Job 2:6

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשָּׂטָ֖ן

H7854

unto Satan

an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good

הִנּ֣וֹ

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

בְיָדֶ֑ךָ

H3027

Behold he is in 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

אַ֖ךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֶת

H853

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

נַפְשׁ֥וֹ

H5315

his life

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#10

שְׁמֹֽר׃

H8104

but save

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 verse's literary context within Job chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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 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?