Job 26:8

Authorized King James Version

He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
צֹרֵֽר
He bindeth up
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
#2
מַ֥יִם
the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#3
בְּעָבָ֑יו
in his thick clouds
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
#4
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
נִבְקַ֖ע
is not rent
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
#6
עָנָ֣ן
and the cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#7
תַּחְתָּֽם׃
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, 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

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