Job 31:4
Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
Original Language Analysis
הֲלֹא
H3808
הֲלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ה֭וּא
H1931
ה֭וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 7
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִרְאֶ֣ה
Doth not he see
H7200
יִרְאֶ֣ה
Doth not he see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
דְרָכָ֑י
my ways
H1870
דְרָכָ֑י
my ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְֽכָל
H3605
וְֽכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Job 34:21For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.2 Chronicles 16:9For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.Proverbs 5:21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.Job 14:16For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?Proverbs 15:3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.Jeremiah 32:19Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:Jeremiah 16:17For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.Genesis 16:13And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.Psalms 44:21Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern religions included divine surveillance concepts—Egyptian Ma'at weighing hearts, Mesopotamian gods recording deeds. However, biblical omniscience is unique in its comprehensiveness and personal nature. God doesn't merely observe behavior but knows thoughts and motives. Job's appeal to divine omniscience reflects covenantal theology where God witnesses oaths and judges righteously (Genesis 31:50, Malachi 2:14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does awareness of God's omniscience transform our behavior in private versus public settings?
- What is the relationship between God's all-seeing eye and genuine Christian freedom?
- How should God's comprehensive knowledge of our steps encourage us when falsely accused or misunderstood?
Analysis & Commentary
Job appeals to divine omniscience: "Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?" The verb ra'ah (רָאָה, "see") means comprehensive observation. The verb saphar (סָפַר, "count") means to number or recount—God's knowledge is exhaustive, not general. Job invokes God's all-seeing eye as witness to his integrity. This theological conviction—divine omniscience—undergirds all biblical ethics. God sees not only actions but motives (1 Samuel 16:7, Hebrews 4:13). From a Reformed perspective, God's omniscience serves dual purposes: comfort for the innocent (God knows the truth) and warning for the guilty (nothing is hidden). Job's confidence that God sees his ways demonstrates genuine integrity—he's not merely concerned with human reputation but divine evaluation. This anticipates Jesus' teaching about practicing righteousness "before your Father which seeth in secret" (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18). True piety cares about God's assessment, not human applause.