Job 29:7

Authorized King James Version

When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּצֵ֣אתִי
When I went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
שַׁ֣עַר
to the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#3
עֲלֵי
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
קָ֑רֶת
through the city
a city
#5
בָּ֝רְח֗וֹב
in the street
a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area
#6
אָכִ֥ין
when I prepared
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#7
מוֹשָׁבִֽי׃
my seat
a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection