Job 31 25

Job 31:25 kjv

If I rejoice because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;

Job 31:25 nkjv

If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, And because my hand had gained much;

Job 31:25 niv

if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained,

Job 31:25 esv

if I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant or because my hand had found much,

Job 31:25 nlt

Have I gloated about my wealth
and all that I own?

Job 31 verses

Job 31 25 Meaning

Job 31:25 describes a potential sin Job asserts he did not commit: rejoicing excessively in his vast wealth or in his own ability to acquire it. It reveals his heart's detachment from material possessions as his ultimate source of joy or security, demonstrating a spiritual uprightness beyond mere outward acts. Job claims his prosperity did not lead to an idolatrous dependence on or glorification of his riches or his own industriousness.

Job 31 25 Context

Job 31 is the climax of Job’s defense, an extended oath of clearance where he lists numerous potential sins he denies having committed. This chapter serves as Job’s powerful assertion of his integrity before God and his accusers. Verse 25 specifically falls within a section where Job addresses potential sins related to his use and attitude toward material possessions, social status, and treatment of others (Job 31:16-28). He is not denying possessing great wealth, but rather denying that his joy or security derived from it, or that he became proud of his own ability to acquire it. This is a critical distinction in his argument, challenging the conventional wisdom of his friends that prosperity inevitably corrupts or signifies righteousness. Job insists his heart remained aligned with God, even amidst unparalleled prosperity. The historical context reflects Ancient Near Eastern societies where wealth was often a prominent indicator of status and divine favor, making Job's stance a profound ethical statement against the common temptations of his era.

Job 31 25 Word analysis

• If (Hebrew: אִם - ’im): This is a conditional particle, introducing a hypothetical scenario. It functions as part of Job’s negative confession, asserting that "If I had done X, then I would deserve Y punishment." It’s a powerful oath form, inviting a curse upon himself if he were lying.

• I rejoiced (Hebrew: אֶשְׂמַח - ’esmaḥ): From the verb שָׂמַח (samaḥ), meaning "to be glad, rejoice, be merry." The imperfect form here suggests a continuous or habitual state of rejoicing. The emphasis is on the inner disposition, the emotional response. Job is not just stating that he had wealth, but that his deep, personal joy was not anchored in it. This contrasts sharply with superficial happiness and points to the heart's true delight.

• because my wealth (Hebrew: כִּי־רַב הוֹנִי - kî-rav hōwnî):

  • because (כִּי - kî): Connective particle, indicating the reason or basis for his rejoicing.
  • my wealth (הוֹנִי - hōnî): From הוֹן (hōn), meaning "wealth, substance, riches." This term refers to material possessions, property, and fortune. It encompasses the entirety of Job’s extraordinary prosperity (Job 1:3).
  • was great (רַב - rav): Meaning "much, many, great, abundant." It signifies the large quantity or magnitude of his possessions.

• and because my hand (Hebrew: כִּי־כַבִּיר מָצְאָה יָדִי - kî-kabbîr mās'â yādî):

  • and because (כִּי - kî): Again, the particle indicating reason.
  • my hand (יָדִי - yādî): "My hand." This is a metonymy, where the hand represents effort, strength, skill, and agency. It implies that Job is denying rejoicing in his own prowess, diligence, or power to accumulate wealth, thereby preventing self-glory.
  • had gained much (מָצְאָה כַּבִּיר - mās'â kabbîr):
    • had gained (מָצְאָה - mās'â): From the verb מָצָא (mātsā’), "to find, obtain, acquire." Here, it specifically means "to find for oneself," hence "to acquire."
    • much (כַּבִּיר - kabbîr): An adverb meaning "much, great, powerful, exceedingly." It emphasizes the significant amount acquired. This phrase refers to Job’s personal achievement and success in increasing his riches.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "If I rejoiced because my wealth was great": This phrase targets the idolatry of wealth itself. Job denies that his emotional well-being and deepest satisfaction were derived from the quantity of his material possessions. It highlights a heart content in God, not dependent on material comfort.
  • "and because my hand had gained much": This addresses the sin of pride in human accomplishment. Job denies finding joy in his own ability or skill in accumulating riches. This points to acknowledging God as the true source of provision and ability, guarding against self-reliance and boasting in one’s own efforts.

Job 31 25 Bonus section

• This verse underscores the internal nature of true piety. While outward actions are important, Job repeatedly points to the inner attitudes of the heart (e.g., Job 31:1-4 on lustful thoughts, 31:7 on unrighteous steps). His declaration regarding wealth confirms that true godliness encompasses even the hidden chambers of the soul where ultimate joy and trust reside.
• Job's statement challenges the simplistic "deeds-consequences" theology held by his friends, which suggested that if he was wealthy, he must have committed some sin with his wealth. Job argues his vast wealth did not corrupt his heart's core loyalty to God, even internally.
• The integrity Job portrays stands as a model for all believers: to steward resources diligently, to give generously, yet never to allow wealth to become a god, an idol of joy, or a source of self-aggrandizement. It’s a powerful counter-narrative to common societal understandings of success.

Job 31 25 Commentary

Job 31:25 provides a profound ethical standard concerning wealth. It's not merely about the possession of wealth but the heart's posture towards it. Job articulates that true righteousness avoids the dual temptations of wealth: finding one’s ultimate joy and security in possessions (materialism), and taking pride in one’s own capacity to acquire them (self-reliance/arrogance). Job implicitly declares that his joy remained rooted in God, and he recognized God's hand in his prosperity. His denial asserts that he did not fall prey to the idolatry of fortune, nor did he allow his success to breed a self-sufficient spirit that overlooked the Divine Giver. This verse emphasizes a detachment from material things that transcends circumstances, reflecting a heart centered on eternal values rather than fleeting earthly gains.