Job 24:15

Authorized King James Version

The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָ֑יִן
H5869
No eye
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#2
נֹאֵ֨ף׀
H5003
also of the adulterer
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize
#3
שָׁ֤מְרָֽה
H8104
waiteth
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#4
נֶ֣שֶׁף
H5399
for the twilight
properly, a breeze, i.e., (by implication) dusk (when the evening breeze prevails)
#5
לֵ֭אמֹר
H559
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
לֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
תְשׁוּרֵ֣נִי
H7789
shall see
to spy out, i.e., (generally) survey, (for evil) lurk for, (for good) care for
#8
עָ֑יִן
H5869
No eye
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#9
וְסֵ֖תֶר
H5643
me and disguiseth
a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)
#10
פָּנִ֣ים
H6440
his face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
יָשִֽׂים׃
H7760
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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