Job 21:22

Authorized King James Version

Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַלְאֵ֥ל
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#2
יְלַמֶּד
Shall any teach
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#3
דָּ֑עַת
knowledge
knowledge
#4
וְ֝ה֗וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#5
רָמִ֥ים
those that are high
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#6
יִשְׁפּֽוֹט׃
seeing he judgeth
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection