Job 31:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 31:14
14 What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?
Chapter Context
Job 31 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, discipleship, faith. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 31:14
14 What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?
Analysis
What then shall I do when God riseth up? (וּמָה אֶעֱשֶׂה כִּי־יָקוּם אֵל, u-mah e'eseh ki-yaqum El)—the verb yaqum (יָקוּם, riseth up) portrays God arising as judge, echoing Psalm 82:8: "Arise, O God, judge the earth." When he visiteth (yifqod, יִפְקֹד) means to inspect, number, or hold accountable—the same term used for divine visitation in judgment or blessing (Exodus 32:34, Jeremiah 6:15).
Job shifts from horizontal accountability (judges, v. 11) to vertical accountability (God). This rhetorical question admits no answer—when God investigates sin, human excuses evaporate. The verse reveals Job's God-consciousness: his primary deterrent to sin wasn't social shame or legal penalty but standing before the Holy One. This anticipates Hebrews 4:13: "Neither 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."
Historical Context
The concept of divine visitation (pequddah) pervades Hebrew thought—God actively inspects human affairs. Unlike pagan deities preoccupied with cosmic battles, Yahweh is intimately involved in moral governance. Job's question reflects covenant theology: God will investigate His people's faithfulness. The forensic imagery (God rising as judge) anticipates the final judgment, when every secret thing will be revealed (Ecclesiastes 12:14, Romans 2:16).
Reflection
- How does cultivating awareness of God's future 'visitation' guard against present temptation?
- What answer can you give when God arises to examine your treatment of the vulnerable (Job's concern in vv. 13-23)?
- How does Job's vertical accountability challenge modern compartmentalization between private behavior and public faith?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H410 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Romans 3:19
- Parallel theme: James 2:13