Job 31:20
If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
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
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בֵרֲכ֣וּנִי
have not blessed
H1288
בֵרֲכ֣וּנִי
have not blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
3 of 7
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
Historical Context
Sheep's wool was primary cold-weather clothing in ancient Israel. Job's 7,000 sheep (Job 1:3) produced abundant wool. Providing fleece garments represented significant generosity—these were durable, valuable items, not cast-offs. The blessing of the poor person reflects ancient honor-culture: beneficiaries praised benefactors publicly, enhancing reputation. Yet Job's motivation transcends honor-seeking—he clothed the naked because righteousness demanded it (v. 23).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's giving from his own flocks (personal cost) challenge modern charity that costs us little?
- Do you experience blessing from those you serve, or do you serve with detachment that prevents genuine relationship?
- How does the image of warming the whole person inform holistic ministry that addresses physical and spiritual needs?
Analysis & Commentary
If his loins have not blessed me (אִם־לֹא בֵרְכוּנִי חֲלָצָיו, im-lo berekuni ḥalatsav)—ḥalatsayim (חֲלָצַיִם, loins) metonymically represents the whole person, emphasizing physical warming. The verb barak (בָּרַךְ, bless) shows gratitude expressed by those warmed. Warmed with the fleece of my sheep (וּמִגֵּז כְּבָשַׂי יִתְחַמָּם, u-mi-gez kevasai yitḥammam)—gez (גֵּז, fleece/shearing) indicates Job gave from his own flocks.
Job expects the poor to bless him—not because he demands gratitude but because warm clothing naturally produces thanksgiving. This illustrates 2 Corinthians 9:11-12: giving "causeth through us thanksgiving to God." The specific mention of "fleece of my sheep" shows personal cost—Job gave from his own wealth, not surplus. The warming (ḥamam) has physical and emotional dimensions, anticipating Christ's compassion that warms the whole person (Matthew 9:36).