King James Version

What Does Job 31:20 Mean?

Job 31:20 in the King James Version says “If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;” — study this verse from Job chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;”

Job 31:20 · KJV

Context

18

(For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;) her: that is, the widow

19

If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;

20

If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;

21

If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:

22

Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone. bone: or, chanelbone

Read Job 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If his loins have not blessed me (אִם־לֹא בֵרְכוּנִי חֲלָצָיו, im-lo berekuni ḥalatsav)—ḥalatsayim (חֲלָצַיִם, loins) metonymically represents the whole person, emphasizing physical warming. The verb barak (בָּרַךְ, bless) shows gratitude expressed by those warmed. Warmed with the fleece of my sheep (וּמִגֵּז כְּבָשַׂי יִתְחַמָּם, u-mi-gez kevasai yitḥammam)—gez (גֵּז, fleece/shearing) indicates Job gave from his own flocks.

Job expects the poor to bless him—not because he demands gratitude but because warm clothing naturally produces thanksgiving. This illustrates 2 Corinthians 9:11-12: giving "causeth through us thanksgiving to God." The specific mention of "fleece of my sheep" shows personal cost—Job gave from his own wealth, not surplus. The warming (ḥamam) has physical and emotional dimensions, anticipating Christ's compassion that warms the whole person (Matthew 9:36).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sheep's wool was primary cold-weather clothing in ancient Israel. Job's 7,000 sheep (Job 1:3) produced abundant wool. Providing fleece garments represented significant generosity—these were durable, valuable items, not cast-offs. The blessing of the poor person reflects ancient honor-culture: beneficiaries praised benefactors publicly, enhancing reputation. Yet Job's motivation transcends honor-seeking—he clothed the naked because righteousness demanded it (v. 23).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's giving from his own flocks (personal cost) challenge modern charity that costs us little?
  2. Do you experience blessing from those you serve, or do you serve with detachment that prevents genuine relationship?
  3. How does the image of warming the whole person inform holistic ministry that addresses physical and spiritual needs?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אִם1 of 7
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א2 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בֵרֲכ֣וּנִי3 of 7

“have not blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

חֲלָצָ֑ו4 of 7

“If his loins”

H2504

the loins (as the seat of vigor)

וּמִגֵּ֥ז5 of 7

“with the fleece”

H1488

a fleece (as shorn); also mown grass

כְּ֝בָשַׂי6 of 7

“of my sheep”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

יִתְחַמָּֽם׃7 of 7

“me and if he were not warmed”

H2552

to be hot (literally or figuratively)

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 31:20 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 31:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 24:13Job 29:11

Test Your Knowledge

Job 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Job 31 with CommentaryAll Job ChaptersComplete Job QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes