Job 24:14

Authorized King James Version

The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָא֡וֹר
with the light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#2
יָ֘ק֤וּם
rising
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#3
רוֹצֵ֗חַ
The murderer
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
#4
יִֽקְטָל
killeth
properly, to cut off, i.e., (figuratively) put to death
#5
עָנִ֥י
the poor
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#6
וְאֶבְי֑וֹן
H34
and needy
destitute
#7
וּ֝בַלַּ֗יְלָה
and in the night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#8
יְהִ֣י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
כַגַּנָּֽב׃
is as a thief
a stealer

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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