Job 26:2

Authorized King James Version

How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֶה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
עָזַ֥רְתָּ
How hast thou helped
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
#3
לֹא
that hath no
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
כֹ֑חַ
him that is without power
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#5
ה֝וֹשַׁ֗עְתָּ
how savest
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#6
זְר֣וֹעַ
thou the arm
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
#7
לֹא
that hath no
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
עֹֽז׃
strength
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

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