Job 29:4

Authorized King James Version

As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
הָ֭יִיתִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
בִּימֵ֣י
As I was in the days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
חָרְפִּ֑י
of my youth
properly, the crop gathered, i.e., (by implication) the autumn (and winter) season; figuratively, ripeness of age
#5
בְּס֥וֹד
when the secret
a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret
#6
אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ
of God
a deity or the deity
#7
עֲלֵ֣י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
אָהֳלִֽי׃
was upon my tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection