Job 31:39 (KJV)

What does Job 31:39 mean?

Job 31:39 describes Job declaring that he has never taken produce from land he did not pay for, nor has he ever caused the rightful owners of the land to suffer loss of life. Job is insisting on his innocence, saying he has acted justly in his dealings with others, especially regarding property and the well-being of those who own it.

In this verse, Job is speaking directly to God and anyone listening, defending his character during his suffering. Job is listing ways he could have sinned, but claims he has not done these things—specifically, he has not exploited landowners or taken what was not rightfully his. This is part of a larger section where Job is making a final appeal, highlighting his integrity and fairness in all his actions.

The Hebrew behind Job 31:39

• "eaten" (אָכַל, ’akal): This word means to eat or consume. Here, it refers to Job taking the produce of the land, emphasizing the idea of benefiting from someone else's property.
• "fruits" (כֹּחַ, koach): While often translated as "strength" or "produce," in this context it refers to the yield or crops of the land. This highlights that Job is talking about tangible results from the land, not just abstract gain.
• "money" (כֶּסֶף, keseph): This word means silver or money. Job is stressing that he has never taken produce without proper payment, underlining his honesty in business.
• "owners" (בַּעַל, ba‘al): This term means master or owner. Job is careful to mention the people who rightfully possess the land, showing his respect for their rights.
• "lose" (פָּלַט, palat): This word means to make someone forfeit or lose something. The verse uses it to show Job has not caused harm or loss to the landowners.
• "life" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): This word means life, soul, or person. Job is saying he has not endangered or taken the lives of those who owned the land, showing concern for both property and people.

Why Job 31:39 matters

• Job 31:39 clears up any idea that Job’s suffering is due to hidden wrongdoing, especially injustice or exploitation of others; he openly denies such actions.
• The verse emphasizes how seriously Job takes fairness and respect for others’ property and lives, showing that his sense of justice covers both material and personal well-being.
• This verse connects to the larger argument in Job 31, where Job lists possible sins to prove his innocence, helping readers see the depth of his integrity and the unfairness of his suffering.