Job 19:16

Authorized King James Version

I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְעַבְדִּ֣י

H5650

my servant

a servant

קָ֭רָאתִי

H7121

I called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַעֲנֶ֑ה

H6030

and he gave me no answer

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,

בְּמוֹ

H1119

him with

in, with, by, etc

פִ֝֗י

H6310

my mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

אֶתְחַנֶּן

H2603

I intreated

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

לֽוֹ׃

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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?
How does this verse's literary context within Job chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?