King James Version

What Does Job 31:35 Mean?

“Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book. my: or, my sign is that the Almighty will”

Context

If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom: as Adam: or, after the manner of men

Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?

Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book. my: or, my sign is that the Almighty will

Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.

I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35) O**h that one would hear me**!—The rendering noticed in the margin is probably the right one—*Oh that I had one to hear me! Lo, here is my mark! i.e., *my signature, my declaration, which I am ready to subscribe; and oh that mine adversary had written a book! More correctly, perhaps, “That I had the book or indictment that my adversary hath written; would that I had it in black and white before me, that I might deal with it accordingly, and answer it point to point.” Here, then, is the same deviation from strict sequence of order that we observed in Job 29:18. Job 31:35-37 ought to come after Job 31:38-40; but the writer’s ideas of symmetry and order were not as ours, and this, in some respects, may be more natural, though, strictly speaking, less correct.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 31:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.