Job 33:26

Authorized King James Version

He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יֶעְתַּ֤ר
He shall pray
to burn incense in worship, i.e., intercede (reciprocally, listen to prayer)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אֱל֨וֹהַּ׀
unto God
a deity or the deity
#4
וַיִּרְצֵ֗הוּ
and he will be favourable
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
#5
וַיַּ֣רְא
unto him and he shall see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#6
פָּ֭נָיו
his face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
בִּתְרוּעָ֑ה
with joy
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
#8
וַיָּ֥שֶׁב
for he will render
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#9
לֶ֝אֱנ֗וֹשׁ
unto man
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#10
צִדְקָתֽוֹ׃
his righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

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

Questions for Reflection