Job 5:14

Authorized King James Version

They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יוֹמָ֥ם
in the daytime
daily
#2
יְפַגְּשׁוּ
They meet
to come in contact with, whether by accident or violence; figuratively, to concur
#3
חֹ֑שֶׁךְ
with darkness
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
#4
וְ֝כַלַּ֗יְלָה
as in the night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#5
יְֽמַשְׁשׁ֥וּ
and grope
to feel of; by implication, to grope
#6
בַֽצָּהֳרָֽיִם׃
in the noonday
a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection