Job 20:25

Authorized King James Version

It is drawn, and cometh out of the body; yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall: terrors are upon him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׁלַף֮
It is drawn
to pull out, up or off
#2
וַיֵּצֵ֪א
and cometh out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#3
מִגֵּ֫וָ֥ה
of the body
the back, i.e., (by extensive) the person
#4
וּ֭בָרָק
yea the glittering sword
lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword
#5
מִֽמְּרֹרָת֥וֹ
of his gall
properly, bitterness; concretely, a bitter thing; specifically bile; also venom (of a serpent)
#6
יַהֲלֹ֗ךְ
cometh out
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
עָלָ֥יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
אֵמִֽים׃
terrors
fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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