King James Version

What Does Job 31:10 Mean?

Job 31:10 in the King James Version says “Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.” — study this verse from Job chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.”

Job 31:10 · KJV

Context

8

Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.

9

If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;

10

Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.

11

For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.

12

For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then let my wife grind unto another—Job invokes the lex talionis (law of retaliation) upon himself if guilty of adultery. The Hebrew tiṭḥan (תִּטְחַן, grind) refers to grinding grain, a task of slaves and concubines. Let others bow down upon her uses the verb yikra'un (יִכְרָעוּן), meaning to kneel or crouch—a euphemism for sexual violation. Job declares that if he has violated another man's wife, let his own wife become another man's slave-concubine.

This self-imprecation follows ancient Near Eastern treaty-curse patterns: the punishment mirrors the crime. Job's willingness to invoke such a horrific curse demonstrates his absolute confidence in his sexual purity. The severity reflects how seriously covenant faithfulness was viewed—adultery wasn't merely personal sin but cosmic covenant-breaking.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israelite society, a wife grinding grain for another man signified total humiliation and loss of status. Grinding was laborious work typically done by servants. For a patriarch's wife to be reduced to a concubine represented complete social degradation. This context makes Job's oath particularly bold—he stakes his entire household honor on his innocence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's willingness to invoke such severe consequences reflect the seriousness with which we should view sexual purity?
  2. What does this verse teach about the connection between personal sin and its impact on one's household?
  3. How does the covenant language here point forward to Christ's faithfulness to His bride, the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
תִּטְחַ֣ן1 of 6

“grind”

H2912

to grind meal; hence, to be a concubine (that being their employment)

אֲחֵרִֽין׃2 of 6

“and let others”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

אִשְׁתִּ֑י3 of 6

“Then let my wife”

H802

a woman

וְ֝עָלֶ֗יהָ4 of 6
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִכְרְע֥וּן5 of 6

“bow down”

H3766

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

אֲחֵרִֽין׃6 of 6

“and let others”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

Study 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 31:10 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 31:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 8:102 Samuel 12:11Isaiah 47:2Deuteronomy 28:30Exodus 11:5Matthew 24:41

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