King James Version

What Does Job 31:37 Mean?

Job 31:37 in the King James Version says “I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.” — study this verse from Job chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 31:37 · KJV

Context

35

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

36

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

37

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

38

If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain; complain: Heb. weep

39

If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life: fruits: Heb. strength the owners: Heb. the soul of the owners thereof to expire, or, breathe out

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I would declare unto him the number of my steps (מִסְפַּר צְעָדַי אַגִּידֶנּוּ, mispar tse'aday 'aggidenu)—Job concludes his oath of innocence by asserting he would approach God with complete transparency. The phrase 'number of my steps' uses mispar (count, accounting) and tse'ad (steps, paces), indicating a detailed record of his entire life path. As a prince would I go near unto him (כְּמוֹ־נָגִיד אֲקָרְבֶנּוּ, kemo-nagid 'aqarvenu)—the word nagid means prince, leader, or noble, conveying confidence and dignity, not arrogance.

This verse reveals Job's desire for vindication through direct encounter with God. Rather than cowering before the Almighty, Job insists his integrity would allow him to stand boldly, presenting a complete account of his conduct. This confidence stems not from self-righteousness but from genuine innocence regarding his friends' accusations. The princely approach anticipates the New Testament teaching that believers have bold access to God's throne through Christ (Hebrews 4:16, 10:19). Job's longing for divine audience foreshadows the coming mediator who makes such access possible.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse concludes Job's final self-defense (chapters 29-31), a massive oath of innocence addressing potential sins from adultery to oppression. In ancient Near Eastern legal culture, oaths invoked divine witness and carried severe consequences for perjury. Job's willingness to enumerate his steps before God demonstrates supreme confidence in his blamelessness regarding his friends' charges. The patriarchal period lacked formal courts, making personal honor and divine vindication paramount.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would change if you lived with the awareness that God observes and records every step of your life?
  2. How does Job's confidence to approach God 'as a prince' anticipate the believer's access to God through Christ?
  3. In what ways can we maintain both humility before God and confidence in Christ's righteousness that grants us bold access?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
מִסְפַּ֣ר1 of 6

“unto him the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

צְ֭עָדַי2 of 6

“of my steps”

H6806

a pace or regular step

אַגִּידֶ֑נּוּ3 of 6

“I would declare”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

כְּמוֹ4 of 6
H3644

as, thus, so

נָ֝גִ֗יד5 of 6

“as a prince”

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

אֲקָרֲבֶֽנּוּ׃6 of 6

“would I go near”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

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 31:37 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 31:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 13:15Hebrews 4:15-16Ephesians 3:12Psalms 19:12Job 29:25Job 42:3-6

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