1
ὑπολαβὼν δὲ Ελιφας ὁ Θαιμανίτης λέγει
Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
The narrative hands the floor to Eliphaz, marking the first formal response to Job’s lament.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
ὑπολαβὼνansweringVB · ααπνσμ λαμβάνω + ὑποparticipial verbal form supplementing the clause with attendant circumstance or description→ circumstanceὑπολαβὼν: verbal form of λαμβάνω + ὑπο, rendered here as “answering”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
δὲbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδὲ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ΕλιφαςEliphazN NSM · Ελιφαςproper name identifying a speaker and his social location→ participantΕλιφας: Eliphaz, the first of Job’s friends to speak; in this chapter he becomes the voice of conventional wisdom sharpened into accusation.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationὁ: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
ΘαιμανίτηςTemaniteN1M NSM · Θαιμανίτηςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantΘαιμανίτης: “Temanite,” identifying Eliphaz with the wisdom-associated region of Teman and lending traditional authority to his speech.
λέγειsaysV1 PAI3S · λέγωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionλέγει: verbal form of λέγω, rendered here as “says”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
2
μὴ πολλάκις σοι λελάληται ἐν κόπῳ ἰσχὺν δὲ ῥημάτων σου τίς ὑποίσει
Has anyone often spoken to you in hardship? Yet who can endure the force of your words?
Eliphaz begins with a probing question that contrasts Job’s former verbal strength with his present inability to bear suffering.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
μὴnotD · μήconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ negationμὴ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “not”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
πολλάκιςoftenD · πολλάκιςconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ linkageπολλάκις: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “often”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
σοιto youRP DS · σύdative pronominal element marking sphere, means, reference, or recipient→ referenceσοι: pronominal form rendered here as “to you”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
λελάληταιhas been spokenVMI XMI3S · λαλέωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventλελάληται: verbal form of λαλέω, rendered here as “has been spoken”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἐνinP · ἐνprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἐν: preposition rendered here as “in”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
κόπῳhardshipN2 DSM · κόποςdative element marking sphere, means, reference, or recipient→ participantκόπῳ: lexical item rendered here as “hardship”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἰσχὺνforceN3U ASF · ἰσχύςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantἰσχὺν: lexical item rendered here as “force”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
δὲbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδὲ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ῥημάτωνof wordsN3M GPN · ῥῆμαgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantῥημάτων: lexical item rendered here as “of words”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
σουyourRP GS · σύgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceσου: pronominal form rendered here as “your”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
τίςwhoRI NSM · τίςnominative pronominal element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ referenceτίς: pronominal form rendered here as “who”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
ὑποίσειwill endureVF FAI3S · φέρω + ὑποmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ future assertionὑποίσει: verbal form of φέρω + ὑπο, rendered here as “will endure”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
3
εἰ γὰρ σὺ ἐνουθέτησας πολλοὺς καὶ χεῖρας ἀσθενοῦς παρεκάλεσας
For you have admonished many, and you have encouraged the hands of the weak.
He supports the rebuke by recalling Job’s old role as a moral instructor and encourager of the weak.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
εἰifC · εἰconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ conditionεἰ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “if”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
γὰρforX · γάρconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ groundγὰρ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “for”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
σὺyouRP NS · σύnominative pronominal element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ referenceσὺ: pronominal form rendered here as “you”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
ἐνουθέτησαςadmonishedVAI AAI2S · νουθετέωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἐνουθέτησας: verbal form of νουθετέω, rendered here as “admonished”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
πολλοὺςmanyA3U APM · πολύςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ descriptionπολλοὺς: lexical item rendered here as “many”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
χεῖραςhandsN3 APF · χείρaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantχεῖρας: lexical item rendered here as “hands”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἀσθενοῦςof the weakA3H APF · ἀσθενήςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ descriptionἀσθενοῦς: lexical item rendered here as “of the weak”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
παρεκάλεσαςencouragedVAI AAI2S · καλέω + παραmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventπαρεκάλεσας: verbal form of καλέω + παρα, rendered here as “encouraged”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
4
ἀσθενοῦντάς τε ἐξανέστησας ῥήμασιν γόνασίν τε ἀδυνατοῦσιν θάρσος περιέθηκας
With words you raised up those who were failing, and on knees growing feeble you placed courage.
The description continues with bodily imagery: Job once steadied collapsing lives through speech.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
ἀσθενοῦντάςthose growing weakV2 · παπαπμ ἀσθενέωparticipial verbal form supplementing the clause with attendant circumstance or description→ circumstanceἀσθενοῦντάς: verbal form of ἀσθενέω, rendered here as “those growing weak”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
τεandX TEconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ linkageτε: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἐξανέστησαςraised upVHI AAI2S · ἵστημι + ἐκ + ἀναmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἐξανέστησας: verbal form of ἵστημι + ἐκ + ἀνα, rendered here as “raised up”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ῥήμασινwith wordsN3M DPN · ῥῆμαdative element marking sphere, means, reference, or recipient→ participantῥήμασιν: lexical item rendered here as “with words”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
γόνασίνfor kneesN3 DPN · γόνυdative element marking sphere, means, reference, or recipient→ participantγόνασίν: lexical item rendered here as “for knees”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
τεandX TEconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ linkageτε: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἀδυνατοῦσινgrowing feebleV2 · παπδπν ἀδυνατέωparticipial verbal form supplementing the clause with attendant circumstance or description→ circumstanceἀδυνατοῦσιν: verbal form of ἀδυνατέω, rendered here as “growing feeble”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
θάρσοςcourageN3E ASN · θάρσοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantθάρσος: lexical item rendered here as “courage”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
περιέθηκαςplaced aroundVAI AAI2S · τίθημι + περιmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventπεριέθηκας: verbal form of τίθημι + περι, rendered here as “placed around”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
5
νῦν δὲ ἥκει ἐπὶ σὲ πόνος καὶ ἥψατό σου σὺ δὲ ἐσπούδασας
But now pain has come upon you and touched you, and you have been thrown into alarm.
The argument turns sharply from Job’s former ministry to his present disturbance under affliction.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
νῦνnowD · νῦνconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ linkageνῦν: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “now”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
δὲbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδὲ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἥκειhas comeV1 PAI3S · ἥκωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionἥκει: verbal form of ἥκω, rendered here as “has come”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἐπὶ: preposition rendered here as “upon”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
σὲyouRP AS · σύaccusative pronominal element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ referenceσὲ: pronominal form rendered here as “you”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
πόνοςpainN2 NSM · πόνοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantπόνος: lexical item rendered here as “pain”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἥψατόtouchedVAI AMI3S · ἅπτομαιmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἥψατό: verbal form of ἅπτομαι, rendered here as “touched”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
σουyourRP GS · σύgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceσου: pronominal form rendered here as “your”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
σὺyouRP NS · σύnominative pronominal element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ referenceσὺ: pronominal form rendered here as “you”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
δὲbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδὲ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἐσπούδασαςhave been alarmedVAI AAI2S · σπουδάζωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἐσπούδασας: verbal form of σπουδάζω, rendered here as “have been alarmed”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
6
πότερον οὐχ ὁ φόβος σού ἐστιν ἐν ἀφροσύνῃ καὶ ἡ ἐλπίς σου καὶ ἡ ἀκακία τῆς ὁδοῦ σου
Is not your fear proving to be folly, along with your hope and the innocence of your way?
Eliphaz presses the inconsistency by questioning whether Job’s professed fear, hope, and innocence now stand exposed.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
πότερονis it thatD · πότερονconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ questionπότερον: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “is it that”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
οὐχnotD · οὐconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ negationοὐχ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “not”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationὁ: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
φόβοςfearN2 NSM · φόβοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantφόβος: lexical item rendered here as “fear”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
σούyourRP GS · σύgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceσού: pronominal form rendered here as “your”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
ἐστινbeV9 PAI3S · εἰμίmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionἐστιν: verbal form of εἰμί, rendered here as “be”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἐνinP · ἐνprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἐν: preposition rendered here as “in”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἀφροσύνῃfollyN1 DSF · ἀφροσύνηdative element marking sphere, means, reference, or recipient→ participantἀφροσύνῃ: lexical item rendered here as “folly”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationἡ: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
ἐλπίςhopeN3D NSF · ἐλπίςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantἐλπίς: lexical item rendered here as “hope”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
σουyourRP GS · σύgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceσου: pronominal form rendered here as “your”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationἡ: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
ἀκακίαinnocenceN1A NSF · ἀκακίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantἀκακία: “innocence, guilelessness”; Eliphaz invokes it as a supposed moral resource that ought to sustain Job but now appears compromised.
τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationτῆς: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
ὁδοῦwayN2 GSF · ὁδόςgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantὁδοῦ: lexical item rendered here as “way”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
σουyourRP GS · σύgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceσου: pronominal form rendered here as “your”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
7
μνήσθητι οὖν τίς καθαρὸς ὢν ἀπώλετο ἢ πότε ἀληθινοὶ ὁλόρριζοι ἀπώλοντο
Remember then: who, being pure, has perished? Or when have true men, deeply rooted, been destroyed?
He summons Job to remember the wisdom principle that the pure are not simply swept away.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
μνήσθητιrememberVS APD2S · μιμνήσκωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionμνήσθητι: verbal form of μιμνήσκω, rendered here as “remember”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
οὖνthereforeX · οὖνconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ inferenceοὖν: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “therefore”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
τίςwhoRI NSM · τίςnominative pronominal element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ referenceτίς: pronominal form rendered here as “who”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
καθαρὸςpureA1A NSM · καθαρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ descriptionκαθαρὸς: lexical item rendered here as “pure”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ὢνbeingV9 · παπνσμ εἰμίparticipial verbal form supplementing the clause with attendant circumstance or description→ circumstanceὢν: verbal form of εἰμί, rendered here as “being”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἀπώλετοperishedVBI AMI3S · ὀλλύω + ἀποmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἀπώλετο: verbal form of ὀλλύω + ἀπο, rendered here as “perished”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἢorC · ἤconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ alternativeἢ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “or”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
πότεwhenD · πότεconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ linkageπότε: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “when”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἀληθινοὶtrueA1 NPM · ἀληθινόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ descriptionἀληθινοὶ: lexical item rendered here as “true”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ὁλόρριζοιdeep-rootedA1B NPM · ὁλόρριζοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ descriptionὁλόρριζοι: literally “deep-rooted” or “whole-rooted”; the image suggests stability and durability, making Eliphaz’s point about the truly upright all the stronger.
ἀπώλοντοperishedVBI AMI3P · ὀλλύω + ἀποmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionἀπώλοντο: verbal form of ὀλλύω + ἀπο, rendered here as “perished”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
8
καθ' ὃν τρόπον εἶδον τοὺς ἀροτριῶντας τὰ ἄτοπα οἱ δὲ σπείροντες αὐτὰ ὀδύνας θεριοῦσιν ἑαυτοῖς
According to what I have seen, those who plow improper things, and those who sow them, will reap pains for themselves.
Eliphaz states the rule in experiential form: the sowers of wrongdoing harvest their own pain.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
καθ'according toP · κατάprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationκαθ': preposition rendered here as “according to”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ὃνwhichRR ASM · ὅςaccusative pronominal element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ referenceὃν: pronominal form rendered here as “which”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
τρόπονlikeN2 ASM · τρόποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantτρόπον: lexical item rendered here as “like”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
εἶδονI sawVBI AAI1S · ὁράωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventεἶδον: verbal form of ὁράω, rendered here as “I saw”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
τοὺςtheRA APM · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationτοὺς: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
ἀροτριῶνταςplowingV3 · παπαπμ ἀροτριάωparticipial verbal form supplementing the clause with attendant circumstance or description→ circumstanceἀροτριῶντας: verbal form of ἀροτριάω, rendered here as “plowing”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationτὰ: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
ἄτοπαimproper thingsA1B APN · ἄτοποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ descriptionἄτοπα: “improper, disordered, wrong things”; in Eliphaz’s retribution logic these are the deeds that inevitably yield pain.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationοἱ: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
δὲbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδὲ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
σπείροντεςsowingV1 · παπνπμ σπείρωparticipial verbal form supplementing the clause with attendant circumstance or description→ circumstanceσπείροντες: verbal form of σπείρω, rendered here as “sowing”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
αὐτὰthemRD APN · αὐτόςaccusative pronominal element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ referenceαὐτὰ: pronominal form rendered here as “them”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
ὀδύναςpainsN1 APF · ὀδύνηaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantὀδύνας: lexical item rendered here as “pains”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
θεριοῦσινwill reapVF2 FAI3P · θερίζωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ future assertionθεριοῦσιν: verbal form of θερίζω, rendered here as “will reap”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἑαυτοῖςfor themselvesRD DPM · ἑαυτοῦdative pronominal element marking sphere, means, reference, or recipient→ referenceἑαυτοῖς: pronominal form rendered here as “for themselves”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
9
ἀπὸ προστάγματος κυρίου ἀπολοῦνται ἀπὸ δὲ πνεύματος ὀργῆς αὐτοῦ ἀφανισθήσονται
By the command of the Lord they will perish, and by the breath of his wrath they will be brought to nothing.
The retribution principle is intensified by attributing the destruction of the wicked directly to divine command and wrath.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἀπὸ: preposition rendered here as “from”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
προστάγματοςcommandN3M GSN · πρόσταγμαgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantπροστάγματος: lexical item rendered here as “command”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
κυρίουof the LordN2 GSM · κύριοςgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantκυρίου: lexical item rendered here as “of the Lord”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἀπολοῦνταιwill perishVF2 FMI3P · ὀλλύω + ἀποmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ future assertionἀπολοῦνται: verbal form of ὀλλύω + ἀπο, rendered here as “will perish”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἀπὸ: preposition rendered here as “from”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
δὲbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδὲ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
πνεύματοςbreathN3M GSN · πνεῦμαgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantπνεύματος: lexical item rendered here as “breath”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ὀργῆςwrathN1 GSF · ὀργήgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantὀργῆς: lexical item rendered here as “wrath”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceαὐτοῦ: pronominal form rendered here as “his”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
ἀφανισθήσονταιwill be wiped outVS FPI3P · ἵζω + ἀπο + ἀναmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ future assertionἀφανισθήσονται: verbal form of ἵζω + ἀπο + ἀνα, rendered here as “will be wiped out”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
10
σθένος λέοντος φωνὴ δὲ λεαίνης γαυρίαμα δὲ δρακόντων ἐσβέσθη
The strength of the lion, the voice of the lioness, and the proud cry of serpents has been quenched.
Predatory strength is pictured as silenced, turning the lion world into a figure for failed violent power.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
σθένοςstrengthN3E NSN · σθένοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantσθένος: lexical item rendered here as “strength”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
λέοντοςof a lionN3 GSM · λέωνgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantλέοντος: lexical item rendered here as “of a lion”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
φωνὴvoiceN1 NSF · φωνήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantφωνὴ: lexical item rendered here as “voice”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
δὲbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδὲ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
λεαίνηςof a lionessN1S GSF · λέαιναgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantλεαίνης: lexical item rendered here as “of a lioness”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
γαυρίαμαproud cryN3M NSN · γαυρίαμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantγαυρίαμα: lexical item rendered here as “proud cry”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
δὲbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδὲ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
δρακόντωνof serpentsN3 GPM · δράκωνgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantδρακόντων: lexical item rendered here as “of serpents”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἐσβέσθηwas quenchedVSI API3S · σβέννυμιmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionἐσβέσθη: verbal form of σβέννυμι, rendered here as “was quenched”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
11
μυρμηκολέων ὤλετο παρὰ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν βοράν σκύμνοι δὲ λεόντων ἔλιπον ἀλλήλους
The ant-lion perished for lack of food, and the cubs of lions abandoned one another.
The collapse of the predatory order continues: even fierce creatures perish and their young are scattered.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
μυρμηκολέωνant-lionN3 NSM · μυρμηκολέωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantμυρμηκολέων: “ant-lion,” an unusual predatory image that intensifies the chapter’s portrait of once-formidable strength collapsing through lack.
ὤλετοwas ruinedVBI AMI3S · ὄλλυμιmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventὤλετο: verbal form of ὄλλυμι, rendered here as “was ruined”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
παρὰfrom/besideP · παράprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationπαρὰ: preposition rendered here as “from/beside”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationτὸ: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
μὴnotD · μήconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ negationμὴ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “not”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἔχεινhaveV1 PAN · ἔχωinfinitival verbal form expressing action, purpose, or complement→ complementἔχειν: verbal form of ἔχω, rendered here as “have”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
βοράνfoodN1A ASF · βοράaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantβοράν: lexical item rendered here as “food”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
σκύμνοιcubsN2 NPM · σκύμνοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantσκύμνοι: lexical item rendered here as “cubs”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
δὲbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδὲ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
λεόντωνof lionsN3 GPM · λέωνgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantλεόντων: lexical item rendered here as “of lions”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἔλιπονleft behindVBI AAI3P · λείπωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionἔλιπον: verbal form of λείπω, rendered here as “left behind”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἀλλήλουςone anotherRD APM · ἀλλήλωaccusative pronominal element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ referenceἀλλήλους: pronominal form rendered here as “one another”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
12
εἰ δέ τι ῥῆμα ἀληθινὸν ἐγεγόνει ἐν λόγοις σου οὐθὲν ἄν σοι τούτων κακὸν ἀπήντησεν πότερον οὐ δέξεταί μου τὸ οὖς ἐξαίσια παρ' αὐτοῦ
But if any true word had arisen in your speeches, none of these evils would have met you. Will not my ear receive extraordinary things from him?
Eliphaz pivots from proverb to revelation, implying that Job’s case confirms a deeper word received from beyond ordinary observation.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
εἰifC · εἰconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ conditionεἰ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “if”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
δέbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδέ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
τιanyRI NSN · τιςnominative pronominal element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ referenceτι: pronominal form rendered here as “any”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
ῥῆμαwordN3M NSN · ῥῆμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantῥῆμα: lexical item rendered here as “word”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἀληθινὸνtrueA1 NSN · ἀληθινόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ descriptionἀληθινὸν: lexical item rendered here as “true”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἐγεγόνειhad arisenVXI YAI3S · γίγνομαιmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἐγεγόνει: verbal form of γίγνομαι, rendered here as “had arisen”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἐνinP · ἐνprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἐν: preposition rendered here as “in”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
λόγοιςspeechesN2 DPM · λόγοςdative element marking sphere, means, reference, or recipient→ participantλόγοις: lexical item rendered here as “speeches”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
σουyourRP GS · σύgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceσου: pronominal form rendered here as “your”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
οὐθὲνnothingA3 NSN · οὐδείςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ descriptionοὐθὲν: lexical item rendered here as “nothing”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἄνwouldX · ἄνconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ linkageἄν: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “would”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
σοιto youRP DS · σύdative pronominal element marking sphere, means, reference, or recipient→ referenceσοι: pronominal form rendered here as “to you”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
τούτωνof theseRD GPN · οὗτοςgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceτούτων: pronominal form rendered here as “of these”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
κακὸνevilA1 NSN · κακόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ descriptionκακὸν: lexical item rendered here as “evil”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἀπήντησενmetVAI AAI3S · ἀντάω + ἀποmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἀπήντησεν: verbal form of ἀντάω + ἀπο, rendered here as “met”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
πότερονis it thatD · πότερονconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ questionπότερον: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “is it that”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
οὐnotD · οὐconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ negationοὐ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “not”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
δέξεταίwill receiveVF FMI3S · δέχομαιmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ future assertionδέξεταί: verbal form of δέχομαι, rendered here as “will receive”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceμου: pronominal form rendered here as “my”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
τὸtheRA NSN · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationτὸ: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
οὖςearN3T NSN · οὖςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantοὖς: lexical item rendered here as “ear”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἐξαίσιαextraordinary thingsA1B APN · ἐξαίσοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ descriptionἐξαίσια: “extraordinary, remarkable things”; Eliphaz presents the coming vision as disclosure beyond ordinary human speech.
παρ'fromP · παράprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationπαρ': preposition rendered here as “from”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceαὐτοῦ: pronominal form rendered here as “his”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
13
φόβοι δὲ καὶ ἠχὼ νυκτερινή ἐπιπίπτων φόβος ἐπ' ἀνθρώπους
Amid fears and a sound in the night, when dread falls upon human beings,
The night scene is introduced with layered auditory and emotional tension as terror descends on sleepers.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
φόβοιfearsN2 NPM · φόβοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantφόβοι: lexical item rendered here as “fears”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
δὲbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδὲ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἠχὼsoundN3 NSF · ἠχώnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantἠχὼ: lexical item rendered here as “sound”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
νυκτερινήnightlyA1 NSF · νυκτερινόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ descriptionνυκτερινή: lexical item rendered here as “nightly”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἐπιπίπτωνfalling uponV1 · παπνσμ πίπτω + ἐπιparticipial verbal form supplementing the clause with attendant circumstance or description→ circumstanceἐπιπίπτων: verbal form of πίπτω + ἐπι, rendered here as “falling upon”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
φόβοςfearN2 NSM · φόβοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantφόβος: lexical item rendered here as “fear”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἐπ'uponP · ἐπίprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἐπ': preposition rendered here as “upon”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἀνθρώπουςhuman beingsN2 APM · ἄνθρωποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantἀνθρώπους: lexical item rendered here as “human beings”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
14
φρίκη δέ μοι συνήντησεν καὶ τρόμος καὶ μεγάλως μου τὰ ὀστᾶ συνέσεισεν
shuddering met me, and trembling, and it violently shook my bones.
Eliphaz reports the bodily impact of the vision before he describes what was seen or heard.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
φρίκηshudderingN1 NSF · φρίκηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantφρίκη: lexical item rendered here as “shuddering”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
δέbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδέ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
μοιto meRP DS · ἐγώdative pronominal element marking sphere, means, reference, or recipient→ referenceμοι: pronominal form rendered here as “to me”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
συνήντησενmetVAI AAI3S · ἀντάω + συνmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventσυνήντησεν: verbal form of ἀντάω + συν, rendered here as “met”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
τρόμοςtremblingN2 NSM · τρόμοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantτρόμος: lexical item rendered here as “trembling”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
μεγάλωςgreatlyD · μεγάλωςconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ linkageμεγάλως: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “greatly”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceμου: pronominal form rendered here as “my”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
τὰtheRA NPN · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationτὰ: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
ὀστᾶbonesN2N NPN · ὀστέονnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantὀστᾶ: lexical item rendered here as “bones”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
συνέσεισενshook togetherVAI AAI3S · σείω + συνmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventσυνέσεισεν: verbal form of σείω + συν, rendered here as “shook together”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
15
καὶ πνεῦμα ἐπὶ πρόσωπόν μου ἐπῆλθεν ἔφριξαν δέ μου τρίχες καὶ σάρκες
And a spirit came upon my face, and my hair and flesh shuddered.
The encounter becomes tactile and immediate as a spirit passes over him and his body reacts in dread.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
πνεῦμαspiritN3M NSN · πνεῦμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantπνεῦμα: “spirit, breath, wind”; the term is crucial in the vision scene, where unseen presence and divine force blur together.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἐπὶ: preposition rendered here as “upon”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
πρόσωπόνfaceN2N ASN · πρόσωπονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantπρόσωπόν: lexical item rendered here as “face”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceμου: pronominal form rendered here as “my”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
ἐπῆλθενcame uponVBI AAI3S · ἔρχομαι + ἐπιmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἐπῆλθεν: verbal form of ἔρχομαι + ἐπι, rendered here as “came upon”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἔφριξανshudderedVAI AAI3P · φρίττωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionἔφριξαν: verbal form of φρίττω, rendered here as “shuddered”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
δέbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδέ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceμου: pronominal form rendered here as “my”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
τρίχεςhairsN3 NPF · θρίξnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantτρίχες: lexical item rendered here as “hairs”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
σάρκεςfleshN3K NPF · σάρξnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantσάρκες: lexical item rendered here as “flesh”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
16
ἀνέστην καὶ οὐκ ἐπέγνων εἶδον καὶ οὐκ ἦν μορφὴ πρὸ ὀφθαλμῶν μου ἀλλ' ἢ αὔραν καὶ φωνὴν ἤκουον
I stood up, but did not recognize it; I looked, and there was no form before my eyes, only a breeze, and I was hearing a voice:
The apparition remains elusive: form is withheld, but breathlike presence and voice mark the revelatory moment.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ἀνέστηνI stood upVHI AAI1S · ἵστημι + ἀναmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἀνέστην: verbal form of ἵστημι + ἀνα, rendered here as “I stood up”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
οὐκnotD · οὐconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ negationοὐκ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “not”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἐπέγνωνrecognizedVZI AAI1S · γιγνώσκω + ἐπιmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἐπέγνων: verbal form of γιγνώσκω + ἐπι, rendered here as “recognized”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
εἶδονI sawVBI AAI1S · ὁράωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventεἶδον: verbal form of ὁράω, rendered here as “I saw”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
οὐκnotD · οὐconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ negationοὐκ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “not”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἦνwasV9 IAI3S · εἰμίmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἦν: verbal form of εἰμί, rendered here as “was”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
μορφὴformN1 NSF · μορφήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantμορφὴ: lexical item rendered here as “form”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
πρὸbeforeP · πρόprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationπρὸ: preposition rendered here as “before”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ὀφθαλμῶνof eyesN2 GPM · ὀφθαλμόςgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantὀφθαλμῶν: lexical item rendered here as “of eyes”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
μουmyRP GS · ἐγώgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceμου: pronominal form rendered here as “my”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
ἀλλ'but onlyC · ἀλλάconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ contrastἀλλ': connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but only”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἢorC · ἤconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ alternativeἢ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “or”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
αὔρανbreezeN1A ASF · αὔραaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantαὔραν: lexical item rendered here as “breeze”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
φωνὴνvoiceN1 ASF · φωνήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantφωνὴν: lexical item rendered here as “voice”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἤκουονwas hearingV1I IAI1S · ἀκούωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἤκουον: verbal form of ἀκούω, rendered here as “was hearing”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
17
τί γάρ μὴ καθαρὸς ἔσται βροτὸς ἐναντίον κυρίου ἢ ἀπὸ τῶν ἔργων αὐτοῦ ἄμεμπτος ἀνήρ
Can a mortal really be pure before the Lord? Or can a man be blameless on the basis of his works?
The content of the vision begins with the fundamental question of whether any mortal can stand pure before God.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
τίwhatRI NSN · τίςnominative pronominal element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ referenceτί: pronominal form rendered here as “what”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
γάρforX · γάρconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ groundγάρ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “for”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
μὴnotD · μήconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ negationμὴ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “not”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
καθαρὸςpureA1A NSM · καθαρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ descriptionκαθαρὸς: lexical item rendered here as “pure”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἔσταιwill beVF FMI3S · εἰμίmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ future assertionἔσται: verbal form of εἰμί, rendered here as “will be”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
βροτὸςmortalN2 NSM · βροτόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantβροτὸς: “mortal”; the oracle stresses the creaturely perishability of human beings in contrast to divine purity.
ἐναντίονbeforeP · ἐναντίονprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἐναντίον: preposition rendered here as “before”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
κυρίουof the LordN2 GSM · κύριοςgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantκυρίου: lexical item rendered here as “of the Lord”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἢorC · ἤconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ alternativeἢ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “or”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἀπὸ: preposition rendered here as “from”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
τῶνtheRA GPN · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationτῶν: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
ἔργωνworksN2N GPN · ἔργονgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantἔργων: lexical item rendered here as “works”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceαὐτοῦ: pronominal form rendered here as “his”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
ἄμεμπτοςblamelessA1B NSM · ἄμεμπτοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ descriptionἄμεμπτος: lexical item rendered here as “blameless”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἀνήρmanN3 NSM · ἀνήρnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participantἀνήρ: lexical item rendered here as “man”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
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εἰ κατὰ παίδων αὐτοῦ οὐ πιστεύει κατὰ δὲ ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ σκολιόν τι ἐπενόησεν
If he does not trust even his servants, and has detected something crooked in his angels,
The oracle reasons a fortiori: if even God’s heavenly servants are not beyond scrutiny, humans are certainly not.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
εἰifC · εἰconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ conditionεἰ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “if”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
κατὰaccording to/againstP · κατάprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationκατὰ: preposition rendered here as “according to/against”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
παίδωνservantsN3D GPM · παῖςgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantπαίδων: lexical item rendered here as “servants”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceαὐτοῦ: pronominal form rendered here as “his”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
οὐnotD · οὐconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ negationοὐ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “not”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
πιστεύειtrustsV1 PAI3S · πιστεύωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionπιστεύει: verbal form of πιστεύω, rendered here as “trusts”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
κατὰaccording to/againstP · κατάprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationκατὰ: preposition rendered here as “according to/against”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
δὲbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδὲ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἀγγέλωνangelsN2 GPM · ἄγγελοςgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantἀγγέλων: lexical item rendered here as “angels”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceαὐτοῦ: pronominal form rendered here as “his”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
σκολιόνcrooked thingA1A ASN · σκολιόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ descriptionσκολιόν: lexical item rendered here as “crooked thing”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
τιanyRI ASN · τιςaccusative pronominal element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ referenceτι: pronominal form rendered here as “any”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
ἐπενόησενhas noticedVAI AAI3S · νοέω + ἐπιmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἐπενόησεν: verbal form of νοέω + ἐπι, rendered here as “has noticed”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
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τοὺς δὲ κατοικοῦντας οἰκίας πηλίνας ἐξ ὧν καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐκ τοῦ αὐτοῦ πηλοῦ ἐσμεν ἔπαισεν αὐτοὺς σητὸς τρόπον
how much more those who dwell in houses of clay, from the same clay from which we ourselves also come? He struck them like a moth.
Human beings are reduced to clay-built fragility, emphasizing derivation from dust and vulnerability to destruction.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
τοὺςtheRA APM · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationτοὺς: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
δὲbutX · δέconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ developmentδὲ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “but”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
κατοικοῦνταςdwellingV2 · παπαπμ οἰκέω + καταparticipial verbal form supplementing the clause with attendant circumstance or description→ circumstanceκατοικοῦντας: verbal form of οἰκέω + κατα, rendered here as “dwelling”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
οἰκίαςhousesN1A APF · οἰκίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantοἰκίας: lexical item rendered here as “houses”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
πηλίναςclay-builtA1 APF · πήλινοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ descriptionπηλίνας: lexical item rendered here as “clay-built”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἐξfromP · ἐκprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἐξ: preposition rendered here as “from”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ὧνfrom whichRR GPM · ὅςgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceὧν: pronominal form rendered here as “from which”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
αὐτοὶthemselvesRD NPM · αὐτόςnominative pronominal element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ referenceαὐτοὶ: pronominal form rendered here as “themselves”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
ἐκfromP · ἐκprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἐκ: preposition rendered here as “from”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationτοῦ: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςgenitive pronominal element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ referenceαὐτοῦ: pronominal form rendered here as “his”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
πηλοῦclayN2 GSM · πηλόςgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantπηλοῦ: lexical item rendered here as “clay”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἐσμενwe areV9 PAI1P · εἰμίmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionἐσμεν: verbal form of εἰμί, rendered here as “we are”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἔπαισενstruckVAI AAI3S · παίωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἔπαισεν: verbal form of παίω, rendered here as “struck”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
αὐτοὺςthemRD APM · αὐτόςaccusative pronominal element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ referenceαὐτοὺς: pronominal form rendered here as “them”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
σητὸςmothN3T GSM · σήςgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantσητὸς: “moth”; the comparison sharpens the image of easy, almost effortless destruction.
τρόπονlikeN2 ASM · τρόποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantτρόπον: lexical item rendered here as “like”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
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καὶ ἀπὸ πρωίθεν ἕως ἑσπέρας οὐκέτι εἰσίν παρὰ τὸ μὴ δύνασθαι αὐτοὺς ἑαυτοῖς βοηθῆσαι ἀπώλοντο
From morning until evening they are no more; because they are unable to help themselves, they perished.
The oracle presses mortality into the span of a single day: humans vanish because they cannot preserve themselves.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἀπὸ: preposition rendered here as “from”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
πρωίθενfrom morningD · πρωίθενconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ linkageπρωίθεν: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “from morning”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἕωςuntilP · ἕωςprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationἕως: preposition rendered here as “until”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
ἑσπέραςeveningN1A GSF · ἑσπέραgenitive element marking relation, source, possession, or description→ participantἑσπέρας: lexical item rendered here as “evening”; in context it contributes a concrete participant, image, or quality to Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
οὐκέτιno longerD · οὐκέτιconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ negationοὐκέτι: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “no longer”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
εἰσίνthey areV9 PAI3P · εἰμίmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionεἰσίν: verbal form of εἰμί, rendered here as “they are”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
παρὰfrom/besideP · παράprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationπαρὰ: preposition rendered here as “from/beside”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationτὸ: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
μὴnotD · μήconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ negationμὴ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “not”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
δύνασθαιto be ableV6 PMN · δύναμαιmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionδύνασθαι: verbal form of δύναμαι, rendered here as “to be able”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
αὐτοὺςthemRD APM · αὐτόςaccusative pronominal element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ referenceαὐτοὺς: pronominal form rendered here as “them”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
ἑαυτοῖςfor themselvesRD DPM · ἑαυτοῦdative pronominal element marking sphere, means, reference, or recipient→ referenceἑαυτοῖς: pronominal form rendered here as “for themselves”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
βοηθῆσαιto helpVA AAN · βοηθέωinfinitival verbal form expressing action, purpose, or complement→ complementβοηθῆσαι: verbal form of βοηθέω, rendered here as “to help”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἀπώλοντοperishedVBI AMI3P · ὀλλύω + ἀποmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionἀπώλοντο: verbal form of ὀλλύω + ἀπο, rendered here as “perished”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
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ἐνεφύσησεν γὰρ αὐτοῖς καὶ ἐξηράνθησαν ἀπώλοντο παρὰ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν αὐτοὺς σοφίαν
For he breathed on them, and they dried up; they perished because they had no wisdom.
The final line seals the vision’s anthropology: life withers under divine breath, and the lack of wisdom ends in ruin.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἐνεφύσησενbreathed onVAI AAI3S · φυσάω + ἐνmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ eventἐνεφύσησεν: verbal form of φυσάω + ἐν, rendered here as “breathed on”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
γὰρforX · γάρconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ groundγὰρ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “for”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
αὐτοῖςto themRD DPM · αὐτόςdative pronominal element marking sphere, means, reference, or recipient→ referenceαὐτοῖς: pronominal form rendered here as “to them”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
καὶandC · καίconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ additionκαὶ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “and”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἐξηράνθησανdried upVCI API3P · ξηραίνωmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionἐξηράνθησαν: verbal form of ξηραίνω, rendered here as “dried up”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
ἀπώλοντοperishedVBI AMI3P · ὀλλύω + ἀποmain verbal element carrying the clause’s action, assertion, or report→ present assertionἀπώλοντο: verbal form of ὀλλύω + ἀπο, rendered here as “perished”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
παρὰfrom/besideP · παράprepositional element governing its complement and marking relation→ relationπαρὰ: preposition rendered here as “from/beside”; it marks spatial, logical, or rhetorical relation within Eliphaz’s speech in Job 4.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle or determiner marking the noun phrase→ determinationτὸ: form of the Greek article, rendered here as “the”; it marks the neighboring noun phrase as definite or otherwise delimited in context.
μὴnotD · μήconnective, particle, or adverb shaping the clause’s flow, emphasis, or nuance→ negationμὴ: connective, particle, or adverb rendered here as “not”; it helps pace the rebuke, vision, or oracle in Job 4.
ἔχεινhaveV1 PAN · ἔχωinfinitival verbal form expressing action, purpose, or complement→ complementἔχειν: verbal form of ἔχω, rendered here as “have”; it advances the movement of rebuke, recollection, vision, or oracle in this chapter.
αὐτοὺςthemRD APM · αὐτόςaccusative pronominal element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ referenceαὐτοὺς: pronominal form rendered here as “them”; it tracks reference within Eliphaz’s argument and vision report.
σοφίανwisdomN1A ASF · σοφίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or complement→ participantσοφίαν: “wisdom”; the final line implies that creaturely life without true wisdom ends in withering and ruin.