Job 34:13

Authorized King James Version

Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִֽי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#2
פָקַ֣ד
Who hath given him a charge
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#3
עָלָ֣יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
אָ֑רְצָה
over the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
וּמִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#6
שָׂ֝֗ם
or who hath disposed
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#7
תֵּבֵ֥ל
the whole world
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
#8
כֻּלָּֽהּ׃
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection