Job 23:13

Authorized King James Version

But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְה֣וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#2
בְ֭אֶחָד
But he is in one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#3
וּמִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#4
יְשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ
mind and who can turn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#5
וְנַפְשׁ֖וֹ
him and what his soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#6
אִוְּתָ֣ה
desireth
to wish for
#7
וַיָּֽעַשׂ׃
even that he doeth
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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