Job 34:17

Authorized King James Version

Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַאַ֬ף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#2
שׂוֹנֵ֣א
Shall even he that hateth
to hate (personally)
#3
מִשְׁפָּ֣ט
right
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#4
יַחֲב֑וֹשׁ
govern
to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule
#5
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#6
צַדִּ֖יק
just
just
#7
כַּבִּ֣יר
him that is most
vast, whether in extent (figuratively, of power, mighty; of time, aged), or in number, many
#8
תַּרְשִֽׁיעַ׃
and wilt thou condemn
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate

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