Job 31 13

Job 31:13 kjv

If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;

Job 31:13 nkjv

"If I have despised the cause of my male or female servant When they complained against me,

Job 31:13 niv

"If I have denied justice to any of my servants, whether male or female, when they had a grievance against me,

Job 31:13 esv

"If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or my maidservant, when they brought a complaint against me,

Job 31:13 nlt

"If I have been unfair to my male or female servants
when they brought their complaints to me,

Job 31 verses

Job 31 13 Meaning

Job 31:13 states Job's solemn assertion that he has never disregarded or denied the right to justice for his male or female servants, even when they were in contention or dispute with him. This claim underscores his commitment to fair treatment and social justice for all, irrespective of social status, indicating a profound righteousness that extended beyond himself to those under his authority. It is part of his elaborate self-vindication, an oath affirming his blameless character before God.

Job 31 13 Context

Job 31 is the final and climactic section of Job’s impassioned defense, where he solemnly declares his innocence of various transgressions. It functions as an "oath of purgation" or "negative confession," where Job enumerates specific sins he asserts he has not committed, calling on God as his witness and invoking curses upon himself if he is lying. This chapter transitions from Job merely defending himself to issuing a direct challenge to God to reveal any wrongdoing. Verse 13 specifically addresses the realm of social ethics, highlighting his treatment of those beneath him in the social hierarchy. In the historical and cultural context of the ancient Near East, servants were often considered property, with minimal rights or recourse against their masters. Job's assertion therefore goes beyond the expected norms of the time, revealing an advanced moral conscience that valued human dignity over social distinctions. This contrasts sharply with common practices where masters often exploited their dependents, reinforcing Job’s exceptional righteousness.

Job 31 13 Word analysis

• If I have despised: The Hebrew word is `אִם־אֶמְאַס` (ʾim-ʾemʾas), from the root `מאס` (maʾas), meaning "to reject," "to despise," "to loathe," or "to abhor." The phrase implies an active and conscious act of dismissing or treating with contempt. It's not just a passive failure to act, but a deliberate disregard for another's standing or claim.
• the cause: The Hebrew word is `מִשְׁפַּט` (mišpāṭ), which is rich in meaning, encompassing "justice," "judgment," "right," "dispute," or "legal claim." It signifies the objective standard of what is right, a just decision, or the proper due someone deserves. Here, it refers to the legal or moral right of his servants to have their complaints heard and justly settled. Job claims he respected their right to `mišpāṭ`.
• my manservant: The Hebrew word is `עַבְדִּי` (ʿabdi), a singular noun `עֶבֶד` (ʿeved) with a first-person possessive suffix, meaning "my male servant" or "my slave." This term broadly covered a spectrum from chattel slaves to indentured servants or hired laborers, all of whom were dependent.
• or my maidservant: The Hebrew word is `אֲמָתִי` (ʾamāṯî), from `אָמָה` (ʾāmāh), "female servant" or "handmaiden," also with a first-person possessive suffix. In ancient societies, female servants were particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Job's inclusion of them highlights the impartiality of his justice.
• when they contended with me: The Hebrew phrase is `בְּרִיבָם עִמָּדִי` (bĕribām ʿimmādî). `רִיב` (riv) refers to "strife," "contention," "dispute," or "litigation." The preposition `עִמָּדִי` (ʿimmādî) means "with me" or "against me." This phrase is critical; it emphasizes that Job’s impartiality extended even when the servants were in conflict directly with him, their master. This goes beyond general fairness to demonstrate profound humility and an embrace of justice even when personally inconvenient or challenging to his authority.
• words-group analysis: "despised the cause": This phrase captures the essence of denying justice. It's not merely ignoring a complaint, but actively discrediting or rejecting the legitimate claim (`mišpāṭ`) of someone's case. Job asserts he never treated their claims as insignificant or without merit because of their status.
• words-group analysis: "my manservant or my maidservant, when they contended with me": This grouping highlights Job's ethical standard applied to the most vulnerable individuals in his household who dared to dispute with their powerful master. The emphasis is on justice for those in positions of extreme weakness and dependency, even when their claims might challenge Job's own perceived rights or authority. This exemplifies radical integrity and adherence to a higher law than conventional social power dynamics.

Job 31 13 Bonus section

This specific assertion by Job is pivotal because it forms part of his series of "oath-curses" or "conditional self-imprecations" found throughout Job 31. Job is not simply stating a fact but is swearing a solemn oath, invoking a curse upon himself should he be found lying. For example, the very next verses (Job 31:14-15) directly link his ethical treatment of servants to the concept of God as Creator of both master and servant, providing the theological underpinning for his advanced ethical view. "For what then should I do when God rises up? When He visits, what should I answer Him? Did not He who made me in the womb make him? And did not One fashion us in the womb?" This highlights Job's recognition of a common divine origin and an impending divine reckoning, shaping his just actions. Furthermore, this verse can be seen as a polemic against common ANE practices where servants' rights were often negligible or non-existent; Job explicitly sets himself apart by upholding a higher, God-honoring standard of care and justice for even the lowest members of his household.

Job 31 13 Commentary

Job 31:13 stands as a profound testament to Job's exceptional righteousness, portraying a man whose ethical conduct surpassed the prevailing societal norms of his era. By claiming that he never dismissed the "cause" (the legitimate claim or right to justice) of his servants, even when they disputed with him, Job illustrates a justice that is truly impartial and compassionate. This goes beyond mere legalistic adherence; it reflects a heart attuned to the inherent dignity of every individual, irrespective of their social standing as property. This ethical stance is rooted in the belief that an all-seeing God is the ultimate Judge, Who has fashioned both master and servant (Job 31:15). Job's self-vindication thus underscores that true faith manifests in equitable and merciful treatment of all, particularly the vulnerable. His practice aligns with the later biblical mandates for social justice, foreshadowing the divine expectation for fair dealings and challenging power abuses in any relationship.For practical usage, this verse exemplifies:

• Ethical leadership: Leaders and employers should always ensure fairness and hear disputes impartially, even from subordinates, recognizing their inherent worth.
• Impartiality: Justice must not be swayed by status, wealth, or power differentials.
• Compassion for the vulnerable: Our treatment of those dependent on us (economically, socially, or relationally) reflects our true character and aligns with God's heart for justice.