Job 13:4

Authorized King James Version

But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְֽאוּלָ֗ם
But
however or on the contrary
#2
אַתֶּ֥ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#3
טֹֽפְלֵי
ye are forgers
properly, to stick on as a patch; figuratively, to impute falsely
#4
שָׁ֑קֶר
of lies
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#5
רֹפְאֵ֖י
ye are all physicians
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
#6
אֱלִ֣ל
of no value
good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol
#7
כֻּלְּכֶֽם׃
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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