Job 8:3

Authorized King James Version

Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַ֭אֵל
Doth God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#2
יְעַוֵּֽת
pervert
to wrest
#3
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#4
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#5
שַׁ֝דַּ֗י
or doth the Almighty
the almighty
#6
יְעַוֵּֽת
pervert
to wrest
#7
צֶֽדֶק׃
justice
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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