Job 40:2

Authorized King James Version

Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲ֭רֹב
Shall he that contendeth
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
#2
עִם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#3
שַׁדַּ֣י
with the Almighty
the almighty
#4
יִסּ֑וֹר
instruct
a reprover
#5
מוֹכִ֖יחַ
him he that reproveth
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
#6
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
God
a deity or the deity
#7
יַעֲנֶֽנָּה׃
let him answer
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

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

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection