Job 16:3

Authorized King James Version

Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֲקֵ֥ץ

H7093

have an end

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

לְדִבְרֵי

H1697

words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

ר֑וּחַ

H7307

Shall vain

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

א֥וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יַּ֝מְרִֽיצְךָ֗

H4834

or what emboldeneth

properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to be pungent or vehement; to irritate

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תַעֲנֶֽה׃

H6030

thee that thou answerest

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Job chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?