Job 21:31
Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done?
Original Language Analysis
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 10
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יַגִּ֣יד
Who shall declare
H5046
יַגִּ֣יד
Who shall declare
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פָּנָ֣יו
to his face
H6440
פָּנָ֣יו
to his face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 10
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
his way
H1870
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
his way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
5 of 10
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְהֽוּא
H1931
וְהֽוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 10
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עָ֝שָׂ֗ה
him what he hath done
H6213
עָ֝שָׂ֗ה
him what he hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִ֣י
H4310
מִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
8 of 10
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern justice depended on witnesses willing to confront wrongdoers. The powerful often escaped accountability because none dared confront them. Job recognizes this failure of human justice while trusting divine justice won't similarly fail.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we pursue earthly justice while trusting divine justice for what escapes human accountability?
- What responsibility do we have to 'declare to the face' of wrongdoers when able?
- How does final judgment comfort when earthly justice fails?
Analysis & Commentary
None confront the wicked: 'Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done?' Job observes that the wicked often face no earthly accountability—none confront them ('declare to his face') or ensure recompense. This describes the powerful wicked who escape human justice. Yet Job's question anticipates divine justice—if humans don't repay, God will. Final accountability exists even when temporal accountability fails.