What is the meaning of Job 31:11? For that • The words “for that” reach back to Job 31:9–10, where Job denies letting his heart be “enticed by my neighbor’s wife.” In other words, “that” = adultery, including lust that precedes the act (cf. Matthew 5:27-28). • Job is making a sworn statement of innocence; by singling out this sin he shows it is universally understood to be wicked (Exodus 20:14; Genesis 39:9). • He is not lowering the standard; he is raising it to the level of the heart, much like Joseph or later Jesus, affirming that even hidden desire violates God’s covenant design for marriage. would be a heinous crime • “Heinous” stresses moral repulsiveness, not merely social inconvenience. Scripture repeatedly calls adultery “great wickedness” (Genesis 39:9), “evil” (Deuteronomy 22:22), and “folly” (Proverbs 6:32-35). • Why so serious? – It breaks a covenant ordained by God (Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:14). – It shatters households, robbing children and spouses of security (Proverbs 5:8-11). – It invites divine displeasure and temporal fallout, as seen in David’s life (2 Samuel 12:9-12). • Job therefore labels it a crime even though no human court had accused him; his conscience, informed by God’s law, already convicts (Romans 2:15). an iniquity to be judged • “Iniquity” underscores guilt; “to be judged” points to accountability both human and divine. Under Mosaic law adultery brought capital punishment (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22). • Earthly tribunals might fail, yet God’s court never does: “God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers” (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:6). • Job’s statement anticipates final judgment; he lives before the cross yet knows every sin will meet justice—either on the sinner or on a Substitute (Isaiah 53:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • By declaring that such sin must be judged, Job affirms God’s holiness and the moral order woven into creation. summary Job 31:11 means that adultery—whether acted out or cherished in the heart—is a vile offense against God and neighbor, worthy of strict judgment in any age. Job distances himself from this sin, demonstrating a tender conscience and a high view of marriage, while reminding us that God sees, evaluates, and will righteously judge all hidden and open iniquity. |
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