Job 25:4

How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יִּצְדַּ֣ק

H6663

be justified

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

אֱנ֣וֹשׁ

H582

How then can man

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֵ֑ל

H410

with God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

וּמַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יִּ֝זְכֶּ֗ה

H2135

or how can he be clean

to be translucent; figuratively, to be innocent

יְל֣וּד

H3205

that is born

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אִשָּֽׁה׃

H802

of a woman

a woman

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Job chapter 25 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?