New English Translation
Job 31:23
23For the calamity from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his majesty I was powerless.
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 raised my hand to vote against the orphan, when I saw my support in the court, 22then let my arm fall from the shoulder, let my arm be broken off at the socket. For the calamity from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his majesty I was powerless. 24“If I have put my confidence in gold or said to pure gold, ‘You are my security!’ 25if I have rejoiced because of the extent of my wealth, or because of the great wealth my hand had gained,
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 20:23“While he is filling his belly, God sends his burning anger against him, and rains down his blows upon him.
- Job 21:20Let his own eyes see his destruction; let him drink of the anger of the Almighty.
- Genesis 39:9There is no one greater in this household than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”
- Psalms 119:120My body trembles because I fear you; I am afraid of your judgments. ע (Ayin)
- Isaiah 13:6Wail, for the Lord’s day of judgment is near; it comes with all the destructive power of the sovereign judge.
- Joel 1:15How awful that day will be! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come as destruction from the Divine Destroyer.
- 2 Corinthians 5:11Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we are well known to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too.
- Job 13:11Would not his splendor terrify you and the fear he inspires fall on you?
- Job 40:9Do you have an arm as powerful as God’s, 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 has seen you.
- Psalms 76:7You are awesome! Yes, you! Who can withstand your intense anger?
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
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