Job 5:22

Authorized King James Version

At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְשֹׁ֣ד
At destruction
violence, ravage
#2
וּלְכָפָ֣ן
and famine
hunger (as making to stoop with emptiness and pain)
#3
תִּשְׂחָ֑ק
thou shalt laugh
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
#4
וּֽמֵחַיַּ֥ת
of 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
#5
הָ֝אָ֗רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#7
תִּירָֽא׃
neither shalt thou be afraid
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

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