Job 22:15

Authorized King James Version

Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַאֹ֣רַח
way
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
#2
עוֹלָ֣ם
the old
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#3
תִּשְׁמ֑וֹר
Hast thou marked
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#4
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
דָּרְכ֣וּ
have trodden
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
#6
מְתֵי
men
properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)
#7
אָֽוֶן׃
which wicked
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

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