Job 34:28

Authorized King James Version

So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְהָבִ֣יא
to come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
עָ֭לָיו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
וְצַעֲקַ֖ת
So that they cause the cry
a shriek
#4
דָּ֑ל
of the poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#5
וְצַעֲקַ֖ת
So that they cause the cry
a shriek
#6
עֲנִיִּ֣ים
of the afflicted
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#7
יִשְׁמָֽע׃
unto him and he heareth
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

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