Job 34:8

Authorized King James Version

Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָרַ֣ח
Which goeth
to travel
#2
לְ֭חֶבְרָה
in company
association
#3
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#4
פֹּ֣עֲלֵי
with the workers
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
#5
אָ֑וֶן
of iniquity
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
#6
וְ֝לָלֶ֗כֶת
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#8
אַנְשֵׁי
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#9
רֶֽשַׁע׃
with wicked
a wrong (especially moral)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection