Job 27:13

Authorized King James Version

This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֶ֤ה׀
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#2
חֵֽלֶק
This is the portion
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
#3
אָדָ֖ם
man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#4
רָשָׁ֥ע׀
of a wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#5
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#6
אֵ֑ל
with God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#7
וְֽנַחֲלַ֥ת
and the heritage
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#8
עָ֝רִיצִ֗ים
of oppressors
fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical
#9
מִשַּׁדַּ֥י
of the Almighty
the almighty
#10
יִקָּֽחוּ׃
which they shall receive
to take (in the widest variety of applications)

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection