Job 24:19

Authorized King James Version

Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so doth the grave those which have sinned.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
צִיָּ֤ה
Drought
aridity; concretely, a desert
#2
גַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#3
חֹ֗ם
and heat
heat
#4
יִגְזְל֥וּ
consume
to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob
#5
מֵֽימֵי
waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#6
שֶׁ֗לֶג
the snow
snow (probably from its whiteness)
#7
שְׁא֣וֹל
so doth the grave
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
#8
חָטָֽאוּ׃
those which have sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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