Job 26:14

Authorized King James Version

Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֶן
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#2
אֵ֤לֶּה׀
these or those
#3
קְצ֬וֹת
Lo these are parts
a termination
#4
דְּרָכָ֗ו
of his ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
וּמַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#6
שֵּׁ֣מֶץ
but how little
an inkling
#7
דָּ֭בָר
a portion
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#8
נִשְׁמַע
is heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#9
בּ֑וֹ
H0
#10
וְרַ֥עַם
of him but the thunder
a peal of thunder
#11
גְּ֝בוּרֹתָ֗ו
of his power
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
#12
מִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#13
יִתְבּוֹנָֽן׃
who can understand
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection