Linguistic Insights — Job 16

3 insights

נחם
LanguageHebrew
Rendered asComfort
Grammatical nuance
The verb form used here is in the Piel stem, which often conveys an intensive or causative action, suggesting an active attempt to comfort.
Cultural context
In the ancient Near Eastern context, comfort was not just emotional support but also involved practical help and presence.
Theological significance
Job's use of this term highlights the inadequacy of his friends' attempts to provide true comfort, contrasting human efforts with divine comfort.
Related terms
- Parakaleo (Greek for 'comfort' or 'exhort')
Key verses
- Job 16:2
Related passages
- Isaiah 40:1
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
עָנָה
LanguageHebrew
Rendered asAnswer
Grammatical nuance
The verb is in the Qal stem, indicating a simple action of responding or answering.
Cultural context
In the context of Job, answering often involves a legal or formal response, as if in a courtroom setting.
Theological significance
Job's questioning of his friends' answers reflects the broader theme of seeking divine justice and understanding.
Related terms
- Apokrinomai (Greek for 'answer')
Key verses
- Job 16:3
Related passages
- Job 13:22
- Job 31:35
עֵד
LanguageHebrew
Rendered asWitness
Grammatical nuance
The noun is masculine singular, indicating a single witness, which in this context refers to God as Job's witness.
Cultural context
In ancient legal systems, a witness was crucial for establishing truth and justice.
Theological significance
Job's appeal to God as his witness underscores his faith in divine justice and truth, despite human misunderstanding.
Related terms
- Martus (Greek for 'witness')
Key verses
- Job 16:19
Related passages
- Isaiah 43:10
- Hebrews 12:1

← Read Job 16 in full

Linguistic Insights — Job 16

נחם

עָנָה

עֵד