King James Version
Job 31:21 in the King James Version says “If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:” — study this verse from Job chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:”
Job 31:21 · KJV
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone. bone: or, chanelbone
For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
KJV Study — Public Domain
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
“If I have lifted up”
H5130to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“my hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“when I saw”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
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 31:21 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 31:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge