Job 20:10

Authorized King James Version

His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּ֭נָיו
His children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
יְרַצּ֣וּ
shall seek to please
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
#3
דַלִּ֑ים
the poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#4
וְ֝יָדָ֗יו
and his hands
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
#5
תָּשֵׁ֥בְנָה
shall restore
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#6
אוֹנֽוֹ׃
their goods
ability, power, (figuratively) wealth

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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