Job 40:20

Authorized King James Version

Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
ב֭וּל
food
produce (of the earth, etc.)
#3
הָרִ֣ים
Surely the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#4
יִשְׂאוּ
bring him forth
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#5
ל֑וֹ
H0
#6
וְֽכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
חַיַּ֥ת
where all the beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#8
הַ֝שָּׂדֶ֗ה
of the field
a field (as flat)
#9
יְשַֽׂחֲקוּ
play
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
#10
שָֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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