Job 31:26

Job’s Final Appeal · Job 31:1–40
Read Job 31

Translations

Modern
…if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor,
Traditional
If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;
Literal
…if I have seen the light when it shines, or the moon moving in splendor,
Latin
…si vidi solem cum fulgeret, et lunam incedentem clare,

Original

Hebrew
English
…if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor,

Notes

if I have beheld the sun … or the moon: This vow denies violating the first commandment (compare Jeremiah 8:2; 44:17; Ezekiel 8:16; Acts 7:43; Deuteronomy 5:7; see Deuteronomy 4:19; 17:2–7).

The sins of adultery and worshiping the sun and moon had the death penalty (compare 31:1, 9–12). Both were sins that tempted the inner being of a person through the eyes. Judges tried both types of sin in court.

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 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

Glossary

Book of Job

Topics

Idolatry: Denunciations Against Idolatry: Objects of Sun, Moon, and Stars Idolatry: Objects of, Worshipped by Kissing the Hand to Them Integrity: General Scriptures Concerning Moon: Its Light Moon: Worshiped Sun: Worshiped Temptation: Resistance To The Moon: Bright The Moon: Worshipping of Condemned As Atheism