Job 2:10

Authorized King James Version

But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

But he said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֗יהָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תְּדַבֵּ֔רִי

H1696

speaketh

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

אַחַ֤ת

H259

as one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הַנְּבָלוֹת֙

H5036

of the foolish women

stupid; wicked (especially impious)

תְּדַבֵּ֔רִי

H1696

speaketh

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

גַּ֣ם

H1571

What

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

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַטּ֗וֹב

H2896

good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#10

נְקַבֵּ֑ל

H6901

and shall we not receive

to admit, i.e., take (literally or figuratively)

#11

מֵאֵ֣ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

at the hand of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#13

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

הָרָ֖ע

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#15

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#16

נְקַבֵּ֑ל

H6901

and shall we not receive

to admit, i.e., take (literally or figuratively)

#17

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

זֹ֛את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#19

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#20

חָטָ֥א

H2398

sin

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#21

אִיּ֖וֹב

H347

In all this did not Job

ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience

#22

בִּשְׂפָתָֽיו׃

H8193

with his lips

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

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 sovereignty 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

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?