Authorized King James Version Bible

1 I made a covenantCovenant: בְּרִית (Berit). The Hebrew berit (בְּרִית) denotes a covenant—a binding agreement, often ratified by blood sacrifice. God's covenants (Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic) structure redemptive history, culminating in the New Covenant. with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? Parallel theme: Genesis 6:2, Psalms 119:37, Proverbs 4:25, 6:25, 1 John 2:16

2 For what portion of GodGod: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity. is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high? References God: Job 20:29

3 Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? Evil: Job 21:30. Sin: Job 34:22

5 If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; Parallel theme: Proverbs 12:11

7 If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands; Parallel theme: Numbers 15:39, Ecclesiastes 11:9, Matthew 5:29

11 For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquityIniquity: עָוֹן (Avon). The Hebrew avon (עָוֹן) encompasses iniquity, guilt, and its punishment—the twisted nature of sin. 'The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all' (Isaiah 53:6), Christ bearing our guilt and penalty. to be punished by the judges. Judgment: Job 31:28. Parallel theme: Genesis 38:24, Leviticus 20:10

12 For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase. Parallel theme: Proverbs 6:27

13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;

14 What then shall I do when GodGod: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity. riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? References God: Romans 3:19. Parallel theme: James 2:13

15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb? Creation: Malachi 2:10. Parallel theme: Job 34:19, Proverbs 14:31, 22:2

16 If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; Parallel theme: Isaiah 38:14

17 Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;

18 (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;)

19 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; Parallel theme: Job 22:6

20 If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; Blessing: Deuteronomy 24:13

21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate: Parallel theme: Job 22:9, 29:12

22 Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.

23 For destruction from GodGod: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity. was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure. References God: 2 Corinthians 5:11. Parallel theme: Job 13:11, Psalms 119:120

25 If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much; Parallel theme: Psalms 62:10

28 This also were an iniquityIniquity: עָוֹן (Avon). The Hebrew avon (עָוֹן) encompasses iniquity, guilt, and its punishment—the twisted nature of sin. 'The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all' (Isaiah 53:6), Christ bearing our guilt and penalty. to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above. Judgment: Job 31:11. References God: Joshua 24:27

29 If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him: Parallel theme: Proverbs 17:5

30 Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul. Curse: Romans 12:14. Sin: 1 Peter 3:9. Parallel theme: Matthew 5:22

31 If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.

33 If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquityIniquity: עָוֹן (Avon). The Hebrew avon (עָוֹן) encompasses iniquity, guilt, and its punishment—the twisted nature of sin. 'The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all' (Isaiah 53:6), Christ bearing our guilt and penalty. in my bosom: Sin: Joshua 7:11, Proverbs 28:13. Parallel theme: Genesis 3:12, Hosea 6:7, Acts 5:8

34 Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door? Parallel theme: Exodus 23:2

Job's Final Plea

35 Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book. Parallel theme: Job 13:3, 13:24, 17:3, 19:7, 35:14

36 Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me. Parallel theme: Isaiah 22:22

37 I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him. Parallel theme: Job 13:15

39 If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life: Parallel theme: 1 Kings 21:19, James 5:4

40 Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.

Job 31

Job Continues: I Have Made a Covenant with My Eyes

Job's Final Plea