Job 39:16

Authorized King James Version

She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִקְשִׁ֣יחַ
She is hardened
to be (causatively, make) unfeeling
#2
בָּנֶ֣יהָ
against her young ones
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
לְּלֹא
as though they were not
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
לָ֑הּ
H0
#5
לְרִ֖יק
is in vain
emptiness; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain
#6
יְגִיעָ֣הּ
hers her labour
toil; hence, a work, produce, property (as the result of labor)
#7
בְּלִי
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
#8
פָֽחַד׃
without fear
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

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