Job 20:19

Authorized King James Version

Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
רִ֭צַּץ
Because he hath oppressed
to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively
#3
עָזַ֣ב
and hath forsaken
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#4
דַּלִּ֑ים
the poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#5
בַּ֥יִת
an house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
גָּ֝זַ֗ל
because he hath violently taken away
to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob
#7
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יִבֶנֵֽהוּ׃
which he builded
to build (literally and figuratively)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection