Job 13:21

Authorized King James Version

Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כַּ֭פְּךָ
thine hand
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#2
מֵעָלַ֣י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
הַרְחַ֑ק
Withdraw
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
#4
וְ֝אֵ֥מָתְךָ֗
from me and let not thy dread
fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear)
#5
אַֽל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
תְּבַעֲתַֽנִּי׃
make me afraid
to fear

Analysis

Within the broader context of Job, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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