Job 34:12

Authorized King James Version

Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#2
אָמְנָ֗ם
Yea surely
verily
#3
אֵ֥ל
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#4
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יַרְשִׁ֑יעַ
will not do wickedly
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
#6
וְ֝שַׁדַּ֗י
neither will the Almighty
the almighty
#7
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יְעַוֵּ֥ת
pervert
to wrest
#9
מִשְׁפָּֽט׃
judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection