Job 15:21

Authorized King James Version

A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קוֹל
sound
a voice or sound
#2
פְּחָדִ֥ים
A dreadful
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
#3
בְּאָזְנָ֑יו
is in his ears
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#4
בַּ֝שָּׁל֗וֹם
in prosperity
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#5
שׁוֹדֵ֥ד
the destroyer
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
#6
יְבוֹאֶֽנּוּ׃
shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Job, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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