Job 31:16
Job 31:16 in Multiple Translations
If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail,
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
If I kept back the desire of the poor; if the widow's eye was looking for help to no purpose;
Have I refused to give the poor what they needed, or caused widows to despair?
If I restrained the poore of their desire, or haue caused the eyes of the widow to faile,
If I withhold from pleasure the poor, And the eyes of the widow do consume,
“If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
If I have denied to the poor what they desired, and have made the eyes of the widow wait:
“I have guided orphans from the time that they were born; I have taken care of them since they were young. So, if it were true that I ate all my food myself and did not share some of it with orphans, or that I refused to give poor people the things that they wanted, or that I caused widows to live ◄in despair/without hope that they would receive any help from anyone►,
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 31:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 31:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
אֶ֭מְנַע
מֵ/חֵ֣פֶץ
דַּלִּ֑ים
וְ/עֵינֵ֖י
אַלְמָנָ֣ה
אֲכַלֶּֽה
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אֶ֭מְנַע
mânaʻ
H4513
to withhold
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
מֵ/חֵ֣פֶץ
chêphets
H2656
pleasure
Prep | N-ms
דַּלִּ֑ים
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
וְ/עֵינֵ֖י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Conj | N-cd
אַלְמָנָ֣ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
widow
N-fs
אֲכַלֶּֽה
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 31:16
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֶ֭מְנַע
mânaʻ
H4513
"to withhold"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To withhold means to hold something back or keep it from someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe God withholding something from people, or people withholding things from each other.
Definition: 1) to withhold, hold back, keep back, refrain, deny, keep restrain, hinder 1a) (Qal) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold. See also: Genesis 30:2; Proverbs 1:15; Psalms 21:3.
מֵ/חֵ֣פֶץ
chêphets
H2656
"pleasure"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to pleasure or delight, often describing something that brings joy or happiness. In the Bible, it can also mean a valuable thing or a desire, like in Psalm 1.
Definition: 1) delight, pleasure 1a) delight 1b) desire, longing 1c) the good pleasure 1d) that in which one takes delight
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, delight(-some), desire, things desired, matter, pleasant(-ure), purpose, willingly. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalms 1:2.
דַּלִּ֑ים
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
וְ/עֵינֵ֖י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Conj | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
אַלְמָנָ֣ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
"widow"
N-fs
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, often left alone and vulnerable. The Bible teaches care and compassion for widows, as seen in the stories of Ruth and Naomi. God commands his people to look out for them.
Definition: widow
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: desolate house (palace), widow. See also: Genesis 38:11; Job 29:13; Psalms 68:6.
אֲכַלֶּֽה
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
Study Notes — Job 31:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 31:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 31:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 31:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:16
- Cambridge Bible on Job 31:16
- Barnes' Notes on Job 31:16
- Sermons on Job 31:16
Context — Job’s Final Appeal
14what will I do when God rises to judge? How will I answer when called to account?
15Did not He who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same One form us in the womb?
16If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail,
17if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless— 18though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 38:14 | I chirp like a swallow or crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak as I look upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 15:7–10 | If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 28:32 | Your sons and daughters will be given to another nation, while your eyes grow weary looking for them day after day, with no power in your hand. |
| 4 | Lamentations 4:17 | All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us. |
| 5 | Psalms 112:9 | He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. |
| 6 | Acts 11:29 | So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. |
| 7 | Job 20:19 | For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor; he has seized houses he did not build. |
| 8 | Job 22:7–9 | You gave no water to the weary and withheld food from the famished, while the land belonged to a mighty man, and a man of honor lived on it. You sent widows away empty-handed, and the strength of the fatherless was crushed. |
| 9 | Luke 16:21 | and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:82 | My eyes fail, looking for Your promise; I ask, “When will You comfort me?” |
Job 31:16 Summary
Job 31:16 is about being kind and helping those who are struggling, like the poor and the widow. It means not ignoring their needs or turning a blind eye to their suffering, but instead taking action to support and care for them, as God commands in verses like Deuteronomy 10:18 and Psalm 41:1. By showing compassion and love to those in need, we are reflecting God's own heart of love and kindness, as seen in John 3:16. This verse reminds us to be mindful of the needs of others and to take action to help, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to deny the desires of the poor in Job 31:16?
To deny the desires of the poor means to refuse to help or provide for those in need, which is contrary to God's command to care for the poor and vulnerable, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:11 and Proverbs 19:17.
Why is the widow mentioned specifically in this verse?
The widow is mentioned because she is often one of the most vulnerable members of society, and God has a special concern for her well-being, as seen in Exodus 22:22 and James 1:27.
How can we apply Job 31:16 to our own lives today?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of the needs of those around us, especially the poor and vulnerable, and taking action to help and support them, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:31-46.
What is the consequence of allowing the widow's eyes to fail?
Allowing the widow's eyes to fail means to neglect or ignore her needs, which can lead to spiritual and physical harm, and is contrary to God's will, as seen in Psalm 68:5 and Isaiah 1:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show compassion and care to those in need, like the poor and the widow, in my own community?
- How can I prioritize the needs of others, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized, in my daily life?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that I am not neglecting or ignoring the needs of those around me, especially the widow and the poor?
- How can I cultivate a heart of empathy and kindness towards those who are struggling, like Job did in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Job 31:16
If I have withheld the poor from [their] desire,.... Their reasonable desires, and which it was in his power to grant; as when they desired a piece of bread, being hungry, or clothes to cover them,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:16
If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me; Job affirms his freedom from unfairness toward his servants: from harshness and oppression toward the needy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 31:16
Withheld the poor from their desire, i.e. denied them what they desired of me, either in justice or from necessity; for he was not obliged to grant their vain or inordinate desires. Caused the eyes of the widow to fail, to wit, with tedious expectation of my justice or charity. I durst neither deny nor delay my help when they required and needed it.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:16
Job 31:16 If I have withheld the poor from [their] desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;Ver. 16. If I have withheld the poor from their desire] The poor man speaketh supplications, he comes to the rich with his God help me, as Lazarus did, Luke 16:20-21, his very name speaks as much, but the rich answereth him roughly, Proverbs 18:23 Either the answer cutteth off half the petition, as the echo doth the voice; or else he is commanded ad quercum dicere, to tell his tale to the statues and images, as Diogenes used to do; for of living men he could get no hearing. But Job’ s suitors sped better. Pennyless they were, but not friendless; drawn dry (as the Hebrew word importeth) and such as whose wealth was utterly wasted; but Job shored them up and supplied them. And this he did readily, and at the first asking; they no sooner desired relief but they had it. Job was a cheerful giver, he neither denied nor delayed those that came to him for relief or refuge. Multi contra studiose causas inquirunt quibus se a benefaciendo cohibeant (Merlin). Many seek occasion to put off poor people, and to rid their hands of them. Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail] Viduae saepe sunt verecundae (Mercer). Widows many times are modest; their eyes are weakened with much weeping, while they remember their former comforts and present crosses.
This good Job considered, and therefore soon condescended to their requests. He held it enough that their hearts ached, and would not suffer their eyes to ache with expecting his help, but speedily sped them. H χαριςηβραδυπουςαχαριςεστιχαρις.
Cambridge Bible on Job 31:16
16. eyes of the widow to fail] i. e. with looking in vain for help, Psalms 69:3.
Barnes' Notes on Job 31:16
If I have withheld the poor from their desire - Job now turns to another class of virtues, regarded also as of great importance in the patriarchal ages, kindness to the poor and the afflicted; to the fatherless and the widow.
Sermons on Job 31:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Luke 14:12-14. Christ Advises His Host to Invite the Poor. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the importance of hospitality and the true spirit behind inviting guests to feasts. He emphasizes the significance of inviting the poor and affli |
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Soul Trouble by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the spiritual instruction found in John 12:27, where Jesus expresses His soul's trouble and submission to the Father's will. Bradbury emphasizes the dee |
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The Oppressed Soul Seeking Divine Interposition. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the need for someone to undertake for us in various aspects of life, including supporting and comforting us through trials, guiding us, assisting in ov |
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The Sick Man's Prayer and the Sinner's Cry by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the deep reliance of God's people on Him alone for help and deliverance, emphasizing the need for a spiritual understanding of the malady of sin, the knowl |
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Lord, Give Me Your Heart - 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of caring for the least fortunate in society. He uses the analogy of the long-haired and short-haired groups to represent thos |
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The Gift of Giving by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the gift of giving as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power in believers. He illustrates how Jesus exemplified selfless giving, urgi |
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Christian Cautions (Or the Necessity of Self-Examination) by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of self-examination and living a life free from sin, focusing on various aspects such as the observance of the Sabbath, secret sins, |