Job 38:4

Authorized King James Version

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵיפֹ֣ה
H375
Where
what place?; also (of time) when?; or (of means) how?
#2
הָ֭יִיתָ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
בְּיָסְדִי
H3245
wast thou when I laid the foundations
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
#4
אָ֑רֶץ
H776
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
הַ֝גֵּ֗ד
H5046
declare
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#6
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#7
יָדַ֥עְתָּ
H3045
if thou hast
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
בִינָֽה׃
H998
understanding
understanding

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection