Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.

JOB 31:10KJV
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Job 31:10 (KJV)

What does Job 31:10 mean?

Job 31:10 is Job declaring that if he has been unfaithful or immoral, then he deserves for his wife to become the possession of another man and for others to have relations with her. Job is making a strong statement about his own innocence by calling down a severe consequence if he is guilty.

In this verse, Job is speaking as part of a long oath before God, defending his integrity to his friends who have accused him of wrongdoing. The language is blunt and reflects ancient customs, where such consequences were seen as the ultimate shame and loss for a man. Job’s words show how seriously he takes his own faithfulness and honesty.

The Hebrew behind Job 31:10

  • wife (אִשָּׁה, ishah): This word means "wife" or "woman," and here it emphasizes the personal and relational cost of Job’s proposed consequence.
  • grind (טָחַן, tachan): This word literally means "to grind," often referring to grinding grain. In this context, it is a euphemism for sexual relations, showing the severity of Job’s oath.
  • another (אַחֵר, acher): This word means "another" or "someone else," underlining the idea of Job’s wife being given to someone not her husband, which would be a deep dishonor.
  • others (אַחֵר, acher): The same word is used again, reinforcing the idea of outsiders or strangers being involved.
  • down (כָּרַע, kara): This word means "to bow down" or "bend," and here it is another euphemism for sexual relations, intensifying the shame Job describes.

Why Job 31:10 matters

  • Job 31:10 clears up that Job is not making a casual statement but is invoking a curse on himself to prove his innocence; he is willing to accept the most humiliating consequences if he is guilty.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness with which Job views marital faithfulness and personal integrity, showing that he holds himself to a high standard.
  • Understanding the euphemisms and cultural context helps modern readers grasp the weight of Job’s words and the depth of his commitment to righteousness in the face of accusation.

Where else these words appear

“grind” Hebrew H2912 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 32:20 And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.
  • Deuteronomy 9:21 And I took your sin, the calf which ye had made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, and ground it very small, even until it was as small as dust: and I cast the dust thereof into the brook that descended out of the mount.
  • Ecclesiastes 12:3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

“down” Hebrew H3766 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • 2 Kings 1:13 And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.
  • Psalms 18:39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.