Job 21:4

Authorized King James Version

As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֶ֭אָנֹכִי

H595

לְאָדָ֣ם

H120

to man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

שִׂיחִ֑י

H7879

As for me is my complaint

a contemplation; by implication, an utterance

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מַ֝דּ֗וּעַ

H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִקְצַ֥ר

H7114

be troubled

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

רוּחִֽי׃

H7307

and if it were so why should not my spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?