Job 31:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 31:11
11 For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.
Chapter Context
Job 31 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, wisdom, covenant. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 31:11
11 For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.
Analysis
This is an heinous crime (כִּי־הִיא זִמָּה, ki-hi zimmah)—the word zimmah denotes premeditated lewdness or a wicked scheme, not mere impulse. It's used in Leviticus 18-20 for sexual abominations worthy of death. An iniquity to be punished by the judges (avon peliylim, עָוֺן פְּלִילִים) identifies adultery as a civil crime requiring judicial punishment, not just private matter.
Job recognizes three dimensions of adultery:
- moral—it's zimmah, deliberate wickedness
- legal—it requires judicial punishment
- theological—it's ultimately sin against God (v. 12).
This comprehensive understanding anticipates Jesus's teaching that lust itself is adultery (Matthew 5:28), showing the heart-level nature of sexual sin. The judges (peliylim) were Israel's covenant enforcers, maintaining community holiness.
Historical Context
Mosaic law prescribed death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22). Unlike surrounding cultures where adultery was primarily a property offense against the husband, Israel viewed it as covenant violation against God. The judges' involvement shows adultery wasn't private morality but public justice. Job's era likely predates Sinai, yet he demonstrates the same moral awareness, suggesting natural law knowledge of sexual boundaries.
Reflection
- How does recognizing adultery as 'zimmah' (premeditated wickedness) challenge modern views of sexual sin as mere weakness?
- What does Job's understanding of accountability to human judges teach about the church's role in addressing sexual immorality?
- How does viewing sexual sin as cosmic covenant-breaking rather than private choice transform our approach to purity?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: עָוֹן (Avon) H5771 - Iniquity, guilt, punishment
Cross-References
- Judgment: Job 31:28
- Parallel theme: Genesis 38:24, Leviticus 20:10