Job 31:1
I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
Original Language Analysis
בְּ֭רִית
a covenant
H1285
בְּ֭רִית
a covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
1 of 7
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
כָּרַ֣תִּי
I made
H3772
כָּרַ֣תִּי
I made
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
2 of 7
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
לְעֵינָ֑י
with mine eyes
H5869
לְעֵינָ֑י
with mine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 7
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וּמָ֥ה
H4100
וּמָ֥ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן
why then should I think
H995
אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן
why then should I think
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
5 of 7
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
Cross References
1 John 2:16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.Psalms 119:37Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.Proverbs 6:25Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.Proverbs 4:25Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.Genesis 6:2That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law codes primarily addressed external actions. Job's concern with internal purity (thoughts and desires) reflects the biblical emphasis on heart holiness. This oath begins chapter 31's extended defense where Job invokes curses upon himself if guilty of various sins. The covenant with his eyes demonstrates that genuine righteousness addresses not just behavior but desire.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's covenant with his eyes challenge us to guard not just actions but thoughts and desires?
- What does Job's proactive holiness teach about cultivating purity rather than merely avoiding external sin?
Analysis & Commentary
Job declares: 'I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?' The phrase karati verit le-eynay (כָּרַתִּי בְרִית לְעֵינָי, I made a covenant with mine eyes) uses covenantal language for personal discipline. The verb hitbonen (הִתְבּוֹנֵן, think upon) means to consider or gaze at with desire. Betulah (בְּתוּלָה, maid) refers to a virgin or young woman. Job's covenant with his eyes addresses lustful thoughts, anticipating Jesus's teaching about adultery of the heart (Matthew 5:28). The verse models proactive holiness—Job didn't merely avoid external adultery but guarded his thought life.