Job 31:29

Authorized King James Version

If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:

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
אֶ֭שְׂמַח
If I rejoiced
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
#3
בְּפִ֣יד
at the destruction
(figuratively) misfortune
#4
מְשַׂנְאִ֑י
of him that hated
to hate (personally)
#5
וְ֝הִתְעֹרַ֗רְתִּי
me or lifted up
to wake (literally or figuratively)
#6
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
מְצָ֥אוֹ
found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#8
רָֽע׃
myself when evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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