Job 24:4

Authorized King James Version

They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַטּ֣וּ
They turn
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#2
אֶבְיֹנִ֣ים
H34
the needy
destitute
#3
מִדָּ֑רֶךְ
out of the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#4
יַ֥חַד
themselves together
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
#5
חֻ֝בְּא֗וּ
hide
to secrete
#6
עֲנִיֵּי
depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)
#7
אָֽרֶץ׃
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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