Job 31:39
Job 31:39 in Multiple Translations
if I have devoured its produce without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants,
If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:
If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, Or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:
If I have taken its produce without payment, causing the death of its owners;
if I have taken its crops without payment or if I have caused harm to the farmers;
If I haue eaten the fruites thereof without siluer: or if I haue grieued the soules of the masters thereof,
If its strength I consumed without money, And the life of its possessors, I have caused to breathe out,
if I have eaten its fruits without money, or have caused its owners to lose their life,
If I have eaten the fruits of it without money, or have caused its owners to lose their life:
If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, and have afflicted the soul of the tillers thereof:
or if it were true that I have eaten the crops that grew in someone else’s fields without paying for those crops, with the result that those farmers who grew those crops died from hunger;
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 31:39
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 31:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
כֹּ֭חָ/הּ
אָכַ֣לְתִּי
בְלִי
כָ֑סֶף
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
בְּעָלֶ֣י/הָ
הִפָּֽחְתִּי
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
כֹּ֭חָ/הּ
kôach
H3581
reptile
N-ms | Suff
אָכַ֣לְתִּי
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בְלִי
bᵉlîy
H1097
without
Part
כָ֑סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Conj | N-cs
בְּעָלֶ֣י/הָ
baʻal
H1167
master
N-mp | Suff
הִפָּֽחְתִּי
nâphach
H5301
to breathe
V-Hiphil-Perf-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 31:39
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.
כֹּ֭חָ/הּ
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
N-ms | Suff
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
אָכַ֣לְתִּי
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בְלִי
bᵉlîy
H1097
"without"
Part
This word means without or nothing, often used for negation. It appears in various forms, such as without or not yet, in the Old Testament.
Definition: subst 1) wearing out adv of negation 2) without, no, not
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: corruption, ig(norantly), for lack of, where no...is, so that no, none, not, un(awares), without. See also: Genesis 31:20; Job 38:41; Psalms 19:4.
כָ֑סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Conj | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
בְּעָלֶ֣י/הָ
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-mp | Suff
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
הִפָּֽחְתִּי
nâphach
H5301
"to breathe"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to breathe, meaning to puff, inflate, or blow hard. It can also mean to give up or lose life, as seen in KJV translations of blow, breath, and snuff. This word has various applications in the Bible, including literal and figurative uses.
Definition: 1) to breathe, blow, sniff at, seethe, give up or lose (life) 1a) (Qal) to breathe, blow 1b) (Pual) to be blown 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to breathe out
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: blow, breath, give up, cause to lose (life), seething, snuff. See also: Genesis 2:7; Jeremiah 15:9; Isaiah 54:16.
Study Notes — Job 31:39
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 31:39 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 31:39
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:39
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 31:39
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:39
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 31:39
- Cambridge Bible on Job 31:39
- Barnes' Notes on Job 31:39
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 31:39
- Sermons on Job 31:39
Context — Job’s Final Appeal
37I would give account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince.)—
38if my land cries out against me and its furrows weep together,
39if I have devoured its produce without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants,
40then let briers grow instead of wheat and stinkweed instead of barley.” Thus conclude the words of Job.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 21:19 | Tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Have you not murdered a man and seized his land?’ Then tell him that this is also what the LORD says: ‘In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, there also the dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’ ” |
| 2 | James 5:4 | Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. |
| 3 | Isaiah 26:21 | For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal her bloodshed and will no longer conceal her slain. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 21:13–16 | And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.” When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, who refused to give it to you for silver. For Naboth is no longer alive, but dead.” And when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. |
| 5 | Proverbs 1:19 | Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors. |
| 6 | Genesis 4:12 | When you till the ground, it will no longer yield its produce to you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” |
| 7 | Ezekiel 22:12–13 | In you they take bribes to shed blood. You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors. But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD. Now look, I strike My hands together against your unjust gain and against the blood you have shed in your midst. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 22:6 | See how every prince of Israel within you has used his power to shed blood. |
Job 31:39 Summary
[This verse is talking about being fair and kind to others, especially those who work for us or depend on us. If we take advantage of others or treat them poorly, it's like we're hurting them deeply. As it says in Deuteronomy 24:14-15, we should pay our workers fairly and on time, and not take advantage of those who are vulnerable. By treating others with kindness and respect, we can build stronger relationships and create a more just and compassionate community, as encouraged in Micah 6:8, where we are called to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'devour its produce without payment' in this verse?
This phrase refers to taking advantage of others, such as workers or tenants, without providing fair compensation, as seen in Jeremiah 22:13, where the prophet condemns those who build their houses by unrighteousness and do not pay their laborers.
How does this verse relate to our modern concept of social justice?
This verse highlights the importance of treating others fairly and with dignity, as emphasized in Proverbs 31:8-9, where we are encouraged to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the poor and needy.
What is the significance of 'breaking the spirit of its tenants'?
Breaking the spirit of tenants refers to oppressing or exploiting them, which is condemned in the Bible, as seen in Ezekiel 34:4, where God rebukes the shepherds of Israel for being cruel to the flock and not strengthening the weak.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives and relationships?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of how our actions affect others, especially those who may be vulnerable or dependent on us, and by striving to treat them with kindness and fairness, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:32, where we are called to be kind and compassionate towards one another.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be 'devouring the produce' of others without realizing it, and how can I make amends?
- How can I ensure that I am treating others fairly and with dignity in my daily interactions?
- What are some practical ways I can 'strengthen the weak' and support those who are vulnerable in my community?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of compassion and empathy towards those who are struggling or oppressed?
Gill's Exposition on Job 31:39
If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money,.... Or, "the strength thereof without silver" (b); see Genesis 4:12, silver being the money chiefly in use in those times.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 31:39
If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life: Lose ... life - not literally, but 'harassed to death;' until he gave me up his land gratis
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 31:39
Without money; either without paying the price required by the right owner for the land, or by defrauding my workmen of the wages of their labours. To lose their life; killing them, that so I might have undisturbed possession of it, as Ahab did Naboth.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 31:39
Job 31:39 If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:Ver. 39. If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money] i.e. Not paying the labourers their wages, which is a bony sin, Amos 5:12-13, crying cruelty, James 5:4, such as hath a woe hanging on the heels of it, Jeremiah 22:17. See what sins it is set among, and what punishment is awarded to it, Malachi 3:5. Let Laban be guilty of it, Genesis 31:7, but Job protesteth against it here with an imprecation. Or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life] That is, the occupiers thereof, the poor rent holders (by racking their rents), to miss subsistence, so that they could not make a living of it with all their labour. Owners of the land he calleth them improperly; since the land was his, as in the former verse; but if he had the propriety, they had the pains, and theretbro should have a livelihood, as Solomon’ s vinedressers had, Son 8:12; but so had not Pharaoh’ s labourers, the oppressed Israelites, who toiled like horses, and yet were held to so hard allowance, that they were weary of their lives, and their souls were ready to expire, as the Hebrew here hath it. Prisoners’ pittance many poor tenants have, such as will neither keep them alive nor suffer them to die.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 31:39
Verse 39. If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money] I have never been that narrow-minded man who, through a principle of covetousness, exhausts his land, putting himself to no charges, by labour and manure, to strengthen it; or defrauds those of their wages who were employed under him. If I have eaten the fruits of it, I have cultivated it well to produce those fruits; and this has not been without money, for I have gone to expenses on the soil, and remunerated the labourers. Or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life] Coverdale translates, Yee yf I have greved eny of the plowmen. They have not panted in labour without due recompense.
Cambridge Bible on Job 31:39
39. to lose their life] lit. if I have caused the soul of the owners thereof to breathe out. The reference may be either to oppressions which brought the owners to death, after which their land was seized without money, or to oppressive appropriation of the land so that the rightful owner was brought to death through penury and misery.
Barnes' Notes on Job 31:39
If I have eaten the fruits thereof - Margin, strength. The strength of the earth is that which the earth produces or which is the result of its strength.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 31:39
39. To lose their life — Literally, breathe out their life. The idea seems to be, not of direct murder, but of “harassing to death” (thus Maurer) the rightful owners, in order that their lands might be secured.
Sermons on Job 31:39
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Homily 12 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the story of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting the severity of their sin of sacrilege and deception, leading to their tragic deaths as a result of thei |
|
The Dog by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delivers a sermon reflecting on the biblical references to dogs, illustrating their behavior and consequences tied to wickedness. Through the story of Jezebel and A |
|
Vii. the Commercial Sign by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer discusses the last Biblical sign of the times mentioned in James 5:1-8, focusing on the 'heaping up' of treasures in 'the last days,' which signifies an increas |
|
The Way of Cain by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on God's defense rather than trying to defend oneself. He refers to the story of Moses and the rebellion of Korah, |
|
The Last Day Return to Discernment - Part 2 by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and agreement among believers. He quotes from Psalm 50:22, warning those who forget God that they will face conseque |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 4-5:10 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the early days of the earth after the fall, describing a pristine state with 50-foot ferns and a sense of safety for children. The speaker i |
|
|
(A Spiritual Leader) 6. Broken Through Submission by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes that a true spiritual leader is a broken man, shaped through submission to authority, much like Jesus who submitted to Joseph and Mary. He explains the import |