Job 31:13 (KJV)

What does Job 31:13 mean?

Job 31:13 means that Job is claiming he never looked down on or dismissed the complaints or disputes of his male or female servants when they brought a concern to him. He is saying he always listened fairly and did not ignore their rights or needs.

In this verse, Job is speaking about his own conduct as part of a long defense of his integrity. He is listing ways he treated others justly, even those with less power, like his servants. Job’s statement shows he believed it was important to treat everyone with respect and to hear out those who might have a grievance, no matter their social status.

The Hebrew behind Job 31:13

• "despise" (מָאַס, ma'as): This word means to reject, scorn, or treat with contempt. Job is emphasizing that he never dismissed or belittled his servants’ concerns.
• "cause" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word often means a legal case, claim, or right. Job is saying he did not ignore the legitimate claims or rights of his servants.
• "manservant" (עֶבֶד, eved) and "maidservant" (אָמָה, amah): These words refer to male and female servants. Job is careful to mention both, showing he did not make distinctions based on gender when it came to justice.
• "contended" (רִיב, riv): This word means to bring a complaint or dispute. Job is describing a situation where a servant felt wronged and brought it to him for resolution.

Why Job 31:13 matters

• Job 31:13 shows that Job’s sense of justice extended to everyone in his household, not just peers or those above him in status. This highlights his fairness and humility.
• The verse corrects any idea that ancient servants had no voice; Job’s example shows that a righteous person should listen to those under their authority.
• In the context of Job’s speech, this verse supports his claim to blamelessness and integrity, especially in how he treated the vulnerable or powerless.