Job 9:3

If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יַ֭חְפֹּץ

H2654

If he will

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

לָרִ֣יב

H7378

contend

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

עִמּ֑וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַ֝עֲנֶ֗נּוּ

H6030

with him he cannot answer

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אַחַ֥ת

H259

him one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִנִּי

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אָֽלֶף׃

H505

of a thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Job Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?