Job 31:25
If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;
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
אֶ֭שְׂמַח
If I rejoiced
H8055
אֶ֭שְׂמַח
If I rejoiced
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
2 of 9
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רַ֣ב
was great
H7227
רַ֣ב
was great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
4 of 9
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
חֵילִ֑י
because my wealth
H2428
חֵילִ֑י
because my wealth
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
5 of 9
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
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
כַ֝בִּ֗יר
much
H3524
כַ֝בִּ֗יר
much
Strong's:
H3524
Word #:
7 of 9
vast, whether in extent (figuratively, of power, mighty; of time, aged), or in number, many
Historical Context
Job's wealth (7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 oxen, 500 donkeys—Job 1:3) made him the greatest man of the East. Ancient Near Eastern cultures viewed wealth as divine favor. Job's oath demonstrates he didn't confuse God's blessing with God Himself. This counters the prosperity theology his friends assumed—that wealth proves righteousness and poverty proves sin. Job enjoyed material blessing without making it ultimate.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern the difference between enjoying wealth as God's gift versus rejoicing in wealth itself?
- What does Job's self-examination teach about the subtle idolatry of self-sufficiency?
- How does gratitude to God for provision protect against the spiritual danger of wealth?
Analysis & Commentary
If I rejoiced because my wealth was great (שָׂמַחְתִּי כִּי־רַב חֵילִי, samachti ki-rab cheili)—Job denies the sin of rejoicing in wealth rather than in God who gave it. The verb samach (שָׂמַח) means to rejoice or exult, while chayil (חַיִל) refers to wealth, resources, or power. The phrase because mine hand had gotten much uses matsa (מָצָא, gotten/found), suggesting self-sufficiency—the delusion that wealth comes from our own effort rather than God's blessing.
Jesus warned that riches choke the word (Mark 4:19) and make entering the kingdom difficult (Matthew 19:23-24). Paul commanded Timothy to warn the wealthy not to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God (1 Timothy 6:17). Job's self-examination reveals a man who possessed vast wealth without falling into the soul-destroying trap of loving it. This distinguishes between enjoying God's gifts gratefully and making them functional idols. The Reformed tradition emphasizes coram Deo living—all of life under God's gaze. Job lived this way, stewarding wealth without worshiping it.