Job 15:30

Authorized King James Version

He shall not depart out of darkness; the flame shall dry up his branches, and by the breath of his mouth shall he go away.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
וְ֝יָס֗וּר
He shall not depart
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#3
מִנִּי
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#4
חֹ֗שֶׁךְ
out of darkness
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
#5
יֹֽ֭נַקְתּוֹ
his branches
a sprout
#6
תְּיַבֵּ֣שׁ
shall dry up
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
#7
שַׁלְהָ֑בֶת
the flame
a flare of fire
#8
וְ֝יָס֗וּר
He shall not depart
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#9
בְּר֣וּחַ
and by the breath
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#10
פִּֽיו׃
of his mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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