Job 2:8

Authorized King James Version

And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽקַּֽח
And he took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
ל֣וֹ
H0
#3
חֶ֔רֶשׂ
him a potsherd
a piece of pottery
#4
לְהִתְגָּרֵ֖ד
to scrape
to abrade
#5
בּ֑וֹ
H0
#6
וְה֖וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
himself withal and he sat down
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#8
בְּתוֹךְ
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#9
הָאֵֽפֶר׃
the ashes
ashes

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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