King James Version
What Does Job 31:22 Mean?
“Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone. bone: or, chanelbone”
Job 31:22 · KJV
Context
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
23
For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
24
If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThen let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade (כְּתֵפִי מִשִּׁכְמָה תִפּוֹל, ketefi mi-shikmah tippol)—katef (כָּתֵף, shoulder) and shekhem (שְׁכֶם, shoulder blade/neck) emphasize the arm's connection point. Mine arm be broken from the bone (וְאֶזְרֹעִי מִקָּנָה תִּשָּׁבֵר, ve-ezro'i mi-qanah tishshaver)—qaneh (קָנֶה, bone/reed) indicates complete severance. Shavar (שָׁבַר, break) conveys violent destruction.
Job invokes measure-for-measure punishment: if he raised his hand against orphans (v. 21), let that hand be torn off. This self-malediction demonstrates absolute confidence in innocence. The specific anatomical detail (shoulder to bone) intensifies the horror. This echoes Jesus's teaching: "If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off" (Matthew 5:30)—better to lose a limb than sin. Job's willingness to be dismembered rather than abuse power reveals the seriousness of oppressing the vulnerable.
Job invokes measure-for-measure punishment: if he raised his hand against orphans (v. 21), let that hand be torn off. This self-malediction demonstrates absolute confidence in innocence. The specific anatomical detail (shoulder to bone) intensifies the horror. This echoes Jesus's teaching: "If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off" (Matthew 5:30)—better to lose a limb than sin. Job's willingness to be dismembered rather than abuse power reveals the seriousness of oppressing the vulnerable.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient curses often invoked bodily dismemberment as punishment (Judges 1:6-7, 1 Samuel 11:2). The arm symbolized strength and action—to lose it meant complete powerlessness, the very state of the orphans Job swore to protect. This poetic justice (losing the arm that oppressed) reflects the principle of equivalent retribution in ancient law codes. Job's self-curse demonstrates that integrity means accepting punishment if guilty.
Reflection Questions
- How does Job's willingness to invoke dismemberment upon himself reflect the gravity of oppressing the powerless?
- What 'arms' (abilities, resources, influence) might God require you to metaphorically 'lose' if you've misused them?
- How does this severe self-accountability challenge modern tendencies to minimize or excuse harmful actions toward the vulnerable?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsכְּ֭תֵפִי1 of 6
“Then let mine arm”
H3802the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
תִפּ֑וֹל3 of 6
“fall”
H5307to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
מִקָּנָ֥ה5 of 6
“from the bone”
H7070a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
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 31:22 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 31:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge