Job 28:21

Authorized King James Version

Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְֽ֭נֶעֶלְמָה

H5956

Seeing it is hid

to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)

מֵעֵינֵ֣י

H5869

from the eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חָ֑י

H2416

of all living

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וּמֵע֖וֹף

H5775

from the fowls

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם

H8064

of the air

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

נִסְתָּֽרָה׃

H5641

and kept close

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Job chapter 28 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?