Job 31:5

Authorized King James Version

If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;

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
הָלַ֥כְתִּי
If I have walked
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
שָׁ֑וְא
with vanity
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
#5
וַתַּ֖חַשׁ
hath hasted
to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
מִרְמָ֣ה
to deceit
fraud
#8
רַגְלִֽי׃
or if my foot
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

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