Job 9:24

Authorized King James Version

The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶ֤רֶץ׀
The earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#2
נִתְּנָ֬ה
is given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
בְֽיַד
into the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#4
רָשָׁ֗ע
of the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#5
פְּנֵֽי
the faces
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
שֹׁפְטֶ֥יהָ
of the judges
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#7
יְכַסֶּ֑ה
he covereth
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#8
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#9
לֹ֖א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
אֵפ֣וֹא
thereof if not where
strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then
#11
מִי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#12
הֽוּא׃
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

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection