King James Version
What Does Job 21:31 Mean?
“Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done?”
Job 21:31 · KJV
Context
29
Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,
30
That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. wrath: Heb. wraths
31
Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done?
32
Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb. grave: Heb. graves remain: Heb. watch in the heap
33
The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryNone confront the wicked: 'Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done?' Job observes that the wicked often face no earthly accountability—none confront them ('declare to his face') or ensure recompense. This describes the powerful wicked who escape human justice. Yet Job's question anticipates divine justice—if humans don't repay, God will. Final accountability exists even when temporal accountability fails.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern justice depended on witnesses willing to confront wrongdoers. The powerful often escaped accountability because none dared confront them. Job recognizes this failure of human justice while trusting divine justice won't similarly fail.
Reflection Questions
- How do we pursue earthly justice while trusting divine justice for what escapes human accountability?
- What responsibility do we have to 'declare to the face' of wrongdoers when able?
- How does final judgment comfort when earthly justice fails?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsמִֽי1 of 10
H4310who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יַגִּ֣יד2 of 10
“Who shall declare”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
עַל3 of 10
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פָּנָ֣יו4 of 10
“to his face”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ5 of 10
“his way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְהֽוּא6 of 10
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עָ֝שָׂ֗ה7 of 10
“him what he hath done”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִ֣י8 of 10
H4310who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יְשַׁלֶּם9 of 10
“and who shall repay”
H7999to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
לֽוֹ׃10 of 10
H0Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Job 21:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Job 21:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge