Job 8:19

Authorized King James Version

Behold, this is the joy of his way, and out of the earth shall others grow.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֶן
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#2
ה֭וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
מְשׂ֣וֹשׂ
Behold this is the joy
delight, concretely (the cause or object) or abstractly (the feeling)
#4
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
of his way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
וּ֝מֵעָפָ֗ר
and out of the earth
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#6
אַחֵ֥ר
shall others
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#7
יִצְמָֽחוּ׃
grow
to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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