Job 19:15

They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גָּ֘רֵ֤י

H1481

They that dwell

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

בֵיתִ֣י

H1004

in mine house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְ֭אַמְהֹתַי

H519

and my maids

a maid-servant or female slave

לְזָ֣ר

H2114

me for a stranger

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

תַּחְשְׁבֻ֑נִי

H2803

count

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

נָ֝כְרִ֗י

H5237

I am an alien

strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)

הָיִ֥יתִי

H1961

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

בְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃

H5869

in their sight

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Job, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 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?
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?