Job 31:22
Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.
Original Language Analysis
כְּ֭תֵפִי
Then let mine arm
H3802
כְּ֭תֵפִי
Then let mine arm
Strong's:
H3802
Word #:
1 of 6
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
תִפּ֑וֹל
fall
H5307
תִפּ֑וֹל
fall
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
3 of 6
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
Historical Context
Ancient curses often invoked bodily dismemberment as punishment (Judges 1:6-7, 1 Samuel 11:2). The arm symbolized strength and action—to lose it meant complete powerlessness, the very state of the orphans Job swore to protect. This poetic justice (losing the arm that oppressed) reflects the principle of equivalent retribution in ancient law codes. Job's self-curse demonstrates that integrity means accepting punishment if guilty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's willingness to invoke dismemberment upon himself reflect the gravity of oppressing the powerless?
- What 'arms' (abilities, resources, influence) might God require you to metaphorically 'lose' if you've misused them?
- How does this severe self-accountability challenge modern tendencies to minimize or excuse harmful actions toward the vulnerable?
Analysis & Commentary
Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade (כְּתֵפִי מִשִּׁכְמָה תִפּוֹל, ketefi mi-shikmah tippol)—katef (כָּתֵף, shoulder) and shekhem (שְׁכֶם, shoulder blade/neck) emphasize the arm's connection point. Mine arm be broken from the bone (וְאֶזְרֹעִי מִקָּנָה תִּשָּׁבֵר, ve-ezro'i mi-qanah tishshaver)—qaneh (קָנֶה, bone/reed) indicates complete severance. Shavar (שָׁבַר, break) conveys violent destruction.
Job invokes measure-for-measure punishment: if he raised his hand against orphans (v. 21), let that hand be torn off. This self-malediction demonstrates absolute confidence in innocence. The specific anatomical detail (shoulder to bone) intensifies the horror. This echoes Jesus's teaching: "If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off" (Matthew 5:30)—better to lose a limb than sin. Job's willingness to be dismembered rather than abuse power reveals the seriousness of oppressing the vulnerable.