Job 31:2

Authorized King James Version

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For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?

Original Language Analysis

וּמֶ֤ה׀ H4100
וּמֶ֤ה׀
Strong's: H4100
Word #: 1 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
חֵ֣לֶק For what portion H2506
חֵ֣לֶק For what portion
Strong's: H2506
Word #: 2 of 7
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
אֱל֣וֹהַּ of God H433
אֱל֣וֹהַּ of God
Strong's: H433
Word #: 3 of 7
a deity or the deity
מִמָּ֑עַל is there from above H4605
מִמָּ֑עַל is there from above
Strong's: H4605
Word #: 4 of 7
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
וְֽנַחֲלַ֥ת and what inheritance H5159
וְֽנַחֲלַ֥ת and what inheritance
Strong's: H5159
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
שַׁ֝דַּ֗י of the Almighty H7706
שַׁ֝דַּ֗י of the Almighty
Strong's: H7706
Word #: 6 of 7
the almighty
מִמְּרֹמִֽים׃ from on high H4791
מִמְּרֹמִֽים׃ from on high
Strong's: H4791
Word #: 7 of 7
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

Analysis & Commentary

Job asks: 'For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?' This questions what the righteous can expect from God. Job probes whether divine inheritance exists for those who serve faithfully.

Historical Context

Ancient covenant theology emphasized inheritance and reward. Job's question challenges whether such theology holds under testing.

Questions for Reflection