Job 31:23

Authorized King James Version

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For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פַ֣חַד was a terror H6343
פַ֣חַד was a terror
Strong's: H6343
Word #: 2 of 8
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
אֵ֭לַי H413
אֵ֭לַי
Strong's: H413
Word #: 3 of 8
near, with or among; often in general, to
אֵ֣יד For destruction H343
אֵ֣יד For destruction
Strong's: H343
Word #: 4 of 8
oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin
אֵ֑ל from God H410
אֵ֑ל from God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 5 of 8
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וּ֝מִשְּׂאֵת֗וֹ to me and by reason of his highness H7613
וּ֝מִשְּׂאֵת֗וֹ to me and by reason of his highness
Strong's: H7613
Word #: 6 of 8
an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אוּכָֽל׃ I could H3201
אוּכָֽל׃ I could
Strong's: H3201
Word #: 8 of 8
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

Analysis & Commentary

For destruction from God was a terror to me (כִּי פַחַד אֵלַי אֵיד אֵל, ki faḥad elay eid El)—faḥad (פַּחַד, terror/dread) and eid (אֵיד, calamity/destruction) are stacked for emphasis. By reason of his highness I could not endure (וּמִשְּׂאֵתוֹ לֹא אוּכָל, u-mi-se'eto lo ukhal)—se'et (שְׂאֵת, majesty/exaltation) emphasizes God's transcendent holiness. Yakol (יָכֹל, able/endure) appears in negative: Job could not bear to sin against such a God.

This verse reveals Job's ultimate motivation: fear of the Lord, which is "the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). Job didn't refrain from oppressing orphans merely from humanitarianism but from terror of God's judgment and inability to sin against His holiness. This anticipates the NT teaching that we work out salvation "with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12) and that it is "a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31). Job's godly fear produced righteous living.

Historical Context

The concept of fear of the Lord pervades Hebrew wisdom literature (Job 28:28, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7). This isn't servile terror but reverent awe before God's holiness, power, and justice. Job's fear motivated obedience—he knew that God sees all (v. 4) and will judge (v. 14). This theocentric ethic contrasts with humanistic morality grounded in social contract or utility. Job's righteousness flowed from relationship with a holy God.

Questions for Reflection