Job 31:19

Authorized King James Version

If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
אֶרְאֶ֣ה
If I have seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#3
א֭וֹבֵד
H6
any perish
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#4
מִבְּלִ֣י
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
#5
לְב֑וּשׁ
for want of clothing
a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife
#6
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#7
כְּ֝ס֗וּת
without covering
a cover (garment); figuratively, a veiling
#8
לָאֶבְיֽוֹן׃
H34
or any poor
destitute

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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection