Job 38:9

Authorized King James Version

When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּשׂוּמִ֣י
When I made
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#2
עָנָ֣ן
the cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#3
לְבֻשׁ֑וֹ
the garment
a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife
#4
וַ֝עֲרָפֶ֗ל
thereof and thick darkness
gloom (as of a lowering sky)
#5
חֲתֻלָּתֽוֹ׃
a swaddlingband
a swathing cloth (figuratively)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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