King James Version

What Does Job 31:28 Mean?

Job 31:28 in the King James Version says “This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.” — study this verse from Job chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.”

Job 31:28 · KJV

Context

26

If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness; sun: Heb. light in: Heb. bright

27

And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand: my mouth: Heb. my hand hath kissed my mouth

28

This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.

29

If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:

30

Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul. mouth: Heb. palate

Read Job 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge (גַּם־הוּא עָוֺן פְּלִילִי, gam-hu avon pelili)—avon (עָוֺן) means iniquity or guilt, while pelili (פְּלִילִי) refers to judicial punishment by a judge. Job recognizes that idolatry is a legal offense deserving punishment. For I should have denied the God that is above (כִּי־כִחַשְׁתִּי לָאֵל מִמָּעַל, ki-kichashti la'El mima'al)—the verb kachash (כָּחַשׁ) means to deny, lie about, or disown. Job understands that worshiping creation denies the Creator.

This theological principle appears throughout Scripture: idolatry is covenant violation, spiritual adultery against Yahweh (Exodus 20:3-5, Jeremiah 3:20). From a Reformed perspective, Job's reasoning demonstrates proper covenant theology. Idolatry isn't merely one sin among many but denial of God's exclusive right to worship. The first commandment grounds all others. To worship anything besides God is to declare He isn't supreme. Job recognizes that astral worship would constitute judicial guilt requiring divine punishment—the very thing his friends wrongly claimed explained his suffering.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern law codes prescribed death for covenant violations. Israel's law mandated death for idolatry (Deuteronomy 17:2-7). Job's recognition that idolatry deserves judicial punishment reflects covenant theology predating Mosaic law. His phrase 'God that is above' (El mima'al) emphasizes divine transcendence—God is above creation, not part of it. This monotheistic confession distinguished Israel from polytheistic neighbors.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing idolatry as 'denying God' deepen our understanding of its seriousness?
  2. What does Job's theological reasoning teach about the relationship between worship and truth claims about God?
  3. How should understanding that idolatry is a judicial offense affect how we view subtle forms of divided loyalty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
גַּם1 of 8
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

ה֭וּא2 of 8
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

עָוֹ֣ן3 of 8

“This also were an iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

פְּלִילִ֑י4 of 8

“to be punished by the judge”

H6416

judicial

כִּֽי5 of 8
H3588

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

כִחַ֖שְׁתִּי6 of 8

“for I should have denied”

H3584

to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

לָאֵ֣ל7 of 8

“the God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

מִמָּֽעַל׃8 of 8

“that is above”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, 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 31:28 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 31:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 17:2-7Job 31:11Psalms 50:6Genesis 18:25Joshua 24:23Job 23:7

Test Your Knowledge

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

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