King James Version

What Does Job 31:3 Mean?

Job 31:3 in the King James Version says “Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?” — study this verse from Job chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?”

Job 31:3 · KJV

Context

1

I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

2

For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?

3

Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?

4

Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?

5

If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Is not destruction to the wicked? (הֲלֹא־אֵיד לְעַוָּל, halo-ed le'awwal)—Ed (destruction, calamity, disaster) is the expected fate of the awwal (wicked, unrighteous, perverse). Job appeals to the doctrine of retribution that his friends have wielded against him—but he turns it into self-examination rather than self-defense.

A strange punishment to the workers of iniquity (וְנֵכֶר לְפֹעֲלֵי אָוֶן, veneker lefo'alei aven)—Neker means something foreign, strange, or extraordinary—an exceptional calamity befitting exceptional evil. Po'alei aven (workers of iniquity) describes those whose active labor produces wickedness (Psalm 5:5, 14:4). Job introduces his oath of innocence (chapter 31) by acknowledging that IF he were such a worker, God's strange judgment would be justified. This conditional framework turns the friends' accusations into testable hypotheses.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern oath formulas often began with conditional statements ('If I have done X...') followed by self-imprecations ('then may Y happen to me'). Job employs this legal form throughout chapter 31, essentially placing himself under oath before God. The concept of measure-for-measure justice (lex talionis) was foundational to biblical law, making Job's appeal to retributive justice culturally resonant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's acknowledgment of God's justice against 'workers of iniquity' strengthen rather than weaken his case?
  2. What does the word 'strange' (extraordinary) reveal about the severity of punishment Job believes true iniquity deserves?
  3. How does this verse prepare for Job's detailed oath of innocence in the verses that follow?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הֲלֹא1 of 6
H3808

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

אֵ֥יד2 of 6

“Is not destruction”

H343

oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin

לְעַוָּ֑ל3 of 6

“to the wicked”

H5767

evil (morally)

וְ֝נֵ֗כֶר4 of 6

“and a strange”

H5235

something strange, i.e., unexpected calamity

לְפֹ֣עֲלֵי5 of 6

“punishment to the workers”

H6466

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

אָֽוֶן׃6 of 6

“of iniquity”

H205

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

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 31:3 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 31:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 21:30Job 34:22Matthew 7:13Psalms 55:23Jude 1:7Proverbs 10:29

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