Job 31 36

Job 31:36 kjv

Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.

Job 31:36 nkjv

Surely I would carry it on my shoulder, And bind it on me like a crown;

Job 31:36 niv

Surely I would wear it on my shoulder, I would put it on like a crown.

Job 31:36 esv

Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; I would bind it on me as a crown;

Job 31:36 nlt

I would face the accusation proudly.
I would wear it like a crown.

Job 31 verses

Job 31 36 Meaning

In Job 31:36, Job declares his profound integrity and willingness to confront any charges God might bring against him. He states that if God were to write an indictment outlining his sins, he would not hide it or be ashamed. Instead, he would proudly bear it on his shoulder like a symbol of office and bind it to himself as an honorable crown or precious ornament, confident that the divine examination would ultimately prove his righteousness and vindicate him. It expresses Job's eager anticipation of divine scrutiny, certain that the outcome would be his acquittal.

Job 31 36 Context

Job 31 is the culminating chapter of Job's final and most elaborate defense against the accusations of his three friends. It serves as Job's comprehensive oath of innocence, where he meticulously reviews various societal sins and emphatically denies having committed any of them, effectively challenging God to reveal His specific charges. This entire chapter is Job’s formal plea before God, confidently inviting divine scrutiny and judgment. Verse 36 specifically captures Job's intense desire for a direct divine response, so assured is he of his blamelessness. He longs for God to provide a legal document detailing His charges, not so that Job might hide it in shame, but so he could honor it publicly, convinced that such an examination would serve as the very evidence of his uprightness and eventual vindication. The historical and cultural context includes a legal framework where written accusations were formal and significant. Bearing items on the shoulder or head often symbolized authority, responsibility, or honor. Job’s declaration defiantly challenges the prevailing ancient Near Eastern notion that all suffering is a direct, proportional consequence of personal sin.

Job 31 36 Word analysis

• Surely (אִם לֹא - ʾim loʾ): This Hebrew phrase, though literally meaning "if not," is idiomatically used in solemn oaths and strong assertions, indicating emphatic certainty. It conveys Job’s absolute conviction and eagerness regarding what he states he would do.
• I would carry it (אֶשָּׂאֶנּוּ - ʾeśśāʾennû): Derived from the verb נָשָׂא (nāśāʾ), meaning "to lift," "bear," or "carry." Here, it signifies actively taking something upon oneself. Job's willingness to carry a divine indictment speaks of both his acceptance of the divine examination and his desire for public display, not concealment.
• on my shoulder (עַל שִׁכְמִי - ʿal šikmî): The shoulder (šékem) is traditionally associated with bearing burdens or supporting important objects. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, insignia of office, responsibilities (like keys to a city), or significant declarations were often worn on the shoulder, signifying prominence, public recognition, and the readiness to accept duty.
• I would bind it (אֶעֲקוֹדֶנּוּ - ʾaʿăqôdennû): From the verb עָקַד (ʿāqad), meaning "to bind," "tie up," or "fasten securely." This is the same verb used for binding Isaac in Genesis 22 (the Aqedah). Here, it conveys securing the indictment to himself, making it an integral and visible part of his being, inseparable from his identity.
• on me: This further underscores the deep personal embrace and public embodiment of the potential 'document,' moving beyond mere physical carrying to a statement of self-identification.
• as a crown (כְּצָמִיד - kəṣāmîd): The Hebrew word צָמִיד (ṣāmîd) more precisely means "bracelet," "armband," or a precious chain, an ornament of adornment. While many translations use "crown" to capture the sense of high honor and distinction, ṣāmîd suggests a treasured personal item. Job would wear this document not as a shameful burden but as a prized ornament or a distinguished decoration, transforming a potential mark of accusation into a badge of honor and public vindication.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Surely I would carry it on my shoulder": This phrase paints a picture of an individual bearing something weighty yet openly, rather than concealing it. It suggests Job’s profound confidence in his integrity, welcoming public display of even a potentially incriminating document because he trusts in ultimate vindication. The shoulder, being a visible and prominent part of the body, signifies acceptance and public acknowledgement, like bearing the weight of a position or emblem of status.
• "I would bind it on me as a crown": This expresses an even more profound level of appropriation and honor. The act of binding signifies a permanent, unremovable attachment, and the comparison to a "crown" or "ornament" elevates the potential indictment to a symbol of dignity and pride. Job means that God's formal declaration would, through God's justice, become a testament to his righteousness, celebrated rather than mourned. This transformation underscores Job’s unique stance of defiant trust in his vindication by God himself.

Job 31 36 Bonus section

The textual variation and translation choices for צָמִיד (ṣāmîd) are significant. While "crown" (found in the Septuagint and some prominent English versions like ESV) emphasizes a symbol of royal or noble honor, the more literal meaning of "bracelet" or "armband" (ṣāmîd) suggests a more personal, treasured ornament worn close to the body. This nuance implies an even more intimate and cherished possession than a crown that might be donned for ceremonial purposes. Either interpretation, however, vividly conveys Job's intent: to transform a potential document of condemnation into a prized artifact that publicly affirms his blameless identity. This audacious stance highlights Job's unique courage in directly challenging God to a legal contest, driven by a deep conviction that he lives solely for God's approval and that this divine interaction will paradoxically be the instrument of his full restoration and honor.

Job 31 36 Commentary

Job 31:36 stands as a bold testament to Job’s unwavering integrity and his unshakeable faith in God’s ultimate justice. Far from fearing divine judgment or an itemized list of his supposed sins, Job actually embraces the idea. He paints a powerful picture of carrying and wearing such an indictment not as a crushing burden of shame, but as a distinguished badge of honor. This is not arrogant self-righteousness, but the confident posture of a righteous man, utterly convinced of his uprightness before God. Stripped of all earthly possessions, family, and health, Job remains anchored by his profound trust that when God finally reveals His assessment, it will surprisingly confirm Job’s blamelessness and serve as the ultimate public vindication. This verse encapsulates Job's demand for a direct courtroom confrontation with God, certain that the verdict, however it came, would declare him righteous.

• Example: Think of a citizen falsely accused of a crime, eagerly awaiting their day in court, knowing that the trial will reveal their innocence and clear their name. For such a person, the subpoena is not a mark of shame but the key to their eventual freedom.
• Example: Imagine an artisan whose masterpiece is doubted and critiqued by peers, yet they proudly display all their work, confident that time and genuine evaluation will eventually reveal its true genius and artistry.