Job 20:15

Authorized King James Version

He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חַ֣יִל
riches
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#2
בָּ֭לַע
He hath swallowed down
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
#3
וַיְקִאֶ֑נּוּ
and he shall vomit them up again
to vomit
#4
מִ֝בִּטְנ֗וֹ
of his belly
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
#5
יֹֽרִשֶׁ֥נּוּ
shall cast them out
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#6
אֵֽל׃
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection