Job 31:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 31:7
7 If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;
Chapter Context
Job 31 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, judgment, 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 31:7
7 If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;
Analysis
If my step hath turned out of the way (אִם תִּטֶּה אַשֻּׁרִי מִנִּי הַדָּרֶךְ, im titteh ashuri minni haderech)—Natah (turned aside, declined) with ashur (step, walk) from derech (the way, the path) describes moral deviation from God's prescribed course. Deuteronomy repeatedly warns against turning 'to the right hand or to the left' (Deuteronomy 5:32).
Mine heart walked after mine eyes (וְאַחַר עֵינַי הָלַךְ לִבִּי, ve'achar einai halach libbi)—This phrase reverses proper order: the lev (heart, will) should govern the eyes, but Job asks if his heart followed his eyes lustfully. Numbers 15:39 warns against 'following your own heart and eyes' into adultery. Job claims his eyes didn't lead his heart into coveting (compare Job 31:1, the covenant with his eyes).
If any blot hath cleaved to mine hands (וּבְכַפַּי דָּבַק מוּם, uvechappai davak mum)—Davak (cleaved, clung) describes persistent attachment. Mum (blot, spot, blemish) is used of physical defects disqualifying priests (Leviticus 21:17-23). Job asks if moral contamination has adhered to his hands, the instruments of action.
Historical Context
The 'way' (derech) was a central biblical metaphor for covenant faithfulness—the Torah was the path to life. Clean hands symbolized moral innocence in temple worship (Psalm 24:4). The progression—step, heart, eyes, hands—traces sin from inception (wandering) through desire (heart following eyes) to action (blot on hands). This follows wisdom literature's psychology of temptation.
Reflection
- How does the heart 'walking after the eyes' describe the progression of covetousness and lust?
- What 'blots' might cling to your hands from compromises you've rationalized as necessary?
- In what ways has your 'step turned from the way' without dramatic rebellion—just gradual drift?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Numbers 15:39, Ecclesiastes 11:9, Matthew 5:29