Job 33:23

If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֵ֤שׁ

H3426

If there

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

עָלָ֨יו׀

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַלְאָ֗ךְ

H4397

be a messenger

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

מֵלִ֗יץ

H3887

with him an interpreter

properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede

אֶחָ֥ד

H259

one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִנִּי

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אָ֑לֶף

H505

among a thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

לְהַגִּ֖יד

H5046

to shew

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#10

לְאָדָ֣ם

H120

unto man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#11

יָשְׁרֽוֹ׃

H3476

his uprightness

the right

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?