Job 40:17

Authorized King James Version

He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַחְפֹּ֣ץ
He moveth
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
#2
זְנָב֣וֹ
his tail
the tail (literally or figuratively)
#3
כְמוֹ
as, thus, so
#4
אָ֑רֶז
like a cedar
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
#5
גִּידֵ֖י
the sinews
a thong (as compressing); by analogy, a tendon
#6
פַחֲדָ֣ו
of his stones
a testicle (as a cause of shame akin to fear)
#7
יְשֹׂרָֽגוּ׃
are wrapped together
to intwine

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Job Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection