New International Version
Job 31:23
23For I dreaded destruction from God, and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things.
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.
- 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.
- 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, knowing that I had influence in court, 22then let my arm fall from the shoulder, let it be broken off at the joint. For I dreaded destruction from God, and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things. 24“If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, ‘You are my security,’ 25if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands 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 20:23When he has filled his belly, God will vent his burning anger against him and rain down his blows on him.
- Job 21:20Let their own eyes see their destruction; let them drink the cup of the wrath of the Almighty.
- Genesis 39:9No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”
- Psalms 119:120My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.
- Isaiah 13:6Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.
- Joel 1:15Alas for that day! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.
- 2 Corinthians 5:11Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.
- Job 13:11Would not his splendor terrify you? Would not the dread of him fall on you?
- Job 40:9Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his?
- Job 42:5My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.
- Psalms 76:7It is you alone who are to be feared. Who can stand before you when 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
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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