Job 31:14

Authorized King James Version

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What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?

Original Language Analysis

וּמָ֣ה H4100
וּמָ֣ה
Strong's: H4100
Word #: 1 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אֶֽ֭עֱשֶׂה What then shall I do H6213
אֶֽ֭עֱשֶׂה What then shall I do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 2 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָק֣וּם riseth up H6965
יָק֣וּם riseth up
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 4 of 9
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֵ֑ל when God H410
אֵ֑ל when God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 5 of 9
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וְכִֽי H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 6 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִ֝פְקֹ֗ד and when he visiteth H6485
יִ֝פְקֹ֗ד and when he visiteth
Strong's: H6485
Word #: 7 of 9
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
מָ֣ה H4100
מָ֣ה
Strong's: H4100
Word #: 8 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אֲשִׁיבֶֽנּוּ׃ what shall I answer H7725
אֲשִׁיבֶֽנּוּ׃ what shall I answer
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 9 of 9
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Analysis & Commentary

What then shall I do when God riseth up? (וּמָה אֶעֱשֶׂה כִּי־יָקוּם אֵל, u-mah e'eseh ki-yaqum El)—the verb yaqum (יָקוּם, riseth up) portrays God arising as judge, echoing Psalm 82:8: "Arise, O God, judge the earth." When he visiteth (yifqod, יִפְקֹד) means to inspect, number, or hold accountable—the same term used for divine visitation in judgment or blessing (Exodus 32:34, Jeremiah 6:15).

Job shifts from horizontal accountability (judges, v. 11) to vertical accountability (God). This rhetorical question admits no answer—when God investigates sin, human excuses evaporate. The verse reveals Job's God-consciousness: his primary deterrent to sin wasn't social shame or legal penalty but standing before the Holy One. This anticipates Hebrews 4:13: "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."

Historical Context

The concept of divine visitation (pequddah) pervades Hebrew thought—God actively inspects human affairs. Unlike pagan deities preoccupied with cosmic battles, Yahweh is intimately involved in moral governance. Job's question reflects covenant theology: God will investigate His people's faithfulness. The forensic imagery (God rising as judge) anticipates the final judgment, when every secret thing will be revealed (Ecclesiastes 12:14, Romans 2:16).

Questions for Reflection