Job 37:19

Authorized King James Version

Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֭וֹדִיעֵנוּ
Teach
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#2
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#3
נֹּ֣אמַר
us what we shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
ל֑וֹ
H0
#5
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
נַ֝עֲרֹ֗ךְ
unto him for we cannot order
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
#7
מִפְּנֵי
our speech by reason
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
חֹֽשֶׁךְ׃
of darkness
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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