Job 16:4

Authorized King James Version

I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּ֤ם׀

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אָנֹכִי֮

H595

כָּכֶ֪ם

אֲדַ֫בֵּ֥רָה

H1696

I also could speak

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

ל֤וּ

H3863

as ye do if

a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!

יֵ֪שׁ

H3426

were

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

נַפְשִׁ֗י

H5315

in my soul's

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

תַּ֤חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

נַפְשִׁ֗י

H5315

in my soul's

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#10

אַחְבִּ֣ירָה

H2266

stead I could heap up

to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate

#11

עֲלֵיכֶ֣ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

בְּמִלִּ֑ים

H4405

words

a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic

#13

וְאָנִ֥יעָה

H5128

against you and shake

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

#14

עֲ֝לֵיכֶ֗ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

בְּמ֣וֹ

H1119

in, with, by, etc

#16

רֹאשִֽׁי׃

H7218

mine head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Job, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?