Job 31:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 31:6
6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.
Chapter Context
Job 31 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, creation, 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 31:6
6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.
Analysis
Job requests: 'Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.' The phrase mo'znei-tsedeq (מֹאזְנֵי־צֶדֶק, even balance) refers to honest, accurate scales. Shakal (שָׁקַל, weighed) means to weigh out or measure. Job invites divine assessment, confident in his innocence. The phrase 'that God may know' uses yada (יָדַע, know), not implying God lacks knowledge but expressing confidence that divine examination will vindicate. Tummah (תֻּמָּה, integrity) means completeness or innocence. Job's confidence in divine scrutiny demonstrates clear conscience.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern imagery frequently used balances/scales for judgment (Egyptian afterlife judgment weighed hearts against feather of truth). Biblical imagery similarly employs weighing for divine judgment (Daniel 5:27). Job's invitation for God to weigh him demonstrates confidence—unlike his friends who assume divine weighing already condemned him. The passage anticipates final judgment when God will weigh all and vindicate the righteous.
Reflection
- What does Job's invitation for divine weighing teach about the confidence a clear conscience brings?
- How should the reality of final judgment affect our daily lives and moral choices?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H433 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Joshua 22:22, 1 Samuel 2:3, Psalms 1:6, 139:23
- Parallel theme: Job 6:2, Proverbs 16:11, Isaiah 26:7, Daniel 5:27, Micah 6:11, Matthew 7:23