English Standard Version
Job 31:23
23For I was in terror of calamity from God, and I could not have faced his majesty.
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.
- New King James Version (NKJV)For destruction from God is a terror to me, And because of His magnificence I cannot endure.
- New Living Translation (NLT)That would be better than facing God’s judgment. For if the majesty of God opposes me, what hope is there?
Context of Job 31:23
21if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, because I saw my help in the gate, 22then let my shoulder blade fall from my shoulder, and let my arm be broken from its socket. For I was in terror of calamity from God, and I could not have faced his majesty. 24"If I have made gold my trust or called fine gold my confidence, 25if I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant or because my hand had found much,
Read all of Job 31Job 31:23 word by word
כִּ֤י פַ֣חַד אֵ֭לַי אֵ֣יד אֵ֑ל וּ֝מִשְּׂאֵת֗וֹ לֹ֣א אוּכָֽל׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Job 31:23
- Job 20:23To fill his belly to the full, God will send his burning anger against him and rain it upon him into his body.
- Job 21:20Let their own eyes see their destruction, and let them drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
- Genesis 39:9He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?"
- Psalms 119:120My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.
- Isaiah 13:6Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; as destruction from the Almighty it will come!
- Joel 1:15Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.
- 2 Corinthians 5:11Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.
- Job 13:11Will not his majesty terrify you, and 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 by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;
- Psalms 76:7But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused?
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
In the dictionaries
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
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries