Job 38:5

Authorized King James Version

Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִי
H4310
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#2
שָׂ֣ם
H7760
Who hath laid
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#3
מְ֭מַדֶּיהָ
H4461
the measures
a measure
#4
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
תֵדָ֑ע
H3045
thereof if thou knowest
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#6
א֤וֹ
H176
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#7
מִֽי
H4310
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#8
נָטָ֖ה
H5186
or who hath stretched
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#9
עָלֶ֣יהָ
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
קָּֽו׃
H6957
the line
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord

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

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