Job 4:9

Authorized King James Version

By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִנִּשְׁמַ֣ת

H5397

By the blast

a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal

אֱל֣וֹהַ

H433

of God

a deity or the deity

יֹאבֵ֑דוּ

they perish

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

וּמֵר֖וּחַ

H7307

and by the breath

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

אַפּ֣וֹ

H639

of his nostrils

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

יִכְלֽוּ׃

H3615

are they consumed

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

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 sovereignty 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?