Job 23:11
My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
Original Language Analysis
אָחֲזָ֣ה
hath held
H270
אָחֲזָ֣ה
hath held
Strong's:
H270
Word #:
2 of 7
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
רַגְלִ֑י
My foot
H7272
רַגְלִ֑י
My foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
3 of 7
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
דַּרְכּ֖וֹ
his way
H1870
דַּרְכּ֖וֹ
his way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
שָׁמַ֣רְתִּי
have I kept
H8104
שָׁמַ֣רְתִּי
have I kept
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Cross References
Psalms 44:18Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;Psalms 17:5Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.Psalms 125:5As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.Job 17:9The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.Romans 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.Psalms 36:3The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.Zephaniah 1:6And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.
Historical Context
This declaration comes after Job's friends repeatedly insist that suffering proves hidden sin. Job's appeal to his own integrity would seem arrogant except that the prologue reveals God Himself commended Job's righteousness (1:8, 2:3). In ancient covenant culture, oath-taking and self-testimony carried weight when backed by witnesses. Job essentially puts himself under oath, inviting divine judgment if his claim proves false.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's claim to have 'held fast' to God's path inform how we should pursue obedience?
- What's the difference between Job's righteous self-testimony and self-righteous boasting?
- How does walking in God's ways provide confidence when facing unjust accusations or unexplained suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
My foot hath held his steps (בַּאֲשֻׁרוֹ אָחֲזָה רַגְלִי, ba'ashuro achazah ragli)—Achaz (held fast, seized) describes tenacious grip. The ashur (step, path) represents God's prescribed way for righteous living. Job claims his regel (foot) firmly gripped the divine path, suggesting careful, deliberate obedience rather than casual religiosity. This echoes Psalm 17:5: 'Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.'
His way have I kept, and not declined (דַּרְכּוֹ שָׁמַרְתִּי וְלֹא־אָט, darko shamarti v'lo-at)—Derek (way, path) refers to God's moral direction. Shamar (keep, guard, observe) implies vigilant preservation, the same verb used for keeping God's commandments. Natah (decline, turn aside) means deviation or wandering. Job asserts unwavering fidelity—he neither abandoned God's way nor drifted from it through negligence. This self-testimony isn't self-righteousness but appeals to covenant integrity, knowing God Himself witnesses truthfulness (Job 1:8).