Job 16:8

Authorized King James Version

And thou hast filled me with wrinkles, which is a witness against me: and my leanness rising up in me beareth witness to my face.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽ֭תִּקְמְטֵנִי

H7059

And thou hast filled me with wrinkles

to pluck, i.e., destroy

לְעֵ֣ד

H5707

which is a witness

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

הָיָ֑ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וַיָּ֥קָם

H6965

rising up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

בִּ֥י

כַ֝חֲשִׁ֗י

H3585

against me and my leanness

literally a failure of flesh, i.e., emaciation; figuratively, hypocrisy

בְּפָנַ֥י

H6440

to my face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יַעֲנֶֽה׃

H6030

in me beareth witness

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

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Job Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?