What is the meaning of Job 31:21? If I have lifted up my hand • Job is swearing that he has never raised a hand in oppression. • “Lifted up my hand” pictures a deliberate, forceful action—an exercise of personal power (cf. Exodus 14:16; Psalm 106:26 where the lifted hand signals decisive intent). • Job’s language is courtroom-like; he places himself under oath before God (Job 31:5–6). • He is declaring that any such act would make him guilty and deserving of judgment (James 2:13). Against the fatherless • “Fatherless” stands for the most defenseless people in society—those without natural protectors (Psalm 82:3; Isaiah 1:17). • Scripture consistently commands special care for orphans (Deuteronomy 24:19-22). • Job insists he has never exploited this vulnerable group; later God affirms Job’s integrity (Job 42:7-8). • Mistreating them would contradict God’s revealed character as “Father of the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5). Because I saw that I had support in the gate • “The gate” was the ancient courtroom and city hall (Ruth 4:1-11; Proverbs 31:23). • Job rejects the idea that he ever used social connections—“support in the gate”—to bully the weak (Leviticus 19:15). • He refuses to weaponize influence, wealth, or reputation (cf. Amos 5:10-12, where the powerful crush the needy at the gate). • His integrity is measured by how he treats those who cannot fight back, even when he could easily win. summary Job 31:21 is Job’s solemn declaration that he has never exploited the powerless. He has never raised a hand in violence, never singled out the orphan, and never leveraged social or legal advantage to harm those who could not defend themselves. His words align with God’s enduring standard: true righteousness protects the vulnerable, no matter how much influence or backing we think we possess. |
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