Job 40:16

Authorized King James Version

Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּה
lo!
#2
נָ֣א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#3
כֹח֣וֹ
Lo now his strength
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#4
בְמָתְנָ֑יו
is in his loins
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
#5
וְ֝אוֹנ֗וֹ
and his force
ability, power, (figuratively) wealth
#6
בִּשְׁרִירֵ֥י
is in the navel
a cord, i.e., (by analogy) sinew
#7
בִטְנֽוֹ׃
of his belly
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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