Bible Commentaries
Job 31

Introduction

Overview

Job 31:1, Job makes a solemn protestation of his integrity in several duties.

Verse 1

a covenant: Genesis 6:2, 2 Samuel 11:2-4, Psalms 119:37, Proverbs 4:25, Proverbs 23:31-33, Matthew 5:28, Matthew 5:29, 1 John 2:16

think: Proverbs 6:25, James 1:14, James 1:15

Reciprocal: Genesis 3:6 - to the eyes Genesis 34:2 - saw her Genesis 39:7 - cast Exodus 20:17 - wife Joshua 7:21 - I saw Judges 14:1 - Timnath Job 1:1 - perfect Job 4:6 - the uprightness Job 16:17 - Not for Job 32:1 - righteous Psalms 101:3 - set Ecclesiastes 2:10 - whatsoever Ezekiel 23:16 - as soon as she saw them with her eyes Mark 9:47 - thine 2 Corinthians 1:12 - our rejoicing 1 Thessalonians 2:10 - how

Verse 2

Job 20:29, Job 27:13, Hebrews 13:4

Reciprocal: Job 35:3 - what advantage

Verse 3

destruction: Job 21:30, Psalms 55:23, Psalms 73:18, Proverbs 1:27, Proverbs 10:29, Proverbs 21:15, Matthew 7:13, Romans 9:22, 1 Thessalonians 5:3, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, 2 Peter 2:1

a strange: Isaiah 28:21, Jude 1:7

Reciprocal: Numbers 16:30 - make a new thing Judges 9:53 - woman Judges 9:56 - God rendered Judges 16:30 - and the house 1 Samuel 5:6 - emerods 1 Samuel 15:18 - the sinners 2 Samuel 17:23 - and hanged 2 Samuel 18:9 - taken up 2 Kings 1:2 - was sick 2 Kings 9:35 - but they found Job 20:29 - the portion Job 27:8 - General Job 27:13 - the portion Job 34:22 - the Isaiah 1:28 - the destruction

Verse 4

Job 14:16, Job 34:21, Genesis 16:13, 2 Chronicles 16:9, Psalms 44:21, Psalms 139:1-3, Proverbs 5:21, Proverbs 15:3, Jeremiah 16:17, Jeremiah 32:19, John 1:48, Hebrews 4:13

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 20:12 - O Lord Job 33:11 - marketh Psalms 26:2 - General Psalms 56:6 - mark Psalms 139:3 - compassest Daniel 5:23 - and whose John 21:17 - thou knowest that

Verse 5

If: Psalms 7:3-5

walked: Psalms 4:2, Psalms 12:2, Psalms 44:20, Psalms 44:21, Proverbs 12:11, Jeremiah 2:5, Ezekiel 13:8

Reciprocal: Joshua 22:22 - if it be Psalms 1:1 - walketh Psalms 7:5 - Let Proverbs 19:2 - and Luke 7:2 - who

Verse 6

Let me be weighed in an even balance: Heb. Let him weigh me in balances of justice, 1 Samuel 2:3, Psalms 7:8, Psalms 7:9, Psalms 17:2, Psalms 17:3, Psalms 26:1, Proverbs 16:11, Isaiah 26:7, Daniel 5:27, Micah 6:11

know: Joshua 22:22, Psalms 1:6, Psalms 139:23, Matthew 7:23, 2 Timothy 2:19

Reciprocal: Job 10:7 - Thou knowest

Verse 7

If my: Psalms 44:20, Psalms 44:21

mine heart: Numbers 15:39, Ecclesiastes 11:9, Ezekiel 6:9, Ezekiel 14:3, Ezekiel 14:7, Matthew 5:29

cleaved: Psalms 101:3, Isaiah 33:15

Reciprocal: Ecclesiastes 6:9 - wandering of the desire Jeremiah 22:17 - thine eyes Ephesians 2:2 - in time 2 Peter 2:14 - eyes

Verse 8

let me: Job 5:5, Job 24:6, Leviticus 26:16, Deuteronomy 28:30-33, Deuteronomy 28:38, Deuteronomy 28:51, Judges 6:3-6, Micah 6:15

let my: Job 5:4, Job 15:30, Job 18:19, Psalms 109:13

Verse 9

If mine: Judges 16:5, 1 Kings 11:4, Nehemiah 13:26, Proverbs 2:16-19, Proverbs 5:3-23, Proverbs 6:25, Proverbs 7:21, Proverbs 22:14, Ecclesiastes 7:26

if I: Job 24:15, Job 24:16, Jeremiah 5:8, Hosea 7:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 34:2 - saw her Genesis 39:9 - how then Exodus 20:17 - wife 2 Samuel 11:4 - sent messengers Psalms 50:18 - hast been partaker Proverbs 6:27 - General Ezekiel 22:11 - committed Hosea 4:13 - therefore Matthew 5:28 - That James 1:14 - when 2 Peter 2:14 - eyes

Verse 10

grind: Exodus 11:5, Isaiah 47:2, Matthew 24:41

and let: 2 Samuel 12:11, Jeremiah 8:10, Hosea 4:13, Hosea 4:14

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 28:30 - betroth Job 31:22 - let Lamentations 5:13 - the young

Verse 11

an heinous: Genesis 20:9, Genesis 26:10, Genesis 39:9, Exodus 20:14, Proverbs 6:29-33

an iniquity: Job 31:28, Genesis 38:24, Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22-24, Ezekiel 16:38

Reciprocal: Isaiah 9:18 - wickedness

Verse 12

Proverbs 3:33, Proverbs 6:27, Jeremiah 5:7-9, Malachi 3:5, Hebrews 13:4

Reciprocal: Isaiah 9:18 - wickedness

Verse 13

the cause: Exodus 21:20, Exodus 21:21, Exodus 21:26, Exodus 21:27, Leviticus 25:43, Leviticus 25:46, Deuteronomy 15:12-15, Jeremiah 34:14-17, Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 4:1

when: In ancient times slaves had no action at law against their owners; but Job admitted them to all civil rights, and permitted them to complain even against himself.

Reciprocal: Exodus 18:16 - a matter Exodus 18:21 - men Exodus 23:6 - General Deuteronomy 1:17 - ye shall hear Deuteronomy 24:14 - General 1 Samuel 30:13 - my master 2 Kings 5:14 - went he down Job 20:19 - Because Job 36:5 - despiseth Proverbs 14:21 - that despiseth Proverbs 14:31 - that oppresseth Proverbs 29:7 - considereth Isaiah 33:15 - despiseth Jeremiah 7:6 - oppress Ezekiel 18:7 - hath not Matthew 8:6 - my Romans 12:16 - condescend to men of low estate 1 Thessalonians 4:6 - the Lord

Verse 14

What then: Job 9:32, Job 10:2, Psalms 7:6, Psalms 9:12, Psalms 9:19, Psalms 10:12-15, Psalms 44:21, Psalms 76:9, Psalms 143:2, Isaiah 10:3, Zechariah 2:13

when he: Hosea 9:7, Micah 7:4, Mark 7:2, James 2:13

what shall: Romans 3:19

Reciprocal: Job 10:7 - Thou knowest Matthew 8:6 - my 1 Thessalonians 4:6 - the Lord

Verse 15

Did not he: Job 34:19, Nehemiah 5:5, Proverbs 14:31, Proverbs 22:2, Isaiah 58:7, Malachi 2:10

did not one fashion us in the womb: or, did he not fashion us in one womb, Job 10:8-12, Psalms 139:14-16

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 28:15 - clothed Psalms 139:13 - covered me Isaiah 44:24 - and he James 1:27 - To visit

Verse 16

withheld: Job 22:7-9, Deuteronomy 15:7-10, Psalms 112:9, Luke 16:21, Acts 11:29, Galatians 2:10

the eyes: Deuteronomy 28:32, Psalms 69:3, Psalms 119:82, Psalms 119:123, Isaiah 38:14, Lamentations 4:17

Reciprocal: Leviticus 23:22 - General Deuteronomy 14:29 - the stranger Deuteronomy 24:13 - deliver Deuteronomy 24:19 - may bless Deuteronomy 26:13 - Levite Ruth 2:14 - At mealtime Nehemiah 8:10 - send Job 11:20 - the eyes Job 22:9 - widows Job 24:3 - drive Job 24:4 - turn Job 24:21 - doeth not Job 30:25 - was Psalms 37:21 - righteous Psalms 41:1 - Blessed Psalms 68:5 - A father Psalms 112:5 - showeth Proverbs 11:25 - liberal soul Proverbs 22:9 - He that hath a bountiful eye Proverbs 22:22 - oppress Proverbs 31:20 - she reacheth Isaiah 32:8 - the liberal Ezekiel 18:7 - hath given Matthew 5:7 - are Matthew 5:42 - General Matthew 6:2 - when Matthew 14:16 - they Matthew 23:14 - for ye Matthew 25:17 - he also Matthew 25:35 - I was an Luke 6:38 - and it Luke 14:13 - call Acts 6:1 - their Romans 12:8 - giveth 1 Timothy 5:3 - widows James 2:15 - General

Verse 17

have: Deuteronomy 15:11, Deuteronomy 15:14, Nehemiah 8:10, Luke 11:41, John 13:29, Acts 4:32

the fatherless: Job 29:13-16, Ezekiel 18:7, Ezekiel 18:16, Romans 12:13, James 1:27, 1 John 3:17

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 25:11 - Shall I then Job 6:27 - the fatherless Job 22:7 - not given Job 24:3 - drive Job 31:32 - The stranger Psalms 68:5 - A father Matthew 14:16 - they

Verse 18

her: that is, the widow

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 14:9 - The thistle Job 29:16 - a father Job 31:32 - The stranger Isaiah 58:7 - to deal

Verse 19

Job 22:6, 2 Chronicles 28:15, Isaiah 58:7, Matthew 25:36, Matthew 25:43, Luke 3:11, Acts 9:39, James 2:16, 1 John 3:18

Reciprocal: Job 24:7 - the naked Job 29:13 - ready Job 34:28 - they Ezekiel 18:16 - but hath Hebrews 13:2 - not

Verse 20

Job 29:11, Deuteronomy 24:13

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 14:22 - thanked Nehemiah 11:2 - blessed Job 22:6 - stripped Job 24:7 - the naked Job 34:28 - they Proverbs 27:26 - General Isaiah 58:7 - the naked Matthew 25:36 - Naked Acts 9:39 - and showing

Verse 21

lifted: Job 6:27, Job 22:9, Job 24:9, Job 29:12, Proverbs 23:10, Proverbs 23:11, Jeremiah 5:28, Ezekiel 22:7

when: Micah 2:1, Micah 2:2, Micah 7:3

Reciprocal: Exodus 23:6 - General Numbers 5:22 - the woman Deuteronomy 16:19 - wrest Ruth 4:1 - to the gate Proverbs 14:16 - feareth Proverbs 22:22 - oppress Proverbs 24:7 - openeth Proverbs 29:7 - considereth Lamentations 3:3 - General Amos 5:12 - in the Acts 25:11 - if I

Verse 22

let: Job 31:10, Job 31:40, Joshua 22:22, Joshua 22:23, Psalms 7:4, Psalms 7:5, Psalms 137:6

bone: or, chanel bone

Reciprocal: Exodus 23:6 - General Numbers 5:22 - the woman Deuteronomy 16:19 - wrest

Verse 23

destruction: Job 20:23, Job 21:20, Genesis 39:9, Psalms 119:120, Isaiah 13:6, Joel 1:15, 2 Corinthians 5:11

by: Job 13:11, Job 40:9, Job 42:5, Job 42:6, Psalms 76:7

Reciprocal: Exodus 22:24 - my wrath Joshua 24:27 - deny Nehemiah 5:15 - because Job 3:25 - the thing Job 6:4 - the terrors Job 9:34 - let not Job 23:15 - General Psalms 77:3 - I remembered Psalms 119:161 - my heart Isaiah 2:10 - for fear Jeremiah 17:17 - a terror Ezekiel 32:32 - General

Verse 24

Genesis 31:1, Deuteronomy 8:12-14, Psalms 49:6, Psalms 49:7, Psalms 49:17, Psalms 52:7, Psalms 62:10, Proverbs 10:15, Proverbs 11:28, Proverbs 30:9, Mark 10:24, Luke 12:15, Colossians 3:5, 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:17

Reciprocal: Esther 5:11 - the glory Psalms 10:3 - and blesseth Proverbs 18:11 - General Jeremiah 9:23 - rich Ezekiel 28:5 - and thine Hosea 12:8 - Yet Matthew 6:19 - General Matthew 19:23 - That Luke 12:19 - Soul Luke 18:23 - he was very sorrowful Galatians 6:14 - that I

Verse 25

rejoiced: Esther 5:11, Proverbs 23:5, Jeremiah 9:23, Ezekiel 28:5, Luke 12:19, Luke 16:19, Luke 16:25

because: Deuteronomy 8:17, Deuteronomy 8:18, Isaiah 10:13, Isaiah 10:14, Daniel 4:30, Hosea 12:8, Habakkuk 1:16

gotten much: Heb. found much.

Reciprocal: Genesis 31:1 - glory Ruth 2:1 - a mighty Job 20:18 - and he shall Psalms 49:6 - trust Psalms 52:7 - trusted Psalms 62:10 - riches Proverbs 10:15 - rich Proverbs 11:28 - that Proverbs 18:11 - General Isaiah 39:2 - was glad Amos 6:13 - which Matthew 19:23 - That Mark 10:24 - trust Luke 12:15 - Take Luke 18:23 - he was very sorrowful Galatians 6:14 - that I 1 Timothy 6:17 - trust

Verse 26

beheld: Genesis 1:16-18, Deuteronomy 4:19, Deuteronomy 11:16, Deuteronomy 17:3, 2 Kings 23:5, 2 Kings 23:11, Jeremiah 8:2, Ezekiel 8:16

sun: Heb. light

the moon: Psalms 8:3, Psalms 8:4, Jeremiah 44:17

in brightness: Heb. bright

Reciprocal: Joshua 10:12 - Sun 2 Kings 21:3 - and worshipped Psalms 104:19 - General Psalms 136:9 - The moon and stars Song of Solomon 6:10 - fair Isaiah 40:26 - Lift Jeremiah 7:18 - queen of heaven Ezekiel 20:24 - their eyes Acts 7:42 - the host Romans 1:20 - from the 1 Corinthians 15:41 - General

Verse 27

my heart: Deuteronomy 11:16, Deuteronomy 13:6, Isaiah 44:20, Romans 1:21, Romans 1:28

my mouth hath kissed my hand: Heb. my hand hath kissed my mouth, 1 Kings 19:18, Psalms 2:12, Hosea 13:2

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:40 - be ruled Deuteronomy 4:19 - when thou Deuteronomy 17:3 - the sun Joshua 10:12 - Sun 2 Kings 17:9 - secretly Ezekiel 20:24 - their eyes James 1:14 - when

Verse 28

an: Job 31:11, Job 9:15, Job 23:7, Genesis 18:25, Deuteronomy 17:2-7, Deuteronomy 17:9, Judges 11:27, Psalms 50:6, Hebrews 12:23

for: Joshua 24:23, Joshua 24:27, Proverbs 30:9, Titus 1:16, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 2:23, Jude 1:4

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 3:32 - lifted

Verse 29

2 Samuel 1:12, 2 Samuel 4:10, 2 Samuel 4:11, 2 Samuel 16:5-8, Psalms 35:13, Psalms 35:14, Psalms 35:25, Psalms 35:26, Proverbs 17:5, Proverbs 24:17, Proverbs 24:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 44:34 - come on Exodus 23:4 - General 1 Samuel 24:6 - the Lord forbid Job 20:18 - and he shall Psalms 35:15 - in mine Isaiah 33:15 - stoppeth Amos 6:13 - which Obadiah 1:12 - rejoiced Micah 7:8 - Rejoice Matthew 5:39 - That Luke 6:27 - Love Luke 9:55 - and rebuked Romans 12:14 - General

Verse 30

have: Exodus 23:4, Exodus 23:5, Matthew 5:43, Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:14, 1 Peter 2:22, 1 Peter 2:23, 1 Peter 3:9

mouth: Heb. palate, Ecclesiastes 5:2, Ecclesiastes 5:6, Matthew 5:22, Matthew 12:36, James 3:6, James 3:9, James 3:10

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 24:6 - the Lord forbid 2 Samuel 16:9 - let me go Job 33:2 - mouth Job 34:3 - mouth

Verse 31

the men: 1 Samuel 24:4, 1 Samuel 24:10, 1 Samuel 26:8, 2 Samuel 16:9, 2 Samuel 16:10, 2 Samuel 19:21, 2 Samuel 19:22, Jeremiah 40:15, Jeremiah 40:16, Luke 9:54, Luke 9:55, Luke 22:50, Luke 22:51

Oh: Job 19:22, Psalms 27:2, Psalms 35:25, Proverbs 1:11, Proverbs 1:12, Proverbs 1:18, Micah 3:2, Micah 3:3

Reciprocal: Genesis 31:1 - Jacob 1 Samuel 19:15 - Bring him 1 Chronicles 11:19 - shall I Esther 5:9 - he was full Job 13:15 - but I will Job 19:15 - count me Psalms 57:3 - from the reproach of him Matthew 27:22 - What Mark 6:24 - The head Acts 12:11 - all Acts 25:2 - General Revelation 17:16 - eat

Verse 32

The stranger: Job 31:17, Job 31:18, Genesis 19:2, Genesis 19:3, Judges 19:15, Judges 19:20, Judges 19:21, Isaiah 58:7, Matthew 25:35, Matthew 25:40, Matthew 25:44, Matthew 25:45, Romans 12:13, 1 Timothy 5:10, Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:9

traveller: or, way

Reciprocal: Genesis 19:1 - rose Exodus 2:20 - call him Job 19:15 - count me Matthew 10:11 - inquire

Verse 33

covered: Genesis 3:7, Genesis 3:8, Genesis 3:12, Joshua 7:11, Proverbs 28:13, Hosea 6:7, Acts 5:8, 1 John 1:8-10

as Adam: or, after the manner of men, Hosea 6:7

Reciprocal: Genesis 2:15 - the man 1 Samuel 15:15 - for 2 Kings 20:15 - All the things Job 7:20 - I have sinned Psalms 17:4 - works Psalms 32:5 - have Psalms 38:18 - For Isaiah 39:4 - All that

Verse 34

Did I: Exodus 23:2, Proverbs 29:25, Jeremiah 38:4, Jeremiah 38:5, Jeremiah 38:16, Jeremiah 38:19, Matthew 27:20-26

the contempt: Job 22:8, Job 34:19, Exodus 32:27, Numbers 25:14, Numbers 25:15, Nehemiah 5:7, Nehemiah 13:4-8, Nehemiah 13:28, 2 Corinthians 5:16

that I: Esther 4:11, Esther 4:14, Proverbs 24:11, Proverbs 24:12, Amos 5:11-13, Micah 7:3

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 1:17 - ye shall not 1 Samuel 15:24 - I feared Nehemiah 13:11 - contended Jeremiah 38:9 - these

Verse 35

Oh: Job 13:3, Job 17:3, Job 23:3-7, Job 33:6, Job 38:1-3, Job 40:4, Job 40:5

my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me: or, my sign is that the Almighty will answer me, Job 13:21, Job 13:22, Psalms 26:1

mine: Job 13:24, Job 19:11, Job 19:23, Job 19:24, Job 33:10, Job 33:11, Matthew 5:25

Reciprocal: Numbers 5:23 - write these 1 Samuel 12:5 - The Lord Job 9:3 - he will contend Job 9:19 - who shall Job 10:7 - Thou knowest Job 11:5 - General Job 16:21 - plead Job 19:7 - no judgment Job 38:3 - for Isaiah 41:1 - let us Jeremiah 36:2 - a roll Habakkuk 2:1 - when I am reproved

Verse 36

I: Exodus 28:12, Isaiah 22:22

a crown: Job 29:14, Isaiah 62:3, Philippians 4:1

Reciprocal: Job 19:7 - no judgment Isaiah 41:1 - let us

Verse 37

declare: Job 9:3, Job 13:15, Job 14:16, Job 42:3-6, Psalms 19:12

as a: Genesis 32:28, Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 4:16, 1 John 3:19-21

Reciprocal: Job 40:4 - what Isaiah 41:21 - Produce Habakkuk 2:1 - when I am reproved

Verse 38

cry: Job 20:27, Habakkuk 2:11, James 5:4

complain: Heb. weep, Psalms 65:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 4:10 - crieth Genesis 4:11 - opened Genesis 44:9 - both Exodus 22:23 - they cry at all Deuteronomy 24:15 - lest he Joshua 22:22 - if it be Nehemiah 5:1 - a great cry Job 18:15 - because Job 20:19 - Because Psalms 7:5 - Let Isaiah 5:7 - a cry Micah 2:2 - they covet Acts 25:11 - if I

Verse 39

fruits: Heb. strength, Genesis 4:12

caused the owners thereof to lose their life: Heb. caused the soul of the owners thereof to expire, or breathe out, 1 Kings 21:13-16, 1 Kings 21:19, Proverbs 1:19, Isaiah 26:21, Ezekiel 22:6, Ezekiel 22:12, Ezekiel 22:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 4:10 - crieth Exodus 22:23 - they cry at all Leviticus 19:13 - the wages Numbers 5:22 - the woman Nehemiah 5:1 - a great cry Job 18:15 - because Job 20:19 - Because Isaiah 5:7 - a cry James 5:4 - the hire

Verse 40

thistles: Choach, probably the black thorn. (See note on 2 Kings 14:9). Genesis 3:17, Genesis 3:18, Isaiah 7:23, Zephaniah 2:9, Malachi 1:3

cockle: or, noisome weeds

The: Psalms 72:20

Reciprocal: Leviticus 26:20 - for your land Numbers 5:22 - the woman Job 31:22 - let Proverbs 24:31 - it Jeremiah 51:64 - Thus far Hebrews 6:8 - beareth