Job 3:6

Authorized King James Version

As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַלַּ֥יְלָה
As for that night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#2
הַהוּא֮
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
יִקָּחֵ֪ה֫וּ
seize
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#4
אֹ֥פֶל
let darkness
dusk
#5
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
יִ֭חַדְּ
upon it let it not be joined
to rejoice
#7
בִּימֵ֣י
unto 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
#8
שָׁנָ֑ה
of the year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#9
בְּמִסְפַּ֥ר
into the number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#10
יְ֝רָחִ֗ים
of the months
a lunation, i.e., month
#11
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#12
יָבֹֽא׃
let it not come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 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