Job 31:21
Job 31:21 in Multiple Translations
if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless because I saw that I had support in the gate,
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, Because I saw my help in the gate:
If my hand had been lifted up against him who had done no wrong, when I saw that I was supported by the judges;
If I raised my hand to hit an orphan, confident that if it came to court the judges would be on my side,
If I haue lift vp mine hande against the fatherlesse, when I saw that I might helpe him in the gate,
If I have waved at the fatherless my hand, When I see in [him] the gate of my court,
if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, because I saw my help in the gate;
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, even when I saw myself superior in the gate:
or if it were true that I threatened to strike any orphan because I knew that the elders at the city gates would ◄decide in my favor►;
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 31:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 31:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
הֲנִיפ֣וֹתִי
עַל
יָת֣וֹם
יָדִ֑/י
כִּֽי
אֶרְאֶ֥ה
בַ֝/שַּׁ֗עַר
עֶזְרָתִֽ/י
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
הֲנִיפ֣וֹתִי
nûwph
H5130
to sprinkle
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יָת֣וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
orphan
N-ms
יָדִ֑/י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶרְאֶ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
בַ֝/שַּׁ֗עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Prep | N-ms
עֶזְרָתִֽ/י
ʻezrâh
H5833
help
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 31:21
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
הֲנִיפ֣וֹתִי
nûwph
H5130
"to sprinkle"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
To wave means to move something back and forth, like waving a hand or an offering to God, as described in the book of Leviticus. It can also mean to sprinkle or shake something, like sprinkling water for purification.
Definition: 1) to sprinkle 1a) (Qal) to besprinkle, sprinkle
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: lift up, move, offer, perfume, send, shake, sift, strike, wave. See also: Exodus 20:25; Numbers 8:11; Psalms 68:10.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יָת֣וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
"orphan"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an orphan or a child without a father, like in Exodus where God commands the Israelites to care for the fatherless.
Definition: an orphan, fatherless
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fatherless (child), orphan. See also: Exodus 22:21; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 10:14.
יָדִ֑/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֶרְאֶ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בַ֝/שַּׁ֗עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
עֶזְרָתִֽ/י
ʻezrâh
H5833
"help"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'help' or 'aid', referring to assistance or support, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) help, succour, assistance 1a) help, succour 1b) one who helps
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: help(-ed, -er). See also: Judges 5:23; Psalms 60:13; Psalms 22:20.
Study Notes — Job 31:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 31:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 31:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 31:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 31:21
- Cambridge Bible on Job 31:21
- Barnes' Notes on Job 31:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 31:21
- Sermons on Job 31:21
Context — Job’s Final Appeal
19if I have seen one perish for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a cloak,
20if his heart has not blessed me for warming him with the fleece of my sheep,
21if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless because I saw that I had support in the gate,
22then may my arm fall from my shoulder and be torn from its socket. 23For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 22:9 | You sent widows away empty-handed, and the strength of the fatherless was crushed. |
| 2 | Job 29:12 | because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. |
| 3 | Micah 7:3 | Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 5:28 | They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 22:7 | Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed. |
| 6 | Job 24:9 | The fatherless infant is snatched from the breast; the nursing child of the poor is seized for a debt. |
| 7 | Micah 2:1–2 | Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. |
| 8 | Job 6:27 | You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend. |
| 9 | Proverbs 23:10–11 | Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you. |
Job 31:21 Summary
In Job 31:21, Job is saying that he never used his power or influence to hurt or take advantage of children who didn't have parents to care for them. He's promising that he always tried to do what was right and just, even when it was hard, and that he trusts in God's justice and righteousness, as seen in Psalm 10:14 and Psalm 68:5. This means that we should also strive to treat all people with kindness and respect, especially those who are most vulnerable, and trust in God's goodness and justice. By doing so, we can reflect God's heart of love and compassion, as in James 1:27.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'lift up my hand against the fatherless' in Job 31:21?
This phrase means to harm or oppress those who are without parents or guardians, which is a serious offense against God, as seen in Exodus 22:22 and Deuteronomy 27:19.
Why would Job say he had 'support in the gate'?
The 'gate' refers to the city gate, where important decisions and judgments were made, so Job is saying that he had influential people who would back him up if he were to mistreat the fatherless, but he is denying that he ever did such a thing, trusting in God's justice instead, as in Proverbs 31:9.
How does this verse relate to Job's overall claim of innocence?
In Job 31:21, Job is swearing that he never took advantage of the vulnerable, including the fatherless, which is part of his larger declaration of integrity and righteousness before God, as stated in Job 31:1-40.
What is the significance of the gate in biblical times?
In biblical times, the gate was a place of importance, where leaders and elders would gather to make decisions, dispense justice, and conduct business, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:19 and Ruth 4:1-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show love and care to the fatherless and vulnerable in my community, as a reflection of God's heart?
- How can I, like Job, trust in God's justice and righteousness when I am tempted to take advantage of those who are weaker or more vulnerable than I am?
- What are some ways that I may be unknowingly contributing to the oppression or neglect of the fatherless, and how can I repent and change my ways?
- How can I use my influence and position to stand up for the rights and needs of the fatherless, just as Job claimed to have done?
Gill's Exposition on Job 31:21
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless,.... Either in a menacing way, threatening what he would do to them; which, from a man of wealth and authority, a civil magistrate, a judge, is very
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:21
If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me; Job affirms his freedom from unfairness toward his servants: from harshness and oppression toward the needy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 31:21
To smite him with the fist of wickedness, as the phrase is, ; to bring him to the judgment-seat, that under colour of justice I might take away his right, as powerful oppressors use to do, or any ways to threaten, injure, or crush him. When I saw my help in the gate; when I understood my advantage against him, and that I could influence the judges to do what I pleased.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:21
Job 31:21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:Ver. 21. If I have lift up my hand against the fatherless] That is, against any that are destitute of human helps and defences. Such to ill treat and oppress is easy for great ones. See Genesis 50:15-21, &c. But where the true fear of God is no such thing will be done. The Tigurines render, Si minitatus sum Orphano, &c., If I have lifted up my hand in threatening first, and then let it fall in striking and punishing, the fatherless or friendless. When I saw my help in the gate] i.e. When, by my greatness and grace with the people, I might have borne out my worst miscarriages; when I might have had more than enough that would have defended, yea, applauded me, as the Senate of Rome did Nero even for his most malapert misdemeanors and most horrid outrages.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 31:21
Verse 21. If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless] I have at no time opposed the orphan, nor given, in behalf of the rich and powerful, a decision against the poor, when I saw my help in the gate - when I was sitting chief on the throne of judgment, and could have done it without being called to account. There are sentiments very like these in the poem of Lebeid, one of the authors of the Moallakhat. I shall quote several verses from the elegant translation of Sir William Jones, in which the character of a charitable and bountiful chief is well described: - "Oft have I invited a numerous company to the death of a camel bought for slaughter, to be divided with arrows of equal dimensions." "I invite them to draw lots for a camel without a foal, and for a camel with her young one, whose flesh I distribute to all the neighbours." "The guest and the stranger admitted to my board seem to have alighted in the sweet vale of Tebaala, luxuriant with vernal blossoms." "The cords of my tent approaches every needy matron, worn with fatigue, like a camel doomed to die at her master's tomb, whose venture is both scanty and ragged." "There they crown with meat (while the wintry winds contend with fierce blasts) a dish flowing like a rivulet, into which the famished orphans eagerly plunge." "He distributes equal shares, he dispenses justice to the tribes, he is indignant when their right is diminished; and, to establish their right, often relinquishes his own." "He acts with greatness of mind, and nobleness of heart: he sheds the dew of his liberality on those who need his assistance; he scatters around his own gains and precious spoils, the prizes of his valour." - Ver. 73-80.
Cambridge Bible on Job 31:21
21. if I have lift up my hand] i. e. to strike him down. The expression is figurative, meaning to oppress violently. I saw my help in the gate] i. e. because he saw that if the cause came before the judges (the gate) he could secure from them, by his inference, a verdict favourable to himself.
Barnes' Notes on Job 31:21
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless - That is, if I have taken advantage of my rank, influence, and power, to oppress and injure him.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 31:21
21. Help in the gate — Patrons and friends, ready to defend him in case of mal-administration of justice. The gate is the forum in Eastern towns, where all kinds of important business are transacted. See note, Job 29:7.
Sermons on Job 31:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Context of the Coming Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God as the revelation of Jesus as king and the beauty of the kingdom. He criticizes the superficiality of worship a |