Job 42:9

Authorized King James Version

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּלְכוּ֩
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
אֱלִיפַ֨ז
So Eliphaz
eliphaz, the name of one of job's friends, and of a son of esau
#3
הַתֵּֽימָנִ֜י
the Temanite
a temanite or descendant of teman
#4
וּבִלְדַּ֣ד
and Bildad
bildad, one of job's friends
#5
הַשּׁוּחִ֗י
the Shuhite
a shuchite or descendant of shuach
#6
צֹפַר֙
and Zophar
tsophar, a friend of job
#7
הַנַּ֣עֲמָתִ֔י
the Naamathite
a naamathite, or inhabitant of naamah
#8
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֔וּ
and did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
דִּבֶּ֥ר
commanded
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#11
אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
יְהוָ֖ה
according as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
also accepted
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#14
יְהוָ֖ה
according as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
פְּנֵ֥י
Job
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#17
אִיּֽוֹב׃
ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience

Analysis

Within the broader context of Job, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Job.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection