Job 31:19
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֶרְאֶ֣ה
If I have seen
H7200
אֶרְאֶ֣ה
If I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 8
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
א֭וֹבֵד
any perish
H6
א֭וֹבֵד
any perish
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
מִבְּלִ֣י
H1097
מִבְּלִ֣י
Strong's:
H1097
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
לְב֑וּשׁ
for want of clothing
H3830
לְב֑וּשׁ
for want of clothing
Strong's:
H3830
Word #:
5 of 8
a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
Historical Context
In the ancient Near East, exposure killed. Nights in Judean hill country dropped to freezing; lack of clothing meant death. The Torah required returning a poor man's cloak by sunset (Exodus 22:26-27, Deuteronomy 24:12-13) because it was his only covering. Job's provision of clothing demonstrated life-saving compassion. His wealth (7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels) meant he had abundant wool and resources to clothe the naked.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's active seeking of those 'perishing for want of clothing' challenge passive Christianity that waits for needs to appear?
- What modern equivalents of 'clothing the naked' might God be calling you to address in your community?
- How does Job's example inform the church's understanding of material care as integral to gospel witness?
Analysis & Commentary
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing (אִם־אֶרְאֶה אוֹבֵד מִבְּלִי לְבוּשׁ, im-er'eh oved mib-bli levush)—oved (אוֹבֵד, perish) is a participle indicating ongoing suffering. Any poor without covering (וְאֵין כְּסוּת לָאֶבְיוֹן, ve-ein kesut la-evyon)—evyon (אֶבְיוֹן, poor/needy) appears 61 times in Scripture, denoting the destitute. Kesut (כְּסוּת) means covering or garment, basic protection.
Job addresses the second basic human need (after food, v. 17)—clothing. This anticipates Jesus's teaching: "I was naked, and ye clothed me" (Matthew 25:36). The conditional "if I have seen" implies active looking—Job sought out those in need rather than avoiding them. Isaiah 58:7 commands: "When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him." Job's righteousness wasn't passive non-harm but active intervention, foreshadowing the Good Samaritan's compassion (Luke 10:33-35).