Job 31 19

Job 31:19 kjv

If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;

Job 31:19 nkjv

If I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing, Or any poor man without covering;

Job 31:19 niv

if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing, or the needy without garments,

Job 31:19 esv

if I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing, or the needy without covering,

Job 31:19 nlt

Whenever I saw the homeless without clothes
and the needy with nothing to wear,

Job 31 verses

Job 31 19 Meaning

Job 31:19 is part of Job’s solemn oath of innocence, where he meticulously lists various sins he denies having committed. In this verse, Job specifically asserts that he has never disregarded or ignored the desperate plight of the poor and needy who were on the brink of death due to a lack of basic clothing or protection from the elements. It expresses his claim to active compassion and responsibility towards the most vulnerable in society, rather than being indifferent to their suffering and destitution.

Job 31 19 Context

Job 31 constitutes Job's profound final monologue and defense. It is a sworn declaration of innocence, an elaborate negative confession where Job systematically details the various ethical and social sins he asserts he has not committed, even claiming that he would be deserving of severe divine punishment if he had done such things. He essentially places himself before the bar of divine justice, challenging God to find fault in his conduct. Verse 19 specifically falls within a section where Job addresses his dealings with others, particularly the vulnerable. He denies neglect of the poor, the orphan, and the widow, asserting that his prosperity did not lead to indifference but fueled his active righteousness and charity, contrary to the accusations leveled against him by his friends (e.g., Eliphaz in Job 22). This chapter showcases Job’s self-awareness of his integrity according to the highest moral and social standards of his time.

Job 31 19 Word analysis

• if I have seen (אִם־אֶרְאֶה 'im-'er'eh): This phrase introduces a conditional clause, part of Job's oath of self-imprecation. The "if" implies "if I have ever done/been this, then may something terrible happen to me." The verb 'er'eh signifies active observation and awareness. Job is asserting that he not only observed but also acted in compassion, as the rest of the verse and following verses (Job 31:20) imply he clothed them. This is not mere passive seeing but seeing and being confronted by the desperate plight.
• anyone perish (אָבֵד 'āvēḏ): The Hebrew verb means to perish, be lost, destroyed, or die. It emphasizes the dire consequence of lack, portraying a person suffering extreme distress and potentially facing death due to destitution. This highlights the severity of the situation Job is denying indifference to, extending beyond mere discomfort to life-threatening need.
• for lack of clothing (מִבְּלִי לְבוּשׁ mibbə·lî lə·ḇūš): "מִבְּלִי" (mibbəli) means "from without," indicating the direct cause of perishing. "לְבוּשׁ" (lĕbhûsh) is a general term for clothing. In the ancient world, clothing was essential for protection from extreme temperatures (cold nights, hot days) and for maintaining basic dignity. To "perish for lack of clothing" signifies total destitution, exposed and vulnerable to the elements and social degradation.
• or a needy person (אֶבְיוֹן 'eḇyôn): This Hebrew term refers to a person who is truly destitute, one who lacks the most basic necessities for living and is dependent on the charity of others. Unlike "poor" (rash), which could indicate a lower social status, 'eḇyôn carries a stronger connotation of absolute want and vulnerability, often linked with God's special care and concern.
• without a covering (כְּסוּת kə·sūṯ): Similar to "clothing," this term refers to a garment or covering. Its inclusion alongside "clothing" might add emphasis or signify a complete lack of protective wear, ensuring Job covers all forms of nakedness and exposure. It encompasses both the practical function of protection and the social function of preserving dignity.

• "if I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing": This phrase introduces the specific act of alleged negligence. Job asserts he never witnessed such extreme destitution (resulting in perishing) due to lack of clothing without intervening. His statement is a claim to having a watchful eye and a heart that responded to desperate physical needs.
• "or a needy person without a covering": This is a parallelism reinforcing the previous statement. The "needy person" (evyon) specifically highlights the object of his compassion – the truly dependent and vulnerable. The "covering" underscores the absolute necessity of protective garments in a harsh climate for survival and decency. The phrase points to Job's ethical awareness of, and active response to, the complete physical vulnerability of others.

Job 31 19 Bonus section

Job's declaration in verse 19, alongside verse 20 where he mentions their loins blessing him for his sheep's fleece, paints a picture of practical, proactive care. His ethical framework did not allow for passive observation of suffering. The use of terms like "perish" (אָבֵד) signifies the life-and-death stakes involved, emphasizing the profound need he addressed. This chapter underscores the societal expectations of justice and mercy towards the poor within ancient Israelite and surrounding cultures. While Job expresses his own works, his understanding of true righteousness profoundly mirrors God’s own character as the Defender of the poor and needy. It challenges individuals in any era to consider whether their wealth or position creates a barrier to recognizing and responding to the fundamental human needs of others.

Job 31 19 Commentary

Job 31:19 is a profound statement of Job's ethical character, serving as a testament to his practical righteousness. It's part of a meticulously crafted legal defense before God, where Job presents a "negative confession" – a list of severe moral failings he has demonstrably not committed. This verse highlights his assertion of active compassion; he denies having witnessed anyone in life-threatening destitution due to lack of clothing or covering without providing aid. In an ancient society where survival depended heavily on basic necessities like garments for warmth and protection, indifference to such a plight was considered a grave sin, often condemned by prophets and wise men. Job's denial here stands in stark contrast to accusations potentially hurled at the prosperous who neglect the poor, and importantly, it implicitly refutes any insinuation that he was harsh or unfeeling, such as the direct accusation by Eliphaz in Job 22:6. This verse reveals Job's profound understanding that true piety extends beyond ritual adherence to practical, tangible care for the most vulnerable, aligning with divine expectations for a just and righteous life, a principle echoed throughout the Old and New Testaments.