Job 24:18

Authorized King James Version

He is swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קַֽל
He is swift
light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)
#2
ה֤וּא׀
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
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
פְּנֵי
as the waters
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
מַ֗יִם
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#6
תְּקֻלַּ֣ל
is cursed
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
#7
חֶלְקָתָ֣ם
their portion
properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery
#8
בָּאָ֑רֶץ
in the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יִ֝פְנֶה
he beholdeth
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#11
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
not the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#12
כְּרָמִֽים׃
of the vineyards
a garden or vineyard

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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