Job 22:23

Authorized King James Version

If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
תָּשׁ֣וּב
If thou return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#3
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#4
שַׁ֭דַּי
to the Almighty
the almighty
#5
תִּבָּנֶ֑ה
thou shalt be built up
to build (literally and figuratively)
#6
תַּרְחִ֥יק
far
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
#7
עַ֝וְלָ֗ה
iniquity
(moral) evil
#8
מֵאָהֳלֶֽךָ׃
from thy tabernacles
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

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