Job 25:3

Authorized King James Version

Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲיֵ֣שׁ
Is there
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
#2
מִ֭סְפָּר
any number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#3
לִגְדוּדָ֑יו
of his armies
a crowd (especially of soldiers)
#4
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
מִ֝֗י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#6
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יָק֥וּם
arise
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#8
אוֹרֵֽהוּ׃
and upon whom doth not his light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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