Job 4:20

Authorized King James Version

They are destroyed from morning to evening: they perish for ever without any regarding it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִבֹּ֣קֶר
from morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#2
לָעֶ֣רֶב
to evening
dusk
#3
יֻכַּ֑תּוּ
They are destroyed
to bruise or violently strike
#4
מִבְּלִ֥י
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
#5
מֵ֝שִׂ֗ים
without any regarding
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#6
לָנֶ֥צַח
for ever
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
#7
יֹאבֵֽדוּ׃
H6
they perish
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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