Job 20:8

Authorized King James Version

He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כַּחֲל֣וֹם
as a dream
a dream
#2
יָ֭עוּף
He shall fly away
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)
#3
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יִמְצָא֑וּהוּ
and shall not be found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#5
וְ֝יֻדַּ֗ד
yea he shall be chased away
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
#6
כְּחֶזְי֥וֹן
as a vision
a revelation, expectation by dream
#7
לָֽיְלָה׃
of the night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection