Job 31 7

Job 31:7 kjv

If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;

Job 31:7 nkjv

If my step has turned from the way, Or my heart walked after my eyes, Or if any spot adheres to my hands,

Job 31:7 niv

if my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled,

Job 31:7 esv

if my step has turned aside from the way and my heart has gone after my eyes, and if any spot has stuck to my hands,

Job 31:7 nlt

If I have strayed from his pathway,
or if my heart has lusted for what my eyes have seen,
or if I am guilty of any other sin,

Job 31 verses

Job 31 7 Meaning

Job 31:7 is part of Job's elaborate oath of innocence or negative confession before God and his accusers. In this verse, Job firmly denies having deviated from the right path in his conduct, allowing his inner desires (led by his sight) to lead him astray, or committing any actual defiling actions. It represents his assertion of deep personal and moral integrity across the realms of overall conduct, inner desire, and external deeds.

Job 31 7 Context

Job 31:7 is a critical component of Job's grand concluding speech (Job 29-31), particularly in chapter 31, where he offers an extensive negative confession or "oath of purgation." Facing accusations from his friends, Job defends his integrity directly before God. In the ancient Near East, an oath of innocence, sometimes called a "self-curse" or "adjuration," was a solemn declaration of blamelessness before deity, often accompanied by imprecations if the statement was false. Job is essentially challenging God to find fault in his character and conduct. This verse, therefore, highlights Job's deep self-awareness, his high moral standards—which predate the giving of the Mosaic Law—and his confidence in his own righteousness, asserting that he has maintained a comprehensive purity in his life, both externally and internally. The historical context reflects a belief system where suffering was often linked to specific sin, which Job emphatically refutes regarding himself.

Job 31 7 Word analysis

• If (אִם֙, 'im): A conditional particle, introducing a hypothetical scenario that Job vehemently denies. It sets up his oath, "If I have done this, then let X happen to me" (though the consequence is in later verses).
• my step (הֲלִיךְ, halikh): Literally "my going" or "my walk." It metaphorically signifies one's path in life, overall conduct, or manner of living. It speaks to the general direction and pattern of Job's life.
• has turned out of the way (נָטָה, natah): To deviate, incline, or turn aside from a proper path. It implies a departure from what is morally right or commanded by God. The phrase denotes intentional straying from righteous living.
• or (אוֹ, 'o): A disjunctive particle, connecting distinct areas of potential transgression that Job denies.
• my heart (לִבִּי, libbi): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is not just the seat of emotion but the center of one's intellect, will, and moral decision-making. It represents the inner core of a person.
• walked after (הָלַ֣ךְ אַֽחֲרֵי, halakh 'acharei): This phrase means to follow, pursue, or be guided by. Here, it indicates being subservient to or led astray by something, rather than leading oneself righteously.
• my eyes (עֵינַי, 'einay): The physical organs of sight, but often a metaphor for lust, covetousness, or worldly desires. What one sees can incite desire, which then influences the heart.
• or (אוֹ, 'o): Another disjunctive, introducing the third distinct denial.
• any blot (מוּם, mum): This word means blemish, defect, spot, or stain. In this context, it refers to a moral or ceremonial defilement, an imperfection marking one's character or actions.
• has stuck to (דָּבַ֬ק, dabaq): To cling, cleave, be glued to, or adhere closely. It implies a persistent and pervasive attachment or contamination, suggesting an enduring consequence of the actions.
• my hands (כַּפַּ֗י, kappay): Referring to the palms of the hands. Hands symbolize action, deeds, and work. A blot on the hands means actual participation in corrupt, unjust, or sinful deeds.

• my step has turned out of the way: This phrase comprehensively covers one's life direction and general conduct. Job claims his life's trajectory has remained consistently on the path of righteousness, without straying into evil.
• my heart walked after my eyes: This is a profound statement on the internal struggle with temptation. It signifies the danger of allowing one's visual desires (what is seen and coveted) to lead the inner self (the will and affections) into sin. It addresses the internal origin of sinful desires that lead to action.
• any blot has stuck to my hands: This phrase focuses on the external manifestation of sin. It means Job has not committed any tangible, defiling acts or allowed moral impurity to stain his actions or character in a lasting way. This completes the trifecta: overall conduct, internal desires, and external deeds.

Job 31 7 Bonus section

Job's declaration here suggests an understanding of moral law deeply embedded within his conscience, even before the Mosaic Law explicitly articulated commands against lust (Exod 20:17) or general defilement. This aligns with Paul's later concept that a moral law is "written on their hearts" for Gentiles (Rom 2:14-15). The focus on "heart" and "eyes" (Job 31:1, 7) shows a highly advanced moral theology for its time, anticipating Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount about sin originating in the heart and mind (Matt 5:27-28). It highlights that true righteousness extends beyond external conformity to inner purity of thought and intention. Job's detailed self-vindication implicitly recognizes God's omniscience, as only a fully truthful and blameless person could dare make such an expansive oath before the Almighty. It serves as a testament to the profound spiritual awareness Job possessed, pushing beyond societal norms to address the very wellsprings of human sinfulness.

Job 31 7 Commentary

Job 31:7 reveals Job's remarkably high standard of moral integrity, encompassing thought, intention, and action. His declaration denies a broad range of personal failings, emphasizing three interconnected aspects:

1. Deviant Conduct: He denies any overall departure from a righteous path, asserting a consistent walk in integrity.
2. Internal Corruption (Heart and Eyes): He addresses the dangerous link between external stimuli (what one sees) and internal desires (the heart's response), stating he has not allowed lust or covetousness to guide his inner being. This prefigures New Testament teaching on the heart as the source of sin.
3. Defiled Actions: Finally, he denies any specific sinful deeds that would morally stain his hands, symbolizing his actual conduct and interactions in the world.This verse showcases Job's profound self-examination, moving beyond mere outward compliance to an integrity of the heart. His confession is total, covering every avenue through which sin can enter a life: the way one lives, the thoughts and desires within, and the actions one performs. While extraordinary for a human, it sets a standard for striving for comprehensive godliness, acknowledging the inner battle against sin.