New International Version
Job 31:21
21if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, knowing that I had influence in court,
Job 31:21 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
- English Standard Version (ESV)if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, because I saw my help in the gate,
- New King James Version (NKJV)If I have raised my hand against the fatherless, When I saw I had help in the gate;
- New Living Translation (NLT)“If I raised my hand against an orphan, knowing the judges would take my side,
Context of Job 31:21
19if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing, or the needy without garments, 20and their hearts did not bless me for warming them with the fleece from my sheep, if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, knowing that I had influence in court, 22then let my arm fall from the shoulder, let it be broken off at the joint. 23For I dreaded destruction from God, and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things.
Read all of Job 31Job 31:21 word by word
אִם־הֲנִיפ֣וֹתִי עַל־יָת֣וֹם יָדִ֑י כִּֽי־אֶרְאֶ֥ה בַ֝שַּׁ֗עַר עֶזְרָתִֽי׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Job 31:21
- Job 6:27You would even cast lots for the fatherless and barter away your friend.
- Job 22:9And you sent widows away empty-handed and broke the strength of the fatherless.
- Job 24:9The fatherless child is snatched from the breast; the infant of the poor is seized for a debt.
- Job 29:12because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them.
- Proverbs 23:10Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
- Jeremiah 5:28and have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not seek justice. They do not promote the case of the fatherless; they do not defend the just cause of the poor.
- Ezekiel 22:7In you they have treated father and mother with contempt; in you they have oppressed the foreigner and mistreated the fatherless and the widow.
- Micah 2:1Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it.
- Micah 7:3Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire— they all conspire together.
Commentaries on Job 31:21
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 21If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless - I have at no time opposed the orphan, nor given, in behalf of the rich and powerful, a decision against the poor, when I saw my help in the gate - when I was sitting chief on the throne of judgment, and could have done it without being called to account. There are sentiments very like these in the poem of Lebeid, one of the authors of the Moallakhat. I shall quote several verses from the elegant…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 21If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless - That is, if I have taken advantage of my rank, influence, and power, to oppress and injure him. When I saw my help in the gate - The gate of a city was a place of concourse; a place where debates were held, and where justice was administered. Job speaks here of that part of his life when he was clothed with authority as a magistrate, or when he had power and influence as a public man. He says that he…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. 21I had support in the gate: Job had respect and they regarded him as part of the high class (29:7–10).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 31:21
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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