Hebrew Word Reference — Job 31:25
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.
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
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.
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
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.
This word means mighty or powerful, describing something as vast or great in extent, power, or number. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power or the strength of a large group. It conveys a sense of grandeur or importance.
Definition: mighty, great, powerful, many, much
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] feeble, mighty, most, much, strong, valiant. See also: Job 8:2; Job 34:24; Isaiah 16:14.
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
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.
Context — Job’s Final Appeal
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Psalms 62:10 |
Place no trust in extortion, or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. |
| 2 |
Habakkuk 1:16 |
Therefore he sacrifices to his dragnet and burns incense to his fishing net, for by these things his portion is sumptuous and his food is rich. |
| 3 |
Isaiah 10:13–14 |
For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’” |
| 4 |
Esther 5:11 |
Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants. |
| 5 |
Ezekiel 28:5 |
By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, but your heart has grown proud because of it. |
| 6 |
Daniel 4:30 |
the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” |
| 7 |
Luke 16:25 |
But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. |
| 8 |
Luke 16:19 |
Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. |
| 9 |
Proverbs 23:5 |
When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky. |
| 10 |
Jeremiah 9:23 |
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. |
Job 31:25 Summary
Job 31:25 is saying that Job did not find happiness or pride in the wealth he had, which is an important part of who he was as a person. This is similar to what Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21, where He says we should store our treasures in heaven, not on earth. Job's focus was on his relationship with God, not on his possessions, which is a great lesson for us today. By keeping our eyes on God and not on our stuff, we can find true joy and happiness, just like Job did, as seen in Psalm 16:11 where it says that in God's presence is fullness of joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea of Job 31:25?
The main idea of Job 31:25 is that Job is stating he did not find joy or pride in his wealth, which is a key aspect of his integrity, as seen in Job 31:24 where he mentions not trusting in gold, similar to the teachings in 1 Timothy 6:10.
How does this verse relate to Job's character?
This verse shows Job's character as one who does not find his identity or happiness in material possessions, but rather in his relationship with God, as stated in Job 23:12 where he says he has treasured the words of God's mouth more than his necessary food.
Is it wrong to have wealth according to this verse?
This verse does not say it is wrong to have wealth, but rather it is wrong to find joy or pride in it, as warned in Proverbs 28:20, which says that the faithful will abound with blessings, but warns against trusting in wealth.
How can we apply this verse to our lives?
We can apply this verse by examining our hearts and ensuring that we do not find our joy or identity in our possessions, but rather in our relationship with God, as taught in Matthew 6:19-21 where Jesus teaches us to store our treasures in heaven.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I find my joy or pride in my possessions, and how can I shift my focus to God?
- How can I, like Job, ensure that my wealth or material possessions do not become my security or source of happiness?
- What are some biblical principles that can guide me in managing my wealth and possessions in a way that honors God?
- In what ways can I 'treasure the words of God's mouth' as Job did, and make them my necessary food as mentioned in Job 23:12?
Gill's Exposition on Job 31:25
If I rejoiced because my wealth [was] great,.... As it was, see Job 1:2; yet he did not set his heart upon it, please himself with it, indulge to a carnal joy on account of it, nor suffer it to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:25
If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; Job asserts his freedom from trust in money (1 Timothy 6:17).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 31:25
If I rejoiced, to wit, carnally and excessively, esteeming myself happy therein without God’ s love and favour; for otherwise it is not only lawful, but a duty and gift of God, moderately and thankfully to rejoice in the good things of this life; of which see 3:12,13 5:18,19. Because mine hand had gotten much; ascribing my wealth to my own wit or industry, rather than to God’ s goodness and mercy. And these sins he the rather mentions, partly for his own vindication, lest it should be thought that God took away his estate because he had abused it to pride, or carnal confidence, or luxury, or the oppression of others, &c.; and partly for the instruction of mankind in succeeding generations, that they might take notice of the malignity and odiousness of these practices, which by most men are reputed either laudable or harmless, or at worst but light and trivial miscarriages.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:25
Job 31:25 If I rejoiced because my wealth [was] great, and because mine hand had gotten much;Ver. 25. If l rejoiced because my wealth was great] Those that trust in it cannot but rejoice in the increase of it; though, in truth, they do rather revel than rejoice; for true joy is a severe thing, saith the philosopher, and must have a better bottom than these bona scabelli, than corn, and wine, and outward substance, Psalms 4:7. Job rejoiced not, though the world came tumbling in upon him, as we say. For he knew he was but a wether sheep, upon whom the shepherd had bestowed a bell more than upon the rest of the flock; and therefore he would not cast his noise into the wind, and carry his crest the higher, for outward prosperity. If God should take what he had so graciously given, he would bear it not only patiently, but thankfully and fruitfully, as he did, Job 1:21, suffering, with joy the spoiling of his goods, as having in heaven a more enduring substance, Hebrews 10:34. And because mine hand had gotten much] Heb. Had found very much. This he speaketh in the worldling’ s language, who ascribe all they have to their own industry and good fortune. God is not in all their thoughts, Per mimesim, verba avarorum imitatur (Lavat.). But Job is of another spirit; and as for this sinful self ascribing, he utterly detesteth and disavoweth it.
Cambridge Bible on Job 31:25
24–34. Repudiation of another class of secret sins, that would have dishonoured him: (1) secret joy in the possession of wealth—that love of gain which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5), Job 31:24-25; (2) a momentary impulse to salute the rising sun or the moon in her splendour and thus be false to the true spiritual God on high, Job 31:26-28; (3) secret joy of heart at the misfortune of his enemy, Job 31:29-30; (4) narrowness of soul and niggardliness, Job 31:31-32; and finally, hypocrisy, Job 31:33-34.
Barnes' Notes on Job 31:25
If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great - That is, if I have rejoiced as if I might now confide in it, or put my trust in it.
Sermons on Job 31:25
| Sermon | Description |
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The Transcendence of El Elyon
by Aeron Morgan
|
Aeron Morgan emphasizes the transcendence and majesty of God, El Elyon, as revealed in Psalms 91. He highlights the security and refuge found in God for those who trust in Him, con |
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The Prodigal - 1 of 2
by David Ravenhill
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In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parable of the prodigal son from Luke chapter 15. He emphasizes the character of the father in the story, highlighting his wealth, genero |
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On the Danger of Increasing Riches
by John Wesley
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John Wesley warns about the spiritual dangers associated with increasing wealth, emphasizing that riches can lead to a heart that is set on material possessions rather than on God. |
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Proverbs 13:7
by Chuck Smith
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Chuck Smith explores the misconceptions surrounding wealth in his sermon 'The Poor Rich Man,' emphasizing that riches do not guarantee happiness or contentment. He highlights the c |
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The Constant Cry of the Rod
by Thomas Brooks
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes that the rod of affliction serves as a powerful teacher, urging believers to detach their affections from worldly comforts and to recognize their ultimate |
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Luke 8:15
by Chuck Smith
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Chuck Smith emphasizes the parable of the sower in Luke 8:15, illustrating how the Word of God is received by different types of hearts represented by four soils. He describes the |
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Of Well-Using Abundance
by William Gouge
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William Gouge emphasizes the importance of using worldly abundance wisely, drawing from the examples of patriarchs like Job, David, and Solomon. He provides both negative and affir |