Job 31 24

Job 31:24 kjv

If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;

Job 31:24 nkjv

"If I have made gold my hope, Or said to fine gold, 'You are my confidence';

Job 31:24 niv

"If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, 'You are my security,'

Job 31:24 esv

"If I have made gold my trust or called fine gold my confidence,

Job 31:24 nlt

"Have I put my trust in money
or felt secure because of my gold?

Job 31 verses

Job 31 24 Meaning

Job 31:24 presents Job's fervent declaration that he has not placed his ultimate trust or confidence in material wealth. He asserts that he has never considered gold, in any form, as his primary source of security or the object of his deepest devotion, thus rejecting the idolatry of riches.

Job 31 24 Context

Job 31 forms a pivotal part of Job's final and most extensive self-defense. After his friends' repeated accusations that his suffering must be due to hidden sin, Job, with an intense oath of integrity, enumerates a comprehensive list of specific moral failings he vehemently denies. Each denial (structured as "If I have..." followed by an implied self-curse) showcases his righteous conduct in various spheres: justice, purity, social responsibility, and, as in verse 24, devotion solely to God. This specific verse defends him against the charge of covetousness or idolatry of wealth, a pervasive temptation in all societies. The ancient world, like ours, highly valued wealth as a sign of blessing and power, making the rejection of ultimate trust in gold a significant testament to one's commitment to the divine. Job asserts that despite his immense former wealth, he never allowed it to displace God as the object of his hope and security, aligning himself with divine wisdom against the common worldly pursuit.

Job 31 24 Word analysis

• If (אִם – ʾim): This particle introduces a conditional clause, part of a legal oath. It implies, "If I am guilty of this, then let X calamity befall me," affirming a profound self-imprecation if the stated condition were true.

• I have made (שַׂמְתִּי – śāmtī): From the verb שׂוּם (śûm), meaning "to put, place, set, appoint." Here, it signifies a deliberate, intentional act of placing one's reliance or foundation on something. Job denies actively establishing gold as his security.

• gold (זָהָב – zāhāḇ): Refers to generic gold, a universal symbol of wealth and value. It represents material riches and possessions in general.

• my hope (כִּסְלִי – kisəlī): From כֶּסֶל (kesel), which primarily refers to "loins" or "flanks," but metaphorically denotes "trust," "confidence," "strength," or "security." The idea is that one places confidence in what supports or strengthens them. Job denies finding his core support or strength in wealth.

• or have said (וְלַכֶּתֶם אָמַרְתִּי – wəlakkeṯem ʾāmartī): A strong parallel construction, reiterating the previous thought with a different, often intensified, phrase for "gold." This is Job speaking directly to fine gold, personifying it.

• to the fine gold (לַכֶּתֶם – lakkeṯem): The definite article points to a specific, often purer or more refined type of gold (kethem). Some scholars suggest kethem was a specific red gold alloy, known for its high value. Using both zahab and kethem emphasizes that Job’s non-reliance extended to all forms of precious metals, from common gold to the most valuable.

• Thou art my confidence (מִבְטַחִי – mibṭāḥī): From בֶּטַח (beṭaḥ), meaning "security, safety, trust." This word highlights refuge, reliance, and the ultimate sense of being safe. Job denies granting gold the place of his ultimate security and refuge, a role reserved for God alone. The direct address, "Thou art my confidence," further underscores the personal relationship of trust that Job explicitly denies having with gold.

• "made gold my hope" / "said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence": These phrases are a clear example of synonymous parallelism, typical of Hebrew poetry. They reinforce the central idea of prioritizing material wealth over divine reliance. The personification of "gold" as something Job would address reveals the depth of the spiritual misdirection that trust in riches represents – making an inanimate object one's deity or ultimate security. This verbal confession would be the highest form of dedication. It is a direct polemic against the pervasive ancient practice of deifying sources of prosperity and power, where specific gods were associated with wealth. Job distances himself from such practices, affirming exclusive devotion to the one true God.

Job 31 24 Bonus section

• Job's insight here is remarkably advanced for his time, predating explicit Old Testament laws and New Testament teachings on covetousness as idolatry. His spiritual understanding reaches beyond superficial obedience to the motivations of the heart.
• The twin Hebrew words kiseli and mibṭaḥi (hope/confidence) highlight the complete internal surrender of trust. Kiseli often connotes inward support or backbone, while mibṭaḥi indicates outward reliance or a place of safety. Job denies both to wealth.
• This verse illustrates a key distinction between possessing wealth (which Job did in abundance before his trials) and being possessed by wealth. Job's integrity is shown in his ability to be wealthy without letting wealth define his trust or identity.

Job 31 24 Commentary

Job's declaration in verse 24 is a profound statement against the idolatry of wealth. He asserts that he has never considered gold, whether common or refined, as his ultimate hope, source of confidence, or security. This goes beyond merely not possessing wealth; it's a testament to his heart's true devotion. Placing "hope" or declaring "confidence" in gold is a spiritual act, essentially granting it the attributes of God: stability, provision, and ultimate refuge. Job meticulously defends himself by demonstrating his internal spiritual integrity, not just external ethical conduct. He implicitly understands that the desire and reliance on material gain, often called mammon, can usurp the rightful place of God in one's life. His steadfast refusal to elevate riches to a divine status is a key marker of his blamelessness before God, highlighting a truly spiritual walk rooted in the knowledge that all provision and security ultimately flow from the Creator, not creation. This stance anticipates and reflects the deeper warnings against covetousness found throughout Scripture.