Job 31:28
Job 31:28 in Multiple Translations
this would also be an iniquity to be judged, for I would have denied God on high.
This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.
This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judges; For I should have denied the God that is above.
That would have been another sin to be rewarded with punishment by the judges; for I would have been false to God on high.
This too would be a sin deserving punishment for it would mean I had denied God above.
(This also had bene an iniquitie to be condemned: for I had denied the God aboue)
It also [is] a judicial iniquity, For I had lied to God above.
this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges, for I would have denied the God who is above.
This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.
Which is a very great iniquity, and a denial against the most high God.
those things also would be sins for which the judges would say that I must be punished, because I would have been rejecting God by doing those things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 31:28
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 31:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּם
ה֭וּא
עָוֺ֣ן
פְּלִילִ֑י
כִּֽי
כִחַ֖שְׁתִּי
לָ/אֵ֣ל
מִ/מָּֽעַל
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
ה֭וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
עָוֺ֣ן
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cs
פְּלִילִ֑י
pᵉlîylîy
H6416
judge
Adj
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כִחַ֖שְׁתִּי
kâchash
H3584
to deceive
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
לָ/אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
god
Prep | N-ms
מִ/מָּֽעַל
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Adv
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 31:28
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
ה֭וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
עָוֺ֣ן
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
פְּלִילִ֑י
pᵉlîylîy
H6416
"judge"
Adj
This word is related to judges and judgment, describing something that is under the authority of a judge. It can also mean something that requires a decision or assessment, as in the book of Numbers. The KJV translates it as judge.
Definition: for a judge, calling for judgment, judicial, assessable, criminal
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: judge. See also: Job 31:28.
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.
כִחַ֖שְׁתִּי
kâchash
H3584
"to deceive"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To deceive or lie, as seen in Psalm 116:11 where the psalmist says all people are liars. It means to be untrue in word or deed, disappointing or failing others. This concept is also found in Proverbs 10:18.
Definition: 1) to deceive, lie, fail, grow lean, be disappointing, be untrue, be insufficient, be found liars, belie, deny, dissemble, deal falsely 1a) (Qal) to become lean 1b) (Niphal) to cringe, feign obedience 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to deceive, deny falsely 1c2) to act deceptively 1c3) to cringe 1c4) to disappoint, fail 1d) (Hithpael) to cringe, feign obedience
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: deceive, deny, dissemble, fail, deal falsely, be found liars, (be-) lie, lying, submit selves. See also: Genesis 18:15; Psalms 18:45; Psalms 66:3.
לָ/אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
מִ/מָּֽעַל
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Adv
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
Study Notes — Job 31:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 31:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 31:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 31:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 31:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 31:28
- Cambridge Bible on Job 31:28
- Barnes' Notes on Job 31:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 31:28
- Sermons on Job 31:28
Context — Job’s Final Appeal
26if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor,
27so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth,
28this would also be an iniquity to be judged, for I would have denied God on high.
29If I have rejoiced in my enemy’s ruin, or exulted when evil befell him— 30I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 17:2–7 | If a man or woman among you in one of the towns that the LORD your God gives you is found doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God by transgressing His covenant and going to worship other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven—which I have forbidden— and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel, you must bring out to your gates the man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you must stone that person to death. On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness. The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. So you must purge the evil from among you. |
| 2 | Job 31:11 | For that would be a heinous crime, an iniquity to be judged. |
| 3 | Psalms 50:6 | And the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. Selah |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 17:9 | You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. |
| 5 | Genesis 18:25 | Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” |
| 6 | Joshua 24:23 | “Now, therefore,” he said, “get rid of the foreign gods among you and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” |
| 7 | Job 9:15 | For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy. |
| 8 | Job 23:7 | Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge. |
| 9 | Judges 11:27 | I have not sinned against you, but you have done me wrong by waging war against me. May the LORD, the Judge, decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.” |
| 10 | Joshua 24:27 | And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” |
Job 31:28 Summary
This verse means that if Job had secretly admired or worshiped the sun or moon, it would have been a serious sin, because it would have meant denying the one true God who created them. In simple terms, it's like saying that if we prioritize anything above God, whether it's nature, money, or relationships, we are essentially denying Him. As it says in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 6:13-15, we are called to love and worship God alone, and to avoid idolizing created things. By keeping our focus on God and His Word, we can avoid the temptation to deny Him and instead live a life that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'deny God on high' in Job 31:28?
To deny God on high means to reject or refuse to acknowledge God's sovereignty and authority, as seen in Psalm 14:1 and Romans 1:20, where it is clear that God's existence and power are evident in creation.
Is Job 31:28 talking about worshiping the sun or moon?
While the verse does mention the sun and moon, the context suggests that Job is talking about being enticed by their beauty and splendor, rather than worshiping them as idols, which is forbidden in Deuteronomy 4:19 and 17:3.
What is the 'iniquity to be judged' that Job is referring to in this verse?
The iniquity to be judged is the act of denying God on high, which would be a serious sin, as seen in Numbers 32:23, where it is written that our sins will find us out, and in 1 John 1:8-10, where we are called to confess and repent of our sins.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us to be mindful of our thoughts and actions, and to ensure that we are not secretly entertaining sinful desires or idolatrous thoughts, as warned against in Matthew 15:19 and Colossians 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be secretly entertaining idolatrous thoughts or desires, and how can I guard my heart against them?
- How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and sovereignty in my life, and avoid denying Him in my thoughts and actions?
- What are some ways that I can practically apply the principle of not denying God on high in my daily life, and how can I hold myself accountable to this standard?
- How can I balance appreciating the beauty of creation with avoiding the temptation to idolize or worship created things, as warned against in Romans 1:25?
Gill's Exposition on Job 31:28
This also [were] an iniquity [to be punished by] the judge,.... As well as adultery, Job 31:11; by the civil magistrates and judges of the earth, who are God's vicegerents, and therefore it behooves
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:28
This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above. This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 31:28
This also, no less than the other forementioned sins, adultery, oppression, &c. By the judge, i.e. by the civil magistrate; who being advanced and protected by God, is obliged to maintain and vindicate his honour, and consequently to punish idolatry. And this did not cease to be his duty, although the magistrates of the world in Job’ s time were so far from this, that they themselves also were idolaters. Yet considering that both Job and his friends, who lived in his time and neighbourhood, were most probably the posterity or kindred of Abraham and his family, and by him or his instructed in the knowledge of the true God, and were also men of great power and authority in their places; it seems most likely that they did restrain and punish idolatry in their several jurisdictions, or at least in their own large and numerous families, where the masters anciently had power of life and death without control. I should have denied God; not directly, (for nothing is more evident than this, that divers of the wiser heathens, who did worship the sun and moon, did yet acknowledge and adore the sovereign and supreme God over and above all,) but by consequence and construction, because this was to rob God of his prerogative, by giving to the creature that religious honour or worship which is peculiar to God. That is above; who is above the sun and moon, not only in place, his glorious mansion and palace being far above all visible heavens, but also in power and dignity, or adorable excellency.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:28
Job 31:28 This also [were] an iniquity [to be punished by] the judge: for I should have denied the God [that is] above.Ver. 28. This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge] No less than adultery, but rather more. This also is iniquitas iudiciaria, a God provoking, land desolating sin, a wickedness with a witness, a capital crime. See Job 31:11, and take notice how these foul sins swell in Job’ s eyes as so many toads; and how full in the mouth he is in speaking of them. For I should have denied the God that is above] Far above any of these deastri gentium, even the most high God, Genesis 14:18; Genesis 14:22. I should rob the master to give to the servant; ascribe that to the creature which is due only to the Creator; this he will by no means endure. For, be the gods of the heathens good fellows, saith one; the true God is a jealous God, and will not share his glory with another.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 31:28
(28) By the judge.—Rather, perhaps, by my judge, i.e., God; unless, indeed, there be any reference to the Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 17:2-7), which does not seem likely.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 31:28
Verse 28. For I should have denied the God that is above.] Had I paid Divine adoration to them, I should have thereby denied the God that made them.
Cambridge Bible on Job 31:28
28. Comp. Deuteronomy 4:19; Deuteronomy 17:3-7. Such adoration would have been a “denial” of, or a being false to, God, the one spiritual God, above. Much more than a thousand years later Mohammed has still to say to his Arabs, “Worship not the sun, neither the moon: but worship God who created them,” Kor. ch. 41. A pretty fable is told also of Abraham—“When night closed over him he saw a star, and said, This is my Lord; but when it set he said, I love not those that set. And when he saw the moon appearing he said, This is my Lord; but when it set he said, Surely if my Lord direct me not aright I shall be of the people that go astray. And when he saw the sun rising he said, This is my Lord, this is the greatest; but when it set he said, O my people, verily I am clear of what ye associate with God; verily I have turned my face towards Him who hath created heaven and earth,” &c. Kor. ch. 6:76.
Barnes' Notes on Job 31:28
This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judqe - Note Job 31:11. Among the Hebrews idolatry was an offence punishable by death by stoning; Deuteronomy 17:2-7.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 31:28
28. Denied the God above — The transfer of the predominant affection of the heart from the Creator to the creature is a practical denial of God.
Sermons on Job 31:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Wait Upon the Lord by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus shedding his blood as a proof of his commitment to his words. The sermon references the story of Rachel weeping fo |
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(Basics) 29. Praise Brings Deliverance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God in difficult situations. He shares the story of King Jehoshaphat and how he led the people of Israel to victor |
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We Are Scattered Like Sheep Without a Shepherd by Ausbund | Leonhard Schiemer preaches about the persecution and suffering faced by believers, likening them to scattered sheep without a shepherd, hunted game birds, and lambs led back to tow |
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Desperate Prayer by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, Mary had a powerful encounter with God and was described as a brilliant dancer and singer. She was hesitant to go to church because she didn't want to be put in the |
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(Hebrews - Part 10): Jesus Made a Little Lower That the Angels by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the perfection and flawless nature of God's work. He highlights that God's ultimate goal is to bring many sons under glory. This is achieved |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): The Justice of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a judge being caught between mercy and justice. He uses the example of a man torn between his love for a woman and his sense o |
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The Holiness of God - Part 3 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the need for individuals to give account of their deeds before God. He highlights the urgency of seeking forg |