Job 13:11

Authorized King James Version

Shall not his excellency make you afraid? and his dread fall upon you?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
שְׂ֭אֵתוֹ
Shall not his excellency
an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character
#3
תְּבַעֵ֣ת
make you afraid
to fear
#4
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
וּ֝פַחְדּ֗וֹ
and his dread
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
#6
יִפֹּ֥ל
fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#7
עֲלֵיכֶֽם׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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