King James Version
Job 21:31 in the King James Version says “Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done?” — study this verse from Job chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done?”
Job 21:31 · KJV
Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,
That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. wrath: Heb. wraths
Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done?
Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb. grave: Heb. graves remain: Heb. watch in the heap
The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him.
KJV Study — Public Domain
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
“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
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“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
“his way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
“him what he hath done”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
“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
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.
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.
Verses related to Job 21:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge