Job 16:9

Authorized King James Version

He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַפּ֤וֹ
me in his wrath
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#2
טָרַ֨ף׀
He teareth
to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)
#3
וַֽיִּשְׂטְמֵ֗נִי
who hateth
properly, to lurk for, i.e., persecute
#4
חָרַ֣ק
me he gnasheth
to grate the teeth
#5
עָלַ֣י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
בְּשִׁנָּ֑יו
upon me with his teeth
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
#7
צָרִ֓י׀
mine enemy
a pebble (as in h6864)
#8
יִלְטֹ֖שׁ
sharpeneth
properly, to hammer out (an edge), i.e., to sharpen
#9
עֵינָ֣יו
his eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#10
לִֽי׃
H0

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 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