Job 15:4

Authorized King James Version

Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#2
אַ֭תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#3
תָּפֵ֣ר
Yea thou castest off
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
#4
יִרְאָ֑ה
fear
fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence
#5
וְתִגְרַ֥ע
and restrainest
to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold
#6
שִׂ֝יחָ֗ה
prayer
reflection; be extension, devotion
#7
לִפְנֵי
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
אֵֽל׃
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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