This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.

JOB 31:28KJV
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Job 31:28 (KJV)

What does Job 31:28 mean?

Job 31:28 says that if Job had committed the wrongs he just described, it would have been a serious sin deserving punishment by a judge, because doing so would mean denying or turning away from God. Job is making it clear that such actions are not just personal failings but offenses against God Himself.

In this verse, Job is speaking about his own integrity while defending himself to his friends, who have accused him of wrongdoing. He lists behaviors he has avoided, and here, he explains that worshiping anything other than God (like the sun or moon, mentioned in the previous verses) would be a betrayal of the God who is above all. Job is emphasizing that his faithfulness to God is central to his innocence.

The Hebrew behind Job 31:28

  • iniquity (עָוֹן, ʿavon): This word means a deep moral failing or guilt, not just a minor mistake. Job uses it to show that the act would be a serious offense, not something trivial.
  • judge (פְּלִילִים, pelilim): This word refers to those who decide legal cases. Job is saying that such a sin would be worthy of legal judgment, highlighting its seriousness in both human and divine eyes.
  • denied (כָּחַשׁ, kachash): This word means to deny, disown, or be unfaithful. Job is saying that to do such a thing would be to reject or turn his back on God.
  • God (אֵל, El): This is a common word for God, emphasizing His power and majesty.
  • above (מָעַל, maʿal): This word means "on high" or "above," stressing God’s supreme position over all creation.

Why Job 31:28 matters

  • Job 31:28 clarifies that Job sees idolatry or false worship as not just a social or personal issue, but as a direct denial of God’s authority and relationship with him.
  • This verse shows Job’s understanding that true faithfulness is about loyalty to God above all else, not just avoiding outward wrongdoing.
  • The verse connects to Job’s larger argument that his suffering is not because of hidden sin; he is openly declaring his innocence and the seriousness with which he treats his relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“denied” Hebrew H3584 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 18:15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
  • 2 Samuel 22:45 Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.
  • Proverbs 30:9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

“above” Hebrew H4605 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 2 Chronicles 5:8 For the cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.