Job 31:30
Job 31:30 in Multiple Translations
I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse—
Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.
(Yea, I have not suffered my mouth to sin By asking his life with a curse);
(For I did not let my mouth give way to sin, in putting a curse on his life;)
I have never allowed my mouth to sin by putting a curse on someone's life.
Neither haue I suffred my mouth to sinne, by wishing a curse vnto his soule.
Yea, I have not suffered my mouth to sin, To ask with an oath his life.
(I have certainly not allowed my mouth to sin by asking his life with a curse);
Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.
For I have not given my mouth to sin, by wishing a curse to his soul.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 31:30
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 31:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹא
נָתַ֣תִּי
לַ/חֲטֹ֣א
חִכִּ֑/י
לִ/שְׁאֹ֖ל
בְּ/אָלָ֣ה
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
נָתַ֣תִּי
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לַ/חֲטֹ֣א
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
חִכִּ֑/י
chêk
H2441
palate
N-ms | Suff
לִ/שְׁאֹ֖ל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בְּ/אָלָ֣ה
ʼâlâh
H423
oath
Prep | N-fs
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | 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 31:30
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נָתַ֣תִּי
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לַ/חֲטֹ֣א
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
חִכִּ֑/י
chêk
H2441
"palate"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the roof of the mouth or palate, like when Isaiah describes the mouth as a source of praise or shame. It's also related to taste and speech, as seen in the book of Job.
Definition: mouth, palate, taste, gums
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (roof of the) mouth, taste. See also: Job 6:30; Proverbs 5:3; Psalms 119:103.
לִ/שְׁאֹ֖ל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
בְּ/אָלָ֣ה
ʼâlâh
H423
"oath"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a promise or oath, often with serious consequences. It appears in Genesis 24:8 and Deuteronomy 29:12, describing agreements between God and people.
Definition: 1) oath 2) oath of covenant 3) curse 3a) from God 3b) from men 4) execration
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 31:30; Psalms 10:7.
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Job 31:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 31:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 31:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 31:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 31:30
- Cambridge Bible on Job 31:30
- Barnes' Notes on Job 31:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 31:30
- Sermons on Job 31:30
Context — Job’s Final Appeal
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—
31if the men of my house have not said, ‘Who is there who has not had his fill?’— 32but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 3:9 | Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. |
| 2 | Romans 12:14 | Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. |
| 3 | Exodus 23:4–5 | If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it. |
| 4 | 1 Peter 2:22–23 | “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. |
| 5 | Matthew 5:22 | But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. |
| 6 | Matthew 5:43–44 | You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, |
| 7 | James 3:9–10 | With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! |
| 8 | James 3:6 | The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 5:2 | Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 5:6 | Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands? |
Job 31:30 Summary
[In Job 31:30, Job says he never allowed his mouth to sin by asking for someone's life with a curse. This means he never wished harm or evil on anyone, even his enemies. This is an important lesson for us today, as we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who wrong us, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44. By being mindful of our words and actions, we can create a culture of love and kindness, where everyone feels valued and respected.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to ask for someone's life with a curse?
In the context of Job 31:30, asking for someone's life with a curse means to wish harm or evil upon them, which is contrary to the teachings of the Bible, as seen in Matthew 5:44, where Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
How can I avoid allowing my mouth to sin like Job avoided?
To avoid allowing our mouths to sin, we must be mindful of our words and ensure they align with God's Word, as Psalm 19:14 reminds us, 'May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.'
Is it ever okay to curse someone or wish them harm?
No, it is never okay to curse someone or wish them harm, as this goes against the teachings of Scripture, such as Proverbs 24:17-18, which warns against gloating over an enemy's misfortune, and instead, we should pray for our enemies and those who wrong us, as taught in Luke 6:27-28.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse relates to our everyday life by reminding us to be mindful of our words and actions, ensuring they reflect the love and character of God, as seen in Ephesians 4:29, which encourages us to use our words to build each other up and not to tear each other down.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I be more mindful of my words and ensure they do not bring harm to others?
- How can I respond to difficult situations or enemies in a way that honors God and reflects His love?
- What are some practical ways I can pray for and bless those who may have wronged me, rather than cursing them?
- How can I create a culture of love, kindness, and respect in my home, community, or workplace, where cursing or wishing harm on others is not tolerated?
Gill's Exposition on Job 31:30
Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin,.... Which, as it is the instrument of speech, is often the means of much sin; particularly of cursing men, and expressing much bitterness against enemies; but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:30
Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul. Mouth - literally, palate (Job 6:30, note).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 31:30
My mouth, Heb. my palate, which being one of the instruments of speech, is put for another, or for all the rest. The sense is, If any secret passion or desire of his hurt did arise in me, I forthwith suppressed it, and did not suffer it to grow and break forth into an imprecation of hurt to him.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:30
Job 31:30 Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.Ver. 30. Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin] Heb. my palate; which is one of the nine instruments of speech. I have not so much as broken out into any passionate word against him; but when I was raging ripe I refrained, and forbore boisterous and blustering expressions, whereby some would have vented their choler in such a case. Nothing is more easy and ordinary than to curse an enemy; by prayer at least to turn him over to God to be punished; as David did Nabal, and it was soon done. But Job, out of private revenge, dared not do this, whatever David did out of a zeal of God’ s glory, which wicked men sought to deface. By wishing a curse to his soul] Heb. by asking his life by a curse. Job knew that cursing men are cursed men, Psalms 109:18. If the prophets cursed their enemies at any time, as Elisha did the children at Bethel, and David oft in the Psalms, it was not livore vindictae, sed zelo iustitae, not out of a vindictive spirit, but by the instinct of God’ s Holy Spirit, and out of zeal for God’ s glory (Gorran.). Our rule is, "Bless them that persecute you: bless, and curse not," Romans 12:14. Render not evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise bless, knowing that we are thereunto called, that we should inherit a blessing, 1 Peter 3:9.
Epiphanius and Chrysostom falling out about Origen’ s writings, wished a curse to one another; and it ocurred accordingly; the one died ere he came home, and the other was unbishoped.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 31:30
Verse 30. Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin] I have neither spoken evil of him, nor wished evil to him. How few of those called Christians can speak thus concerning their enemies; or those who have done them any mischief!
Cambridge Bible on Job 31:30
30. The verse, which is parenthetical, reads, (Yea, I suffered not my mouth to sin, To ask, with a curse, his life). He was so far from rejoicing in the evil that befell his enemy that he had never permitted himself even in hasty anger to throw out an imprecation against him. On the obligation of love to enemies comp. Proverbs 24:17 seq., Proverbs 25:21 seq.
Barnes' Notes on Job 31:30
Neither have I suffered my mouth - Margin, as in Hebrew, palate. The word is often used for the mouth in general, and especially as the organ of the voice from the use and importance of the palate in speaking. Proverbs 8:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 31:30
30. Wishing a curse to his soul — Rather, demanding his life with a curse. See note, Job 3:8. Job denies that he has by any imprecation sought to enlist deity against his enemy.
Sermons on Job 31:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A House of Prayer by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher shares various anecdotes and experiences to emphasize the importance of committing our causes to God. He tells a story about a preacher from Argentina |
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The Surprising Ways of God by Otto Koning | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares his personal testimony of searching for God and finding hope in Jesus Christ. He reflects on his experiences during World War II and t |
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(Depressed Disciples) the Manifold Testings by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having the same mindset as Christ and enduring suffering for the sake of the Gospel. He highlights the contrast between th |
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1 Peter 1 by Robert F. Adcock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life committed to God, even in the face of trials and conflicts with the world. He encourages believers to trust |
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Overcoming Evil With Good by Vernon Helmuth | The sermon titled "Overcome Evil with Good" discusses the principle of responding to evil with good in our lives. The speaker shares that as we grow in our Christian life, God ofte |
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Let Love Be Victorious by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basilias Schlink emphasizes the importance of love and reconciliation in building God's kingdom. He encourages listeners to not be estranged from anyone and to acti |
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Are We Laying Hold of What God Says by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of laying hold of God's word and not letting it slip away. They compare this to the act of pinning down a wriggling animal to |