Job 31:23
Job 31:23 in Multiple Translations
For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower.
For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
For calamity from God is a terror to me, And by reason of his majesty I can do nothing.
For the fear of God kept me back, and because of his power I might not do such things.
Since I'm terrified of what punishment God may have in store for me, and because of his majesty, I could never do this.
For Gods punishment was fearefull vnto me, and I could not be deliuered from his highnes.
For a dread unto me [is] calamity [from] God, And because of His excellency I am not able.
For calamity from God is a terror to me. Because of his majesty, I can do nothing.
For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
For I have always feared God as waves swelling over me, and his weight I was not able to bear.
I always feared that God would cause me to experience a great disaster if I did any of those evil things, and I would not have been able to endure the powerful things that he would do to punish me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 31:23
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 31:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
פַ֣חַד
אֵ֭לַ/י
אֵ֣יד
אֵ֑ל
וּ֝/מִ/שְּׂאֵת֗/וֹ
לֹ֣א
אוּכָֽל
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
פַ֣חַד
pachad
H6343
dread
N-ms
אֵ֭לַ/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֵ֣יד
ʼêyd
H343
calamity
N-ms
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
וּ֝/מִ/שְּׂאֵת֗/וֹ
sᵉʼêth
H7613
elevation
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אוּכָֽל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 31:23
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
פַ֣חַד
pachad
H6343
"dread"
N-ms
This word refers to a feeling of terror or dread, often caused by something sudden or frightening. In the Bible, it describes the fear of God or the dread of His judgment. The prophet Isaiah used it to describe the terror of God's wrath.
Definition: 1) terror, dread 1a) dread 1b) object of dread
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: dread(-ful), fear, (thing) great (fear, -ly feared), terror. See also: Genesis 31:42; Job 39:22; Psalms 14:5.
אֵ֭לַ/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֵ֣יד
ʼêyd
H343
"calamity"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means calamity or disaster, and can also mean oppression or misfortune. It's used in the Bible to describe difficult times, like in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) distress, burden, calamity 1a) burden (of the righteous) 1b) calamity (of nation) 1c) disaster (of wicked) 1d) day of calamity
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: calamity, destruction. See also: Deuteronomy 32:35; Proverbs 6:15; Psalms 18:19.
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
וּ֝/מִ/שְּׂאֵת֗/וֹ
sᵉʼêth
H7613
"elevation"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, elevation can refer to a physical rise in the land or a sense of pride and dignity. It is used to describe the exaltation of God and the dignity of kings. The word appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) elevation, exaltation, dignity, swelling, uprising 1a) dignity, exaltation, loftiness 1b) swelling 1c) uprising
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, dignity, excellency, highness, raise up self, rising. See also: Genesis 4:7; Leviticus 13:43; Psalms 62:5.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אוּכָֽל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
Study Notes — Job 31:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 31:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 31:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 31:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 31:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 31:23
- Cambridge Bible on Job 31:23
- Barnes' Notes on Job 31:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 31:23
- Sermons on Job 31:23
Context — Job’s Final Appeal
21if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless because I saw that I had support in the gate,
22then may my arm fall from my shoulder and be torn from its socket.
23For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower.
24If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security, 25if I have rejoiced in my great wealth because my hand had gained so much,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 13:11 | Would His majesty not terrify you? Would the dread of Him not fall upon you? |
| 2 | Psalms 119:120 | My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 5:11 | Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well. |
| 4 | Psalms 76:7 | You alone are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You? |
| 5 | Isaiah 13:6 | Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty. |
| 6 | Job 21:20 | Let his eyes see his own destruction; let him drink for himself the wrath of the Almighty. |
| 7 | Genesis 39:9 | No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?” |
| 8 | Job 42:5–6 | My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes.” |
| 9 | Job 20:23 | When he has filled his stomach, God will vent His fury upon him, raining it down on him as he eats. |
| 10 | Joel 1:15 | Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty. |
Job 31:23 Summary
This verse means that Job is afraid of God's punishment because he knows that God is all-powerful and majestic. Job recognizes that he is not strong enough to stand against God's splendor, and this realization fills him with a sense of reverence and awe, similar to the fear of God described in Psalm 33:8 and Matthew 10:28. In simple terms, Job is saying that he knows God is much bigger and more powerful than he is, and that thought humbles him and makes him want to obey God. This is a good reminder for us to respect and obey God, just like Job, and to trust in His sovereignty, as encouraged in Romans 11:33-36.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Job mean by 'calamity from God' in this verse?
Job is referring to the fear of God's judgment or punishment, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Deuteronomy 28:58 and Psalm 119:120, where God's people are called to reverence and fear Him.
How does Job's statement about God's splendor relate to his overall attitude towards God?
Job's acknowledgment that he cannot overpower God's splendor demonstrates his humility and recognition of God's sovereignty, similar to the attitude expressed in Isaiah 6:5 and Romans 11:33-36, where God's majesty and power are emphasized.
Is Job's fear of God a negative emotion in this context?
No, Job's fear of God is a positive and healthy fear, often referred to as 'reverential fear', which is characterized by a deep respect and awe for God's power and majesty, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 34:11.
How can we apply Job's attitude towards God's splendor to our own lives?
We can apply Job's attitude by cultivating a sense of reverence and awe for God's power and majesty, recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses, and submitting to His sovereignty, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:6-7 and Hebrews 12:28-29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can demonstrate a healthy fear of God in my daily life, similar to Job's attitude in this verse?
- How does recognizing God's splendor and power affect my perspective on my own strengths and weaknesses?
- In what ways can I surrender to God's sovereignty and majesty, acknowledging that I am not in control, just like Job does in this verse?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to 'overpower' God's splendor, and how can I relinquish control to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Job 31:23
For destruction [from] God [was] a terror to me,.... Though he feared not men, they being at his beck and command, ready to do any thing for him he should order, yet he feared God; and the dread of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:23
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 31:23
I was so far from denying or questioning God’ s providence, wherewith you seem to charge me, that I always reverenced it; and when by reason of my great wealth, and power, and interest I had little reason to fear man, I stood in awe of God and of his judgments, and made it my care and business to please God. His highness, or excellency, or majesty, which is most glorious and terrible. I could not endure; I found myself utterly unable either to oppose his power, or to bear his wrath, and therefore I durst not provoke him by any impiety or injustice.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:23
Job 31:23 For destruction [from] God [was] a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.Ver. 23. For destruction from God was a terror to me] Such an eminent and exemplary calamity or misery, as is mentioned in the former verse, frightened me from wrong dealing. I foresaw the evil event of such practices, and therefore dared not venture. We may not fear the punishment only, and not the offence (for that is a servile fear, and hath torment); neither may we fear the punishment more than the offence. But to fear the punishment with the offence, the offence being feared in the first place, and most, this is incident to saints, and commanded, Matthew 10:28. And by reason of his highness (or excellency) I could not endure] Non praevaluissem, saith Tremellius. The Hebrew is, I could not; sc. Prevail or subsist. If there be no standing before a lion, or bearing up sail before a tempest; why should any one think to contest with omnipotence, to strive with his Maker, whom nothing can disarm or pacify, but a humble yielding to his justice in hope of mercy, with a resolution to fear before him continually, as the Scripture phraseth it?
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 31:23
(23) I could not endure.—Rather, I was unable to act thus.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 31:23
Verse 23. Destruction from God was a terror] I have ever been preserved from outward sin, through the fear of God's judgments; I knew his eye was constantly upon me, and I could "Never in my Judge's eye my Judge's anger dare."
Cambridge Bible on Job 31:23
23. highness I could not endure] Or, majesty I was powerless, lit. I was unable. The verse closes the whole passage Job 31:16-22, expressing the feeling by which Job’s conduct was regulated; his awe before the majesty of God and fear of His judicial anger restrained him, so that he was “powerless” to commit any of the wrongs to which he has just made reference.
Barnes' Notes on Job 31:23
For destruction from God was a terror to me - The destruction which God would bring upon one who was guilty of the crime here specified, awed and restrained me.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 31:23
23. Destruction… a terror — It was not unworthy of Job to confess that the fear of God — even of destruction “from the presence of the Lord” (2 Thessalonians 1:9) — was the mainspring of his moral life.
Sermons on Job 31:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Winter Afore Harvest or the Soul's Growth in Grace - Part 4 by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the transformative journey of a believer's soul through trials and tribulations, leading to a deep reliance on Christ for all things, the crushing of pr |
|
Sola Scriptura 2 by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding that God operates by order and structure. He uses the example of the law of gravity to illustrate that just |
|
Sensitive to Warning by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to God's warnings, as exemplified by King Josiah, who humbled himself and trembled at God's Word. Spurgeon highlights tha |
|
That They Have Great Effects on the Body, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards discusses the effects of affections on the body, emphasizing that all affections, whether spiritual or not, have some impact on the body due to the close connectio |
|
Fear and Awe by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the distinction between fleshly fear and reverential awe of God, urging believers to recognize the power of God's judgments rather than succumbing to anx |
|
2 Corinthians Teaching - God Who Raises the Dead by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan discusses the profound motivations behind Christian ministry as illustrated in 2 Corinthians, emphasizing the duality of the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. |
|
For the Love of Christ Constraineth Us by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of understanding and commitment among Christians towards the love of Christ. He emphasizes that many believers talk and sing about th |