Job 31:21
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
הֲנִיפ֣וֹתִי
If I have lifted up
H5130
הֲנִיפ֣וֹתִי
If I have lifted up
Strong's:
H5130
Word #:
2 of 9
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יָדִ֑י
my hand
H3027
יָדִ֑י
my hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
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
אֶרְאֶ֥ה
when I saw
H7200
אֶרְאֶ֥ה
when I saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
7 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
Historical Context
The gate was ancient Israel's courthouse where elders adjudicated disputes (Deuteronomy 21:19, 22:15, Ruth 4:1-11). Those with property and social standing had 'help in the gate'—allies who would side with them. Orphans lacked such advocates, making them easy targets for legal exploitation. Amos denounced those who 'turn aside the poor in the gate from their right' (Amos 5:12). Job's integrity meant he used his influence to protect, not exploit, the powerless.
Questions for Reflection
- How might you be 'lifting your hand against the fatherless' through systemic participation in unjust structures?
- Do you use your influence 'in the gate' (workplace, church, community) to advocate for the powerless or advance self-interest?
- What does Job's example teach about Christians' responsibility to oppose legal and institutional injustice?
Analysis & Commentary
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless (אִם־הֲנִיפוֹתִי עַל־יָתוֹם יָדִי, im-hanifoti al-yatom yadi)—nuf (נוּף, lift up/wave) suggests threatening gestures or violence. When I saw my help in the gate (כִּי־אֶרְאֶה בַשַּׁעַר עֶזְרָתִי, ki-er'eh va-sha'ar ezrati)—sha'ar (שַׁעַר, gate) was where legal proceedings occurred. Ezrah (עֶזְרָה, help/support) indicates Job's influential position.
This condemns exploitation through legal corruption—using influence in the gate to oppress those without advocates. The orphan represents powerlessness; the gate represents power structures. Job declares he never weaponized his civic influence against the vulnerable. This anticipates Jesus's woe against scribes who "devour widows' houses" (Mark 12:40) and James's denunciation of favoring the rich in assembly (James 2:1-9). Proverbs 31:8-9 commands the opposite: "Open thy mouth for the dumb... plead the cause of the poor and needy."