Job 29:14

Authorized King James Version

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
צֶ֣דֶק
on righteousness
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#2
וַיִּלְבָּשֵׁ֑נִי
I put
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#3
וַיִּלְבָּשֵׁ֑נִי
I put
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#4
כִּמְעִ֥יל
was as a robe
a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)
#5
וְ֝צָנִ֗יף
and a diadem
a head-dress (i.e., piece of cloth wrapped around)
#6
מִשְׁפָּטִֽי׃
me my judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

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 righteousness 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 righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection