Job 31:23

Job 31:23 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
• New International Version (NIV)For I dreaded destruction from God, and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things.
• English Standard Version (ESV)For I was in terror of calamity from God, and I could not have faced his majesty.
• New King James Version (NKJV)For destruction from God is a terror to me, And because of His magnificence I cannot endure.

Context of Job 31:23

21If I have lifted my hand against the orphan, Because I saw [that the judges would be] my help at the [council] gate, 22Then let my shoulder fall away from its socket, And my arm be broken off at the elbow. For tragedy from God is a terror to me, And because of His majesty and exaltation I can do nothing [nor endure facing Him]. 24“If I have put my trust and confidence in gold, Or have declared fine gold my hope and assurance, 25If I gloated and rejoiced because my wealth was great, And because my [powerful] hand [alone] had obtained so much,

Job 31:23 word by word

כִּ֤י פַ֣חַד אֵ֭לַי אֵ֣יד אֵ֑ל וּ֝מִשְּׂאֵת֗וֹ לֹ֣א אוּכָֽל׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• For destructionאֵיד'êyd · calamityH343
• Godאֵל'êl · GodH410
• a terrorפַּ֫חַדpachad · dreadH6343
• to me, and by reason of his highnessשְׂאֵתώe'êth · elevationH7613
• I couldיָכֹלyâkôl yâkôl · be ableH3201

Cross-references for Job 31:23

• Job 20:23When he fills his belly, God will send His fierce anger on him And will rain it upon him while he is eating.
• Job 21:20Let his own eyes see his destruction, And let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
• Genesis 39:9He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God [and your husband]?”
• Psalms 119:120My flesh trembles in [reverent] fear of You, And I am afraid and in awe of Your judgments.
• Isaiah 13:6Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty (All Sufficient One—Invincible God)!
• Joel 1:15Alas for the day! For the [judgment] day of the Lord is at hand, And it will come [upon the nation] as a destruction from the Almighty.
• 2 Corinthians 5:11Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord [and understand the importance of obedience and worship], we persuade people [to be reconciled to Him]. But we are plainly known to God [He knows everything about us]; and I hope that we are plainly known also in your consciences [your God-given discernment].
• Job 13:11Will not His majesty terrify you, And will not the dread of Him fall upon you?
• Job 40:9Have you an arm like God, And can you thunder with a voice like His?
• Job 42:5I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear, But now my [spiritual] eye sees You.
• Psalms 76:7You, even You, are to be feared [with the submissive wonder of reverence]; Who may stand in Your presence when once You are angry?

Commentaries on Job 31:23

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 23Destruction from God was a terror - I have ever been preserved from outward sin, through the fear of God's judgments; I knew his eye was constantly upon me, and I could "Never in my Judge's eye my Judge's anger dare."Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 23For destruction from God was a terror to me - The destruction which God would bring upon one who was guilty of the crime here specified, awed and restrained me. He was deterred from this crime of oppressing the fatherless by the fear of God. He could have escaped the judgment of people. He had power and influence enough not to dread the penalty of human law. He could have done it in such a way as not to have been arraigned before any earthly tribunal, but…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 16-23Verses 16-23 Job's conscience gave testimony concerning his just and charitable behaviour toward the poor. He is most large upon this head, because in this matter he was particularly accused. He was tender of all, and hurtful to none. Notice the principles by which Job was restrained from being uncharitable and unmerciful. He stood in awe of the Lord, as certainly against him, if he should wrong the poor. Regard to worldly interests may restrain a man…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 22-23If someone used an arm for a sinful action, having it torn from its socket would be a fitting punishment (31:21). This would be better than encountering God's judgment (compare Matthew 5:28–30).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 13-2313-23. Job affirms his freedom from unfairness towards his servants, from harshness and oppression towards the needy. despise the cause--refused to do them justice.Read the comment

Topics related to Job 31:23

• Beneficence
• Fear of God
• Integrity
• Temptation

In the dictionaries

• God
• Bosom
• Instead
• Lift
• Root
• Charm
• Excellency
• Job, Book of

Commentaries on Job 31

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings