Job 38:6

Authorized King James Version

Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
מָ֭ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#3
אֲדָנֶ֣יהָ
Whereupon are the foundations
a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)
#4
הָטְבָּ֑עוּ
thereof fastened
to sink
#5
א֥וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#6
מִֽי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#7
יָ֝רָ֗ה
or who laid
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
#8
אֶ֣בֶן
H68
stone
a stone
#9
פִּנָּתָֽהּ׃
the corner
an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain

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 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