Job 31 26

Job 31:26 kjv

If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;

Job 31:26 nkjv

If I have observed the sun when it shines, Or the moon moving in brightness,

Job 31:26 niv

if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor,

Job 31:26 esv

if I have looked at the sun when it shone, or the moon moving in splendor,

Job 31:26 nlt

"Have I looked at the sun shining in the skies,
or the moon walking down its silver pathway,

Job 31 verses

Job 31 26 Meaning

Job 31:26 expresses Job's declaration of innocence regarding celestial idolatry. He asserts that he has never gazed at the sun or the moon with adoration that would lead his heart to be enticed or his hand to offer a gesture of worship, which was a common form of pagan practice in the ancient Near East. This statement highlights Job's deep devotion to the one true God and his commitment to internal purity, not just external conformity.

Job 31 26 Context

Job 31 stands as the climactic and final oath of purgation from Job. Throughout the chapter, Job lists a series of hypothetical sins that he has emphatically not committed, calling on God to punish him severely if he were found guilty of any. This is his final, elaborate defense of his righteousness against the accusations of his friends, who insisted his suffering must be due to hidden sin. He touches upon ethical purity, justice, care for the vulnerable, honesty, and importantly, against idolatry. Verses 26-28 specifically deal with celestial worship, a prevalent practice among pagan cultures surrounding ancient Israel. Job is asserting his unwavering monotheism in a polytheistic world, emphasizing his heart's true devotion to the Creator and not His creation.

Job 31 26 Word analysis

• If (אִם - 'im): A conditional particle, introducing a hypothetical situation. Job states that if he had committed this sin, he would deserve punishment, implying he absolutely has not.
• I beheld (רָאִיתִי - ra'iti): From the verb ra'ah (to see). More than casual looking; it implies a steady gaze, observing with interest, possibly with admiration or consideration for worship.
• the light (אֳוֹר - 'or): Referring to the sun. In Hebrew poetry, "light" often denotes the sun. This highlights the inherent beauty and majesty of the sun that could tempt one to worship it.
• when it shone (יָהֵל - yahel): From halal, meaning "to shine, glitter, be radiant." Describes the sun's brilliance, making it an awe-inspiring object. This accentuates the alluring power of its appearance.
• or the moon (יָרֵחַ - yareakh): The nocturnal counterpart to the sun, equally (or even more so, depending on culture) an object of pagan veneration. Its gentle, consistent presence was also seen as divine.
• walking (הוֹלֵךְ - holekh): Here describing the moon's majestic movement across the sky, suggesting its perceived control or influence.
• in splendor (בִּיקָר - biyqar): From yaqar, meaning "precious, splendid, glorious, honored, weighty." Describes the moon's awe-inspiring beauty and dignity, adding to its potential as an object of worship.
• and my heart (וַיִּפְתְּ - wayift...): From patash meaning "to entice, persuade, deceive." The וַיִּפְתְּ (wayifto) with the לְבָבִי (levavi - my heart) following literally translates to "and my heart was enticed/deceived."
• was enticed (לְבָבִי - levavi): Levavi is "my heart," the seat of intellect, will, and emotion in biblical thought. The enticement is internal, suggesting a willingness or yielding to the forbidden desire. This emphasizes the sin beginning internally before external action.
• and my hand (יָדִי - yadi): The instrument of outward action and religious gesture.
• kissed my mouth (לְפִי נָשְׁקָה - lephi nashqa): This is a direct reference to an ancient form of idolatrous worship. A kiss, either with one's hand covering one's mouth and blowing a kiss towards the idol, or literally kissing the image/hand. It signifies homage, reverence, and devotion to the perceived deity. In Job's context, it refers to an act of direct reverence or adoration directed toward the sun or moon. This action sealed the internal enticement into a public, tangible act of worship.

Job 31 26 Bonus section

The practice of kissing one's hand towards an object of veneration was a common ritual gesture in many ancient pagan cultures, serving as a sign of respect, reverence, or worship, particularly towards celestial bodies or idols. Job's explicit mention of this act demonstrates his precise awareness of specific idolatrous practices of his time and his complete rejection of them. This highlights that his piety was not ignorant, but a conscious choice to set himself apart in faithfulness to God alone. Job's words stand as a direct polemic against the surrounding Qaraite and Sabean moon-worshippers or general astral religions that dominated the region. By proclaiming his innocence regarding celestial worship, Job affirms the unique transcendence of the Creator over all creation, rejecting the deification of natural phenomena. His integrity extended not just to visible social and ethical behaviors, but also to the innermost movements of his heart and the private expressions of his devotion.

Job 31 26 Commentary

Job's declaration in verse 26 serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering monotheistic faith in a world rife with polytheism and nature worship. By specifically refuting the sin of celestial idolatry – revering the sun and moon – Job addresses one of the most widespread and culturally tempting forms of false worship in the ancient Near East. His emphasis on his "heart being enticed" underscores that his integrity goes beyond mere external observance; his internal affections and desires were aligned solely with God. The accompanying gesture of "hand kissing" reinforces the transformation of internal inclination into a definitive act of worship, making the sin complete. Job implies that such a transgression, even if not fully articulated, would be a profound act of unfaithfulness to God, warranting severe judgment as he notes in the subsequent verse. It is a profound assertion of a pure heart before the living God, resisting the common practice of exalting the creation above the Creator. This purity anticipates the New Testament's emphasis on sin originating in the heart and requiring spiritual, not just ritual, purity.