Job 35:8

Authorized King James Version

Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְאִישׁ
may hurt a man
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)
#2
כָּמ֥וֹךָ
as, thus, so
#3
רִשְׁעֶ֑ךָ
Thy wickedness
a wrong (especially moral)
#4
וּלְבֶן
may profit the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
אָ֝דָ֗ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#6
צִדְקָתֶֽךָ׃
as thou art and thy righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of righteousness 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

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 righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection