
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#6
לְמ֣וֹעֲדֵי
to slip
to waver
#7
רָֽגֶל׃
with his feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

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 revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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