Job 21:16

Authorized King James Version

Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵ֤ן
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#2
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
בְיָדָ֣ם
is not in their hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#4
טוּבָ֑ם
Lo their good
good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare
#5
עֲצַ֥ת
the counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#6
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
of the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#7
רָ֣חֲקָה
is far
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
#8
מֶֽנִּי׃
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 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