Job 20:14

Authorized King James Version

Yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לַ֭חְמוֹ
Yet his meat
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#2
בְּמֵעָ֣יו
in his bowels
used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru
#3
נֶהְפָּ֑ךְ
is turned
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
#4
מְרוֹרַ֖ת
it is the gall
properly, bitterness; concretely, a bitter thing; specifically bile; also venom (of a serpent)
#5
פְּתָנִ֣ים
of asps
an asp (from its contortions)
#6
בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃
within
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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