Job 31:33-40

33 "Have I 1covered my transgressions like Adam, By hiding my iniquity in my bosom,
34 Because I 2feared the great multitude, And the contempt of families terrified me, And kept silent and did not go out of doors?
35 "Oh * that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature; 3Let the Almighty answer me! And the indictment which my 4adversary has written,
36 Surely * I would carry it on my shoulder, I would bind it to myself like a crown.
37 "I would declare to Him 5the number of my steps; Like 6a prince I would approach Him.
38 "If my 7land cries out against me, And its furrows weep together;
39 If I have 8eaten its fruit without money, Or have 9caused its owners to lose their lives,
40 Let 10briars grow instead of wheat, And stinkweed instead of barley." The words of Job are ended.

Job 31:33-40 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 31

In this chapter Job gives an account of himself in private life, of the integrity and uprightness of his life, and his holy walk and conversation, with this view, that it might be thought that the afflictions which were upon him were not on account of a vicious course of life he had indulged unto, as was suggested; and he clears himself from various crimes which it might be insinuated he was guilty of, as from unchastity; and he observes the method he took to prevent his falling into it, and the reasons that dissuaded him from it, Job 31:1-4; from injustice in his dealings with men, Job 31:5-8; from the sin of adultery, Job 31:9-12; from ill usage of his servants, Job 31:13-15; from unkindness to the poor, which he enlarges upon, and gives many instances of his charity to them, Job 31:16-23; from covetousness, and a vain confidence in wealth, Job 31:24,25; from idolatry, the worship of the sun and moon, Job 31:26-28; from a revengeful spirit, Job 31:29-31; and from inhospitality to strangers, Job 31:32; from covering his sin, Job 31:33; and fear of men, Job 31:34; and then wishes his cause might be heard before God, Job 31:35-37; and the chapter is closed with an imprecation on his head if guilty of any injustice, Job 31:38-40.

Cross References 10

  • 1. Genesis 3:10; Proverbs 28:13
  • 2. Exodus 23:2
  • 3. Job 19:7; Job 30:20, 24, 28; Job 35:14
  • 4. Job 27:7
  • 5. Job 31:4
  • 6. Job 1:3; Job 29:25
  • 7. Job 24:2
  • 8. Job 24:6, 10-12; James 5:4
  • 9. 1 Kings 21:19
  • 10. Job 32:13; Isaiah 5:6

Footnotes 5

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