Job 31:27 (KJV)

What does Job 31:27 mean?

Job 31:27 describes Job insisting that he has not secretly let his heart be drawn toward worshiping something other than God, such as by adoring or honoring his own hand in a hidden way. Job is saying he has not been secretly enticed in his heart or shown outward signs of self-worship, like kissing his hand, which was a gesture linked to idolatry.

In this verse, Job is speaking to his friends while defending his innocence and integrity. The context is Job listing sins he has not committed, showing he has not been guilty of idolatry in either his inner thoughts or outward actions. The mention of the heart being "secretly enticed" and the mouth "kissing the hand" points to both hidden desires and public gestures that could indicate worship of something besides God.

The Hebrew behind Job 31:27

• לֵב (lēḇ, H3820) — "heart": This word refers to the inner self or the seat of thought and emotion. Job’s claim is about his innermost motives, not just his actions.
• בַּסֵּתֶר (basēṯer, H5643) — "secretly": This word means something done in hiding or in secret. Job is emphasizing that he has not even sinned in ways others cannot see.
• פָּתָה (pāṯāh, H6601) — "enticed": This word means to be lured or seduced, often toward something wrong. Job is saying his heart has not been drawn away, even in temptation.
• פֶּה (peh, H6310) — "mouth": This highlights the physical act of expressing devotion, not just inward feeling.
• נָשַׁק (nāshaq, H5401) — "kissed": In ancient times, kissing the hand was a gesture of respect or worship, often toward idols. Job denies making such a gesture.
• יָד (yāḏ, H3027) — "hand": The hand here is the object of the kiss, symbolizing self-exaltation or idolatry.

Why Job 31:27 matters

• This verse clears up that Job is not just denying obvious, public sins but also hidden attitudes and private actions that could be seen as idolatrous.
• Job’s reference to both the heart and outward gestures shows that true faithfulness involves both inner motives and external actions.
• The verse fits into Job’s larger defense, where he lists specific sins he has avoided to show his genuine integrity before God and people.