Job 31:29
If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 8
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 8
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
וְ֝הִתְעֹרַ֗רְתִּי
me or lifted up
H5782
וְ֝הִתְעֹרַ֗רְתִּי
me or lifted up
Strong's:
H5782
Word #:
5 of 8
to wake (literally or figuratively)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture emphasized honor/shame and vengeance against enemies. Tribal societies especially valued retribution. Job's refusal to rejoice in enemies' downfall radically contradicted cultural norms. His ethic reflected divine character: God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23, 33:11). Job's righteousness anticipated gospel ethics that would command blessing persecutors (Romans 12:14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's refusal to rejoice at enemies' suffering challenge our natural desire for vindication?
- What does this verse teach about the difference between justice (which we should desire) and vengeance (which we should avoid)?
- How can we cultivate Job's compassion toward those who hate us?
Analysis & Commentary
If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me (אִם־אֶשְׂמַח בְּפִיד מְשַׂנְאִי, im-esmach bepid mesanai)—samach (שָׂמַח) means to rejoice, while pid (פִּיד) means destruction or calamity. Sane (שָׂנֵא, hated) indicates one who hates, an enemy. Or lifted up myself when evil found him (וְהִתְעֹרַרְתִּי כִּי־מְצָאוֹ רָע, vehitorerarti ki-metsa'o ra)—hitorer (הִתְעֹרֵר) means to rouse oneself or exult. Job denies schadenfreude, taking pleasure in enemies' suffering.
This remarkable ethical standard anticipates Jesus's teaching to love enemies (Matthew 5:44) and Paul's command not to rejoice in iniquity (1 Corinthians 13:6). Proverbs 24:17-18 warns against rejoicing when enemies fall, lest God be displeased. Job's righteousness exceeded his culture's standards and even anticipated New Covenant ethics. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates that saving grace produces supernatural love—loving those who hate us. Job's character reveals God's standard for righteousness, showing why Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice are necessary—we cannot achieve this level of righteousness on our own.