| 7. Linguistic Exegesis The verse begins with the particle hen {הֵ֤ן | hēn} ‘behold’ to mark an urgent address. It then pairs the Qal imperfect etsaq {אֶצְעַ֣ק | ʾeṣʿaq} “I cry out” with the negated passive ve-lo eaneh {וְלֹ֣א אֵעָנֶ֑ה | wə-lōʾ ʾēʿāneh} “and I am not answered”, followed by the Piel imperfect ashawe {אֲ֝שַׁוַּ֗ע | ʾăšawwaʿ} “I cry for help” matched by the existential negation ve-ein mishpat {וְאֵ֣ן מִשְׁפָּֽט | wə-ʾên mišpāṭ} “and there is no justice”. This parallel structure moves from personal denial to systemic failure, intensifying Job’s lament. The English rendering preserves this balance with contrasting clauses to reflect the rhythmic pattern and shifting focus from individual appeal to lack of judicial remedy. |