Job 29:13

Authorized King James Version

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בִּרְכַּ֣ת
The blessing
benediction; by implication prosperity
#2
אֹ֭בֵד
H6
of him that was ready to perish
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#3
עָלַ֣י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
תָּבֹ֑א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#5
וְלֵ֖ב
heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#6
אַלְמָנָ֣ה
upon me and I caused the widow's
a widow; also a desolate place
#7
אַרְנִֽן׃
to sing for joy
properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

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