Job 6:5

Authorized King James Version

Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲיִֽנְהַק
bray
to bray (as an ass), scream (from hunger)
#2
פֶּ֥רֶא
Doth the wild ass
the onager
#3
עֲלֵי
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
דֶ֑שֶׁא
when he hath grass
a sprout; by analogy, grass
#5
אִ֥ם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#6
יִגְעֶה
or loweth
to bellow (as cattle)
#7
שּׁ֝֗וֹר
the ox
a bullock (as a traveller)
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
בְּלִילֽוֹ׃
over his fodder
mixed, i.e., (specifically) feed (for cattle)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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