Job 16:13

Authorized King James Version

His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יָ֘סֹ֤בּוּ
compass me round about
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#2
עָלַ֨י׀
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
רַבָּ֗יו
His archers
an archer
#4
יְפַלַּ֣ח
asunder
to slice, i.e., break open or pierce
#5
כִּ֭לְיוֹתַי
my reins
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
#6
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יַחְמ֑וֹל
and doth not spare
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
#8
יִשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ
he poureth out
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
#9
לָ֝אָ֗רֶץ
upon the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
מְרֵרָֽתִי׃
my gall
bile (from its bitterness)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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