Job 31:37 — Word Study
WLCמִסְפַּ֣ר צְ֭עָדַי אַגִּידֶ֑נּוּ כְּמוֹ־ נָ֝גִ֗יד אֲקָרֲבֶֽנּוּ׃
BSAI would givenâgad▸ accountmiçpâr [declare openly, tell the story] of all my stepstsaʻad [the path of my life, every pace] I would approach Himqârab▸ [come near, present myself, as my Judge] likekᵉmôw a princenâgîyd [as a leader, with confidence]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| מִסְפַּ֣ר | [the] number of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| צְ֭עָדַי | steps my | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| אַגִּידֶ֑נּוּ | I will tell to him | Verb hiphil imperfect first person common singular, suffix |
| כְּמוֹ־ | like | Preposition |
| נָ֝גִ֗יד | a chief | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| אֲקָרֲבֶֽנּוּ׃ | I will approach him | Verb piel imperfect first person common singular, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | I would give account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince.)— |
| KJV | I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him. |
| ASV | I would declare unto him the number of my steps; As a prince would I go near unto him. |
| YLT | The number of my steps I tell Him, As a leader I approach Him. |
| WEB | I would declare to him the number of my steps. I would go near to him like a prince. |
| BBE | I would make clear the number of my steps, I would put it before him like a prince! The words of Job are ended. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of מִסְפָּר — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has one main clause with two phrases providing additional context, emphasizing Job's intent and the manner of his approach.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 31:37
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Job's Defense of His Integritygenerated
Job 31:37 shows Job's desire to present a full account of his actions to God, emphasizing his confidence in his integrity. This verse is part of a larger discourse where Job asserts his righteousness and challenges his friends' accusations. Throughout the chapter, he reflects on his life choices and the consequences of his actions, seeking to demonstrate his faithfulness to God.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 9:3 | If one wished to contend with God, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand. |
| 2 | Job 13:15 | Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face. |
| 3 | Job 14:16 | For then You would count my steps, but would not keep track of my sin. |
| 4 | Job 42:3–6 | You asked, ‘Who is this who conceals My counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. |
| 5 | Psalm 19:12 | Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מִסְפָּר, mis.Pargenerated
The noun מִסְפָּר (mispar) means 'number' or 'tale.' It refers to a quantity or narrative, indicating both the act of counting and recounting events. In this context, Job uses it to signify a detailed account of his life’s steps, suggesting a comprehensive reflection on his actions.
The word's parsing as a masculine singular construct indicates it is used here to denote a specific account, emphasizing the personal nature of Job's declaration. It captures both the numerical aspect of his steps and the narrative quality of his life story.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb אַגִּידֶ֑נּוּ (aggidenu), meaning 'I will tell to him,' governs the sentence, with two phrases following: a noun phrase indicating what Job will recount and a prepositional phrase describing how he will approach God.
The structure emphasizes Job's intent to openly declare his life's journey, with the word order reflecting the significance of both the account he will give and the manner of his approach.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates מִסְפָּר with ἀνεγίνωσκον (anegínōskon), which means 'to read' or 'to recognize.' This choice shifts the focus from merely recounting to a sense of acknowledgment, suggesting a deeper engagement with the narrative of one's life.
This translation indicates a broader interpretation of Job's intention, emphasizing understanding and recognition of his actions rather than just a numerical account.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 31:37 reveals Job's desire to openly declare his life’s journey to God. He expresses confidence in his integrity and readiness to approach God as a prince would, signifying his belief in his righteousness. This verse is part of Job's defense, where he reflects on his actions and their consequences.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job is expressing his intention to recount his life’s actions and decisions to God, emphasizing transparency and integrity.
By likening his approach to that of a prince, Job conveys confidence and authority, suggesting he believes he has lived righteously and deserves to stand before God.
Job's willingness to declare his steps indicates a close and personal relationship with God, where he feels he can present his life openly and honestly.
Themes of integrity, accountability, and the relationship between humanity and God are prominent, as Job seeks to justify his actions before his Creator.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I reflect on my own life and actions before God?
- How can I approach God with confidence, knowing I have lived righteously?
- What does it mean to give an account of my steps in my daily life?
- How can I ensure that my actions align with my values and beliefs, as Job sought to do?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 31:37 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleI would declare to him the number of my steps,.... To his judge, or to him that contended with him, and drew up the bill against him; he would forward it, assist in it, furnish materials for it, give
Read John Gill on Job 31 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryI would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him. Declare ... number of ... steps - I would accurately declare all my ways-my whole course of life.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 31 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleUnto him, i.e. to my judge, or adversary. The number of my steps, i.e. the whole course of my life and actions, which I would exactly number to him, step by step, so far as I can remember. I would not answer his allegations against me, but furnish him with further matter of the same kind, and then answer all together. As a prince, i.e. with undaunted courage, and confidence, and assurance of success, as being clearly conscious of my own sincerity; not like a self-condemned malefactor, as my friends suppose me to be. Would I go near unto him, and not run away, or hide myself from my judge, as guilty persons desire to do.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 31 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 31:37 I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.Ver. 37. I would declare unto him the number of my steps] I would tell him all that ever I know by myself, and turn him the inside outward, deal ingeniously with him, and make him my confessor; and so help him make up his book. Elice igitur hine, Therefore entice this, saith Lavater. Hence we may learn so to demean ourselves in all companies and conditions of life, that we may neither be ashamed to live nor afraid to die; and that we need not care though our greatest enemies knew of our worst practices, though our faults were written in our foreheads, as they say. Of Socrates Pliny saith, that…
Read John Trapp on Job 31 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(37) I would declare—i.e., “I would readily give an account of all my actions, and meet him with alacrity and perfect confidence.” Others suppose the meaning to be, “I would meet him as I would meet a prince, with the utmost deference and respect, not at all as an enemy, but as one worthy of all honour and regard.” The actual meaning is uncertain. On the other hand, he has been spoken of by his friends: as a fool (Job 5:2), by Eliphaz; as a man full of words, a liar, and a mocker (Job 11:2-3), by Zophar; as perverse, wicked, and iniquitous (Job 11:12; Job 11:14); a blasphemer and a hypocrite, by Eliphaz (Job 15:4-5; Job 15:13; Job 15:16; Job 15:34, &c.); as wicked, a robber, and ignorant of…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 31 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 37. I would declare unto him the number of my steps] I would show this adversary the different stations I had been in, and the offices which I had filled in life, that he might trace me through the whole of my civil, military, and domestic life, in order to get evidence against me. As a prince would I go near] Though carrying my own accusation, I would go into the presence of my judge as the נגיד nagid, chief, or sovereign commander and judge, of the people and country, and would not shrink from having my conduct investigated by even the meanest of my subjects. In these three verses we may observe the following particulars: - 1. Job wishes to be brought to trial, that he might have…
Read AdamClarke on Job 31 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges37. the number of my steps] i. e. every act of my life. as a prince] In the consciousness and pride of true nobility; with the confident step and erect bearing of one who knows that nothing dishonouring can be laid to his charge.
Read Cambridge on Job 31 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleI would declare unto him the number of my steps - That is, I would disclose to him the whole course of my life.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 31 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
I would give account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince.)—
I would declare to him the number of my steps. I would go near to him like a prince.
I would give account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince.)—
I would give him an accounting of my steps; like a prince I would approach him.
Tyndale line
I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.
I would declare unto him the number of my steps; As a prince would I go near unto him.
I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.
I would declare to him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near to him.
I will tell him the nomber of my goings, and goe vnto him as to a prince.
Strictly literal
I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I come near to him.
The number of my steps I tell Him, As a leader I approach Him.
The number of my steps I tell Him, || As a leader I approach Him.
The number of my steps would I tell him: as [to] a prince would I go near unto him.—
I would declare to him an accounting for my steps; as a confident prince I would go up to him.
From the Latin
At every step of mine I would pronounce it, and offer it as to a prince.
Simplified
I would explain to him everything I'd done; I would hold my head high before him.
I would make clear the number of my steps, I would put it before him like a prince! The words of Job are ended.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Job 31:37 states, "מִסְפַּ֣ר צְ֭עָדַי אַגִּידֶ֑נּוּ כְּמוֹ־ נָ֝גִ֗יד אֲקָרֲבֶֽנּוּ׃" which translates to, "I would give account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince." The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in terms of the overall meaning and structure of the verse, as all six words correspond directly, although the word order may differ due to the nature of Greek syntax. There are no significant differences in content between these witnesses, indicating a strong textual consistency for this verse across these ancient sources.
מִסְפַּ֣ר צְ֭עָדַי אַגִּידֶ֑נּוּ כְּמוֹ־ נָ֝גִ֗יד אֲקָרֲבֶֽנּוּ׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 31:37
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
מִסְפָּר (mispar) means 'number' or 'tale.' It can refer to definite or indefinite quantities, ranging from large to small. The word also encompasses concepts of narration and recounting. The entries consistently highlight its numerical and narrative aspects without significant disagreement.
מִסְפָּר 133 n.m. number, tale
base
H4557 מִסְפָּר number, tale
4557 micpar mis-pawr'
from 5608; a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite
(large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly)
narration:--+ abundance, account, X all, X few, (in-)finite,
(certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, + time.
see HEBREW for 05608
מִסְפָּר (mis.par) — number.
1) number, tale
1a) number
1a1) number
1a2) innumerable (with negative)
1a3) few, numerable (alone)
1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep)
1b) recounting, relation
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
צַ֫עַד (tsa`ad) refers to a step or pace, indicating a regular movement or stride. It can also metaphorically represent the steps one takes in life. The word is derived from a related term, צָעַד (tsa`ad), which emphasizes the concept of movement.
[צַ֫עַד] n.m. step, pace
base
H6806 צַ֫עַד
6806 tsa`ad tsah'-ad
from 6804; a pace or regular step:--pace, step.
see HEBREW for 06804
צַ֫עַד (tsa.ad) — step.
1) step, pace, stride
1a) step, pace
1b) step, steps (of course of life) (fig)
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp1bs
נָגַד (nagad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to declare or tell, with implications of being conspicuous or manifesting something. It covers a range of meanings including to announce, report, and make known, often through spoken word. The entries indicate that it can also mean to expose or predict, and in the Hophil form, it refers to something being told or reported.
[נָגַד] 363 vb. be conspicuous
Hiph. declare, tell
Hoph. be told, announced, reported
base
H5046 נָגַד be conspicuous . declare, tell
. be told, announced, reported
5046 nagad naw-gad'
a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out
opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest;
figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one
present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain,
praise:--bewray, X certainly, certify, declare(-ing),
denounce, expound, X fully, messenger, plainly, profess,
rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, X surely, tell, utter.
נָגַד (na.gad) — to tell.
1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known
1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare
1a1) to tell, announce, report
1a2) to declare, make known, expound
1a3) to inform of
1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim
1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess
1a5a) messenger (participle)
1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff — Verb hiphil imperfect first person common singular · suffixHVhi1cs/Sp3ms
כְּמוֹ (kemo) is an adverb and conjunction meaning 'like' or 'as,' often used to draw comparisons or indicate similarity. It can also mean 'when' or 'according to.' The word is derived from a pleonastic form of the prefix כְּ (k-) and is related to the word מוֹ (mo). There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.
כְּמוֹ adv. and conj. like, as, when (lit. the like of what (viz.) …, a pleon. form of כְּ (v. מוֹ), and, like it, prop. a subst.)
base
H3644 כְּמוֹ adv. and conj. like, as, when (lit. the like of what (viz.) …, a pleon. form of כְּ (v. מוֹ), and, like it, prop. a subst.)
3644 kmow kem-o'
or kamow {kaw-mo'}; a form of the prefix "k-", but used
separately (compare 3651); as, thus, so:--according to, (such)
as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto),
thus, when, worth.
see HEBREW for 03651
כְּמוֹ (ke.mo) — like.
adv
1) like, as, the like of which
conj
2) when, according as, as it were
כְּמוֹ (ke.mo) — (Geruth) Chimham.
Combined with ge.rut (גֵּרוּת "Geruth" H1628)
Prep — PrepositionHR
נָגִיד (nagiyd) refers to a leader or ruler, often implying someone in a prominent position, such as a prince or captain. The word encompasses various types of leadership, including civil, military, and religious roles, and can also denote honorable themes or princely matters. It is derived from a root meaning to be in front, suggesting a position of command.
נָגִיד n.m. leader (lit. prob. one in front), ruler, prince
base
H5057 נָגִיד leader (lit. prob. one in front), ruler, prince
5057 nagiyd naw-gheed'
or nagid {naw-gheed'}; from 5046; a commander (as occupying
the front), civil, military or religious; generally
(abstractly, plural), honorable themes:--captain, chief,
excellent thing, (chief) governor, leader, noble, prince,
(chief) ruler.
see HEBREW for 05046
נָגִיד (na.gid) — leader.
1) leader, ruler, captain, prince
1a) ruler, prince
1b) prince-overseer
1c) ruler (in other capacities)
1d) princely things
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
chef: The English word is in the King James Version of Old Testament the translation of some 17 different Hebrew words, most frequently of ro'sh, "head," sar, "prince," and re'shith, "beginning." The principal changes made by the Revised Version (British and American) are:
(1) Hebrew beth'abh, "house of a father," being recognized as a technical term denoting a subdivision of a tribe, ro'sh is rendered literally "head," when it occurs in connection with this phrase, so that "chief fathers" (Num 31:26) and "chief of the fathers" (Ezr 1:5) become "heads of fathers' houses";
(2) Hebrew naghidh and nasi' are more accurately translated "prince" in such passages as 1Ch 5:2; Nu 3:32;
קָרַב (qarab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to approach or come near, with various nuances including bringing or presenting something. It encompasses different forms such as Qal (to approach), Niphal (to be brought near), and Hiphil (to bring near). The term is often associated with offerings or dedications to God, particularly in the context of the book of Ezekiel.
[קָרֵב], קָרַב 279 vb. come near, approach
Qal 93 approach
Niph. he shall be brought unto God
Pi. cause to approach, bring near
Hiph.
177
bring near, bring, present
of time
as term techn. (c. 158 t.), chiefly Ez HP, bring near, of presenting, dedicating, or offering to י׳
base
H7126 קָרֵב, קָרַב come near, approach .approach
. he shall be brought unto God
. cause to approach, bring near
. . . bring near, bring, present
. of time
. as term techn. (c. 158 t.), chiefly Ez HP, bring near, of presenting, dedicating, or offering to י׳
7126 qarab kaw-rab'
a primitive root; to approach (causatively, bring near) for
whatever purpose:--(cause to) approach, (cause to) bring
(forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw
near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer,
present, produce, make ready, stand, take.
קָרַב (qa.rav) — to present: come.
: come/approach
1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near
1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near
1b) (Niphal) to be brought near
1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near
1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
קָרַב (qa.rav) — to present: bring.
: bring/offer
1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near
1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near
1b) (Niphal) to be brought near
1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near
1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff — Verb piel imperfect first person common singular · suffixHVpi1cs/Sp3ms