What is the meaning of Job 31:27?

my heart was secretly enticed

Job is describing a temptation that begins where no one but God can see—inside. He has just said, “if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor” (Job 31:26). That outward gaze could have stirred an inward pull toward idolatry.

• The phrase admits that sin starts in the affections. James writes, “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own desires” (James 1:14).

• Job insists he never let that first flicker grow. Solomon urges, “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

• God alone can see hidden motives: “Would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?” (Psalm 44:21).

• By naming the danger, Job mirrors Jesus’ teaching that inward sin is real sin (Matthew 5:28).

In short, Job testifies that he rejected the secret seduction of worshiping created lights, refusing to let inner fascination grow into allegiance.

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my hand threw a kiss from my mouth

Ancient worshipers often blew or “threw” kisses toward the sun, moon, or idols (cf. 1 Kings 19:18; Hosea 13:2). Job declares he never acted out such homage.

• The gesture would have been a public act confirming private idolatry, directly violating “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).

• Deuteronomy 4:19 warns, “When you look to the heavens and see the sun, moon, and stars… do not be enticed into bowing down to them.” Job aligns with that command.

• Romans 1:25 later describes those who “worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.” Job distances himself from that exchange.

• He knows that if he had performed even one symbolic kiss, “this would also be an iniquity to be judged, for I would have denied God on high” (Job 31:28).

So Job claims complete integrity: no outward sign of idolatry followed any inward lure.

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summary

Job 31:27 highlights both the concealed and the visible dimensions of sin. He affirms that:

• He kept his heart from secret attraction to created splendor.

• He kept his hand and lips from any outward act of worshiping it.

By guarding both inner desire and outward deed, Job maintained exclusive loyalty to “God on high,” modeling wholehearted devotion that turns away from every form of idolatry.