Job 31:13
If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֶמְאַ֗ס
If I did despise
H3988
אֶמְאַ֗ס
If I did despise
Strong's:
H3988
Word #:
2 of 7
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
מִשְׁפַּ֣ט
the cause
H4941
מִשְׁפַּ֣ט
the cause
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures generally granted masters absolute authority over servants. Job's respect for servants' 'cause' (legal right) reflects unusual ethical sensitivity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your treatment of those under your authority reflect your view of God?
- What does Job's social conscience teach about justice?
Analysis & Commentary
Job defends his treatment of servants: 'If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me; What then shall I do when God riseth up?' Job's recognition of servants' rights and divine judgment reveals remarkable social conscience for his era.