Job 34:7

Authorized King James Version

What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#2
גֶ֥בֶר
What man
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
#3
כְּאִיּ֑וֹב
is like Job
ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience
#4
יִֽשְׁתֶּה
who drinketh up
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#5
לַּ֥עַג
scorning
derision, scoffing
#6
כַּמָּֽיִם׃
like water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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