Job 31:23

Translations

Modern

For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower.

Traditional

For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.

Literal

For a calamity from God is dread to me, and His majesty I cannot overpower.

Latin

Semper enim quasi tumentes super me fluctus timui Deum, et pondus ejus ferre non potui.

Original

Hebrew

English

For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower.

Notes

Job 31:22–23

If someone used an arm for a sinful action, having it torn from its socket would be a fitting punishment (31:21). This would be better than encountering God's judgment (compare Matthew 5:28–30).

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 13:11
Would His majesty not terrify you? Would the dread of Him not fall upon you?
Psalm 119:120
My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments.
2 Corinthians 5:11
Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
Isaiah 13:6
Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty.
Psalm 76:7
You alone are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You?
Job 40:9
Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His?
Genesis 39:9
No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”
Joel 1:15
Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty.
Job 42:5–6
My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You.
Job 21:20
Let his eyes see his own destruction; let him drink for himself the wrath of the Almighty.
Job 20:23
When he has filled his stomach, God will vent His fury upon him, raining it down on him as he eats.

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

Book of Job

Topics

Beneficence: Job Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Integrity: General Scriptures Concerning Temptation: Resistance To

Job 31:23

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