Job 9:29

Authorized King James Version

If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָנֹכִ֥י
i
#2
אֶרְשָׁ֑ע
If I be wicked
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
#3
לָמָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#4
זֶּ֝֗ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#5
הֶ֣בֶל
I in vain
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
#6
אִיגָֽע׃
why then labour
properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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