Job 27:1
Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
Original Language Analysis
וַיֹּ֣סֶף
continued
H3254
וַיֹּ֣סֶף
continued
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
1 of 5
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
שְׂאֵ֥ת
H5375
שְׂאֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
3 of 5
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Cross References
Job 29:1Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,Numbers 24:15And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:Numbers 23:7And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.
Historical Context
Job 27 marks the conclusion of the dialogue cycles and Job's final major speech before Elihu's intervention. The use of 'mashal' (parable/oracle) elevates the discourse beyond human argument to wisdom that anticipates divine revelation. This literary structure reflects Ancient Near Eastern wisdom dialogues where truth emerges through dialectical persistence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's persistence in speaking truth despite misunderstanding encourage you to maintain theological conviction under pressure?
- What does Job's use of elevated 'parable' discourse teach about taking seriously the weight and form of our words about God?
- In what ways should we balance Job's bold self-defense with Christ's silent submission before accusers?
Analysis & Commentary
Moreover Job continued his parable (וַיֹּסֶף אִיּוֹב שְׂאֵת מְשָׁלוֹ). The verb yasaph (יָסַף) means to add or continue—Job persists in his defense despite his friends' failure to understand. Mashal (מָשָׁל, parable/proverb) indicates elevated discourse, poetic wisdom speech rather than mere conversation. This term appears for Balaam's oracles (Numbers 23:7), marking Job's words as prophetic utterance.
The phrase signals a turning point—Job has endured three cycles of debate with his friends, and now intensifies his self-defense (chapters 27-31). His 'parable' will affirm his integrity while acknowledging God's sovereignty, preparing for the divine speeches in chapters 38-41. The structure mirrors prophetic literature where God's spokesman perseveres in declaring truth despite opposition.