Job 34:33

Authorized King James Version

Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֲֽמֵעִמְּךָ֬

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְשַׁלְמֶ֨נָּה׀

H7999

Should it be according to thy mind he will recompense

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

כִּי

H3588

it whether thou refuse

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָאַ֗סְתָּ

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

כִּי

H3588

it whether thou refuse

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִבְחַ֣ר

H977

or whether thou choose

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָ֑נִי

H589

#10

וּֽמַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#11

יָדַ֥עְתָּ

H3045

what thou knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#12

דַבֵּֽר׃

H1696

and not I therefore speak

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Job chapter 34 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?