Job 34:29

Authorized King James Version

When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְה֤וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#2
יַשְׁקִ֨ט׀
When he giveth quietness
to repose (usually figurative)
#3
וּמִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#4
יַרְשִׁ֗עַ
who then can make trouble
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
#5
וְיַסְתֵּ֣ר
and when he hideth
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#6
פָּ֭נִים
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
וּמִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#8
יְשׁוּרֶ֑נּוּ
who then can behold
to spy out, i.e., (generally) survey, (for evil) lurk for, (for good) care for
#9
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
גּ֖וֹי
him whether it be done against a nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#11
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
אָדָ֣ם
or against a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#13
יָֽחַד׃
only
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

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

Questions for Reflection