Job 31:28

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Job 31
  4. Job 31:28

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Job 1 Job 2 Job 3 Job 4 Job 5 Job 6 Job 7 Job 8 Job 9 Job 10 Job 11 Job 12 Job 13 Job 14 Job 15 Job 16 Job 17 Job 18 Job 19 Job 20 Job 21 Job 22 Job 23 Job 24 Job 25 Job 26 Job 27 Job 28 Job 29 Job 30 Job 31 Job 32 Job 33 Job 34 Job 35 Job 36 Job 37 Job 38 Job 39 Job 40 Job 41 Job 42

Verse

Job 31:1 Job 31:2 Job 31:3 Job 31:4 Job 31:5 Job 31:6 Job 31:7 Job 31:8 Job 31:9 Job 31:10 Job 31:11 Job 31:12 Job 31:13 Job 31:14 Job 31:15 Job 31:16 Job 31:17 Job 31:18 Job 31:19 Job 31:20 Job 31:21 Job 31:22 Job 31:23 Job 31:24 Job 31:25 Job 31:26 Job 31:27 Job 31:28 Job 31:29 Job 31:30 Job 31:31 Job 31:32 Job 31:33 Job 31:34 Job 31:35 Job 31:36 Job 31:37 Job 31:38 Job 31:39 Job 31:40

Job 31:28 KJV

This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.

Previous Verse
« Job 31:27
Next Verse
Job 31:29 »

Job 31:28 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Job 31:28

TEXT: Job 31:28 - "This also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above."

Overview

The verse presents Job in a moment of earnest reflection upon his integrity and his understanding of moral law in the sight of God. Throughout the book of Job, Job defends his righteousness vigorously against the accusations of his friends and maintains a profound consciousness of God's justice. He acknowledges that to fail in moral duties is not merely a social transgression but a grave offense against God.

Thematic Insights

  • The Nature of Sin: Job refers to the potential sin of denying God, underscoring his belief that sin is not simply a failure to adhere to rules but a relational breach between man and God.
  • The Role of Divine Judgment: His declaration affirms a view of God as a just judge, who administers moral order and punishes iniquity accordingly. Job’s awareness of this reality adds a weighty gravity to his assertion of maintaining integrity.
  • Personal vs. Communal Responsibility: Job condenses the vast array of ethical behavior into his personal life, suggesting that individual morality affects communal relations and acknowledges God’s oversight.

Commentators' Insights

When engaging with the insights of classic commentators, we see a range of thought surrounding this verse:

Matthew Henry

Henry expresses that the context of Job's words is his vehement defense against any suggestion of moral impropriety. He emphasizes that Job’s integrity is connected to a higher accountability before God, illustrating that sins may lie in motive and intention, beyond merely external actions. For Henry, Job’s commitment to righteousness is indicative of a heart aligned with God’s will.

Albert Barnes

Barnes analyzes the phrase “denied the God that is above,” indicating that such a denial is not merely a formal acknowledgment of God’s existence but encompasses the entirety of living in a way that recognizes His sovereignty. Job understands that succumbing to sin would equate to a systemic denial of God's authority and moral framework, central to his life and worldview.

Adam Clarke

Clarke interprets Job's assertion as a critical observation on moral responsibility, suggesting that sinning against the divine order has repercussions that extend beyond the individual. He further implies that Job's consistent piety is meant to inspire reflection on one’s own adherence to divine principles. Job thus serves as a model of integrity and faithfulness even amid personal suffering and external pressures.

Theological Implications

This verse touches on significant theological concepts:

  • God’s Justice: Job's words affirm a belief in God’s justice system, where moral failure invokes divine response. This remains a core tenet in understanding God’s interaction with humanity.
  • Human Accountability: Job’s reflection contributes to the broader theological discourse about personal responsibility and ethics in relation to divine expectation, highlighting the importance of integrity.
  • Suffering and Righteousness: Through his plight, Job exemplifies that suffering is not necessarily a reflection of one’s righteousness or lack thereof, pointing to the complexities of divine human interaction.

Practical Applications

The exploration of Job 31:28 leads to several pertinent applications for modern readers:

  • Integrity in Trials: Believers are encouraged to maintain their integrity during times of suffering, standing firm in their faith and moral commitments notwithstanding challenges.
  • Recognition of Divine Authority: This verse urges an acknowledgment of God’s ultimate authority in the believer's life, shaping ethical decisions and personal conduct.
  • Reflection on Personal Conduct: It serves as a call to self-examine one’s life choices and the motivations behind them, ensuring alignment with God’s will.

Conclusion

Job 31:28 encapsulates profound truths about accountability, moral integrity, and divine justice. Engaging with the reflections of historical commentators provides depth to our understanding while inviting further contemplation on our personal relationship with God. In a world often marred by ambiguity relating to morality and justice, Job’s earnest declaration stands as a clarion call for righteousness that transcends circumstance.

Job 31 (KJV) Verse Selection

Job 31:1 Job 31:2 Job 31:3 Job 31:4 Job 31:5 Job 31:6 Job 31:7 Job 31:8 Job 31:9 Job 31:10 Job 31:11 Job 31:12 Job 31:13 Job 31:14 Job 31:15 Job 31:16 Job 31:17 Job 31:18 Job 31:19 Job 31:20 Job 31:21 Job 31:22 Job 31:23 Job 31:24 Job 31:25 Job 31:26 Job 31:27 Job 31:28 Job 31:29 Job 31:30 Job 31:31 Job 31:32 Job 31:33 Job 31:34 Job 31:35 Job 31:36 Job 31:37 Job 31:38 Job 31:39 Job 31:40

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »