Job 5:19

Authorized King James Version

He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּשֵׁ֣שׁ
thee in six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#2
צָ֭רוֹת
troubles
transitively, a female rival
#3
יַצִּילֶ֑ךָּ
He shall deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#4
וּבְשֶׁ֓בַע׀
yea in seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#5
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יִגַּ֖ע
touch
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#7
בְּךָ֣
H0
#8
רָֽע׃
there shall no evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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