Job 21:20

Authorized King James Version

His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִרְא֣וּ
shall see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
עֵינָ֣ו
His eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#3
כִּיד֑וֹ
his destruction
a crushing; figuratively, calamity
#4
וּמֵחֲמַ֖ת
of the wrath
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#5
שַׁדַּ֣י
of the Almighty
the almighty
#6
יִשְׁתֶּֽה׃
and he shall drink
to imbibe (literally or 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