King James Version

What Does Job 31:11 Mean?

Job 31:11 in the King James Version says “For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges. — study this verse from Job chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 31:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is an heinous crime (כִּי־הִיא זִמָּה, ki-hi zimmah)—the word zimmah denotes premeditated lewdness or a wicked scheme, not mere impulse. It's used in Leviticus 18-20 for sexual abominations worthy of death. An iniquity to be punished by the judges (avon peliylim, עָוֺן פְּלִילִים) identifies adultery as a civil crime requiring judicial punishment, not just private matter.

Job recognizes three dimensions of adultery: (1) moral—it's zimmah, deliberate wickedness; (2) legal—it requires judicial punishment; (3) theological—it's ultimately sin against God (v. 12). This comprehensive understanding anticipates Jesus's teaching that lust itself is adultery (Matthew 5:28), showing the heart-level nature of sexual sin. The judges (peliylim) were Israel's covenant enforcers, maintaining community holiness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mosaic law prescribed death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22). Unlike surrounding cultures where adultery was primarily a property offense against the husband, Israel viewed it as covenant violation against God. The judges' involvement shows adultery wasn't private morality but public justice. Job's era likely predates Sinai, yet he demonstrates the same moral awareness, suggesting natural law knowledge of sexual boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing adultery as 'zimmah' (premeditated wickedness) challenge modern views of sexual sin as mere weakness?
  2. What does Job's understanding of accountability to human judges teach about the church's role in addressing sexual immorality?
  3. How does viewing sexual sin as cosmic covenant-breaking rather than private choice transform our approach to purity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
כִּי1 of 6
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִ֥וא2 of 6
H1931

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

זִמָּ֑ה3 of 6

For this is an heinous crime

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

וְ֝ה֗יּא4 of 6
H1931

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

עָוֹ֥ן5 of 6

yea it is an iniquity

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

פְּלִילִֽים׃6 of 6

to be punished by the judges

H6414

a magistrate


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 31:11 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 31:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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