Job 33:22

Authorized King James Version

Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּקְרַ֣ב
draweth near
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#2
לַשַּׁ֣חַת
unto the grave
a pit (especially as a trap); figuratively, destruction
#3
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
Yea his soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#4
וְ֝חַיָּת֗וֹ
and his life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#5
לַֽמְמִתִֽים׃
to the destroyers
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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

Questions for Reflection