Job 26:10

Authorized King James Version

He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חֹֽק
with bounds
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#2
חָ֭ג
He hath compassed
to describe a circle
#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
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
מָ֑יִם
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#6
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#7
תַּכְלִ֖ית
come to an end
completion; by implication, an extremity
#8
א֣וֹר
until the day
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#9
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#10
חֹֽשֶׁךְ׃
and night
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Job Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection