Job 21:24

Authorized King James Version

His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עֲ֭טִינָיו

H5845

His breasts

a receptacle (for milk, i.e., pail; figuratively, breast)

מָלְא֣וּ

H4390

are full

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

חָלָ֑ב

H2461

of milk

milk (as the richness of kine)

וּמֹ֖חַ

H4221

with marrow

fat, i.e., marrow

עַצְמוֹתָ֣יו

H6106

and his bones

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

יְשֻׁקֶּֽה׃

H8248

are moistened

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

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 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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?