Job 12:9

Authorized King James Version

Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִ֭י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#2
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
יָדַ֣ע
Who knoweth
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#4
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
אֵ֑לֶּה
these or those
#6
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
יַד
not in all these that the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#8
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
עָ֣שְׂתָה
hath wrought
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
זֹּֽאת׃
this (often used adverb)

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection