Job 42:8

Authorized King James Version

Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֡ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

קְחֽוּ

H3947

Therefore take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לָכֶ֣ם

וְשִׁבְעָ֨ה

H7651

and seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

פָרִים֩

H6499

bullocks

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

וְשִׁבְעָ֨ה

H7651

and seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

אֵילִ֜ים

H352

rams

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

וּלְכ֣וּ׀

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

כְּעַבְדִּ֥י

H5650

and my servant

a servant

#11

אִיּֽוֹב׃

H347

Job

ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience

#12

וְהַעֲלִיתֶ֤ם

H5927

and offer up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#13

עוֹלָה֙

H5930

for yourselves a burnt offering

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

#14

בַּֽעַדְכֶ֔ם

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

#15

אִיּֽוֹב׃

H347

Job

ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience

#16

כְּעַבְדִּ֥י

H5650

and my servant

a servant

#17

יִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל

H6419

shall pray

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

#18

עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

כִּ֧י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#20

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#21

פָּנָ֣יו

H6440

for you for him

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#22

אֶשָּׂ֗א

H5375

will I accept

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#23

לְבִלְתִּ֞י

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#24

עֲשׂ֤וֹת

H6213

lest I deal

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#25

עִמָּכֶם֙

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#26

נְבָלָ֔ה

H5039

with you after your folly

foolishness, i.e., (morally) wickedness; concretely, a crime; by extension, punishment

#27

כִּ֠י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#28

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#29

דִבַּרְתֶּ֥ם

H1696

in that ye have not spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#30

אֵלַ֛י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#31

נְכוֹנָ֖ה

H3559

of me the thing which is right

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

#32

כְּעַבְדִּ֥י

H5650

and my servant

a servant

#33

אִיּֽוֹב׃

H347

Job

ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience

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

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

How does this verse's literary context within Job chapter 42 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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 revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?