Job 31:12

For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵ֣שׁ

H784

For it is a fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

הִ֭יא

H1931

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

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲבַדּ֣וֹן

H11

to destruction

abstract, a perishing; concrete, hades

תֹּאכֵ֑ל

H398

that consumeth

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּֽבְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תְּב֖וּאָתִ֣י

H8393

all mine increase

income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

תְשָׁרֵֽשׁ׃

H8327

and would root out

to root, i.e., strike into the soil, or (by implication) to pluck from it

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?