Job 23:12

Authorized King James Version

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִצְוַ֣ת

H4687

from the commandment

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

שְׂ֭פָתָיו

H8193

of his lips

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

אָמִ֑ישׁ

H4185

Neither have I gone back

to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)

מֵ֝חֻקִּ֗י

H2706

more than my necessary

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

צָפַ֥נְתִּי

H6845

I have esteemed

to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk

אִמְרֵי

H561

the words

something said

פִֽיו׃

H6310

of his mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 this verse's literary context within Job chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?