King James Version

What Does Job 31:29 Mean?

Job 31:29 in the King James Version says “If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:” — study this verse from Job chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 31:29 · KJV

Context

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

31

If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.

Read Job 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me (אִם־אֶשְׂמַח בְּפִיד מְשַׂנְאִי, im-esmach bepid mesanai)—samach (שָׂמַח) means to rejoice, while pid (פִּיד) means destruction or calamity. Sane (שָׂנֵא, hated) indicates one who hates, an enemy. Or lifted up myself when evil found him (וְהִתְעֹרַרְתִּי כִּי־מְצָאוֹ רָע, vehitorerarti ki-metsa'o ra)—hitorer (הִתְעֹרֵר) means to rouse oneself or exult. Job denies schadenfreude, taking pleasure in enemies' suffering.

This remarkable ethical standard anticipates Jesus's teaching to love enemies (Matthew 5:44) and Paul's command not to rejoice in iniquity (1 Corinthians 13:6). Proverbs 24:17-18 warns against rejoicing when enemies fall, lest God be displeased. Job's righteousness exceeded his culture's standards and even anticipated New Covenant ethics. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates that saving grace produces supernatural love—loving those who hate us. Job's character reveals God's standard for righteousness, showing why Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice are necessary—we cannot achieve this level of righteousness on our own.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern culture emphasized honor/shame and vengeance against enemies. Tribal societies especially valued retribution. Job's refusal to rejoice in enemies' downfall radically contradicted cultural norms. His ethic reflected divine character: God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23, 33:11). Job's righteousness anticipated gospel ethics that would command blessing persecutors (Romans 12:14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's refusal to rejoice at enemies' suffering challenge our natural desire for vindication?
  2. What does this verse teach about the difference between justice (which we should desire) and vengeance (which we should avoid)?
  3. How can we cultivate Job's compassion toward those who hate us?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אִם1 of 8
H518

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

אֶ֭שְׂמַח2 of 8

“If I rejoiced”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בְּפִ֣יד3 of 8

“at the destruction”

H6365

(figuratively) misfortune

מְשַׂנְאִ֑י4 of 8

“of him that hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

וְ֝הִתְעֹרַ֗רְתִּי5 of 8

“me or lifted up”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

כִּֽי6 of 8
H3588

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

מְצָ֥אוֹ7 of 8

“found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

רָֽע׃8 of 8

“myself when evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 31:29 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 31:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 24:17-18Proverbs 17:5Psalms 35:13-14Obadiah 1:12Psalms 35:25-262 Samuel 16:5-8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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