Job 31:36
Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.
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
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שִׁ֭כְמִי
it upon my shoulder
H7926
שִׁ֭כְמִי
it upon my shoulder
Strong's:
H7926
Word #:
4 of 8
the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern legal documents included formal written charges. Job's request (v. 35) for his adversary to document accusations reflects legal procedure. His claim he would wear these charges as a crown demonstrates absolute confidence. In honor/shame culture, public shame was devastating. Job's willingness to publicly display charges against him—confident they would vindicate rather than condemn—demonstrates extraordinary assurance of innocence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's confidence before divine examination challenge us to examine whether we're hiding anything from God?
- What does Job's desire to wear accusations as a crown teach about the relationship between integrity and confidence?
- How does Christ's righteousness give believers confidence similar to Job's when facing divine judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me (עַל־שִׁכְמִי אֶשָּׂאֶנּוּ אֶעֱנְדֶנּוּ עֲטָרוֹת לִי, al-shikhmi essa'ennu e'endenu atarot li)—shekem (שְׁכֶם) means shoulder, nasa (נָשָׂא) means to carry or bear, anad (עָנַד) means to bind or tie, and atarah (עֲטָרָה) means crown or wreath. Job responds to his wish (v. 35) that his adversary would write formal charges. If God documented the accusations, Job would carry them proudly like a crown rather than shamefully.
This stunning statement reveals Job's confidence in his integrity. Most would fear divine indictment, but Job welcomes it because he knows specific charges would vindicate rather than condemn him. The imagery of carrying accusations on the shoulder (publicly visible) and as a crown (honorable ornament) demonstrates zero fear of exposure. Psalm 139:23-24 expresses similar confidence, inviting God to search the heart and reveal any offensive way. From a Reformed perspective, Job's bold invitation for divine examination anticipates believers' confidence in Christ's righteousness. Though we cannot stand before God on our own merit, those clothed in Christ's righteousness can face judgment confidently (Romans 8:1, 33-34).