Job 31:21

Translations

Modern

…if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless because I saw that I had support in the gate,

Traditional

If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:

Literal

…if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, because I saw my help at the gate,

Latin

…si levavi super pupillum manum meam, etiam cum viderem me in porta superiorem:

Original

Hebrew

English

…if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless because I saw that I had support in the gate,

Notes

Job 31:21

I had support in the gate: Job had respect and they regarded him as part of the high class (29:7–10).

Job 31:1–40

Job called down wrong against himself (curses) if he was guilty of the accusations against him. Apart from mentioning idolatry (worship of false gods), Job spoke about how loyal he was to God by focusing on the second half of the Ten Commandments (31:26–27). The summary of these is: “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; Romans 13:9).

Job 29:1–31:40

Job compares his past happiness, honor, and wealth with his current loss of social dignity and divine friendship (chapters 29 and 30). He ends his speech with broad vows of innocence (chapter 31).

Theme notes and profiles

Job’s Innocence

Events

Job's Trial

Related verses

Job 22:9
You sent widows away empty-handed, and the strength of the fatherless was crushed.
Job 29:12
…because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper.
Micah 2:1–2
Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands.
Jeremiah 5:28
They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.
Micah 7:3
Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together.
Ezekiel 22:7
Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed.
Job 6:27
You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.
Job 24:9
The fatherless infant is snatched from the breast; the nursing child of the poor is seized for a debt.
Proverbs 23:10–11
Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

Glossary

Book of Job Curse, Cursed

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Beneficence: Job Integrity: General Scriptures Concerning Love to Man: should be Exhibited, in Visiting the Sick Orphan: General Scriptures Concerning Poor: Kindness To by Job Poor: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Temptation: Resistance To

Job 31:21

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Glossary?

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Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Glossary

Topics