Job 2:5

Authorized King James Version

But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אוּלָם֙

H199

But

however or on the contrary

שְֽׁלַֽח

H7971

put forth

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

נָ֣א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

יָֽדְךָ֔

H3027

thine hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְגַ֥ע

H5060

now and touch

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַצְמ֖וֹ

H6106

his bone

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּשָׂר֑וֹ

H1320

and his flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#10

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

פָּנֶ֖יךָ

H6440

thee to thy 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

#14

יְבָרֲכֶֽךָּ׃

H1288

and he will curse

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

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

How does this verse's literary context within Job chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?