King James Version

What Does Job 31:6 Mean?

Job 31:6 in the King James Version says “Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity. Let: Heb. Let him weigh me in balances of justic...” — study this verse from Job chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity. Let: Heb. Let him weigh me in balances of justice”

Job 31:6 · KJV

Context

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;

6

Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity. Let: Heb. Let him weigh me in balances of justice

7

If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;

8

Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job requests: 'Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.' The phrase mo'znei-tsedeq (מֹאזְנֵי־צֶדֶק, even balance) refers to honest, accurate scales. Shakal (שָׁקַל, weighed) means to weigh out or measure. Job invites divine assessment, confident in his innocence. The phrase 'that God may know' uses yada (יָדַע, know), not implying God lacks knowledge but expressing confidence that divine examination will vindicate. Tummah (תֻּמָּה, integrity) means completeness or innocence. Job's confidence in divine scrutiny demonstrates clear conscience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern imagery frequently used balances/scales for judgment (Egyptian afterlife judgment weighed hearts against feather of truth). Biblical imagery similarly employs weighing for divine judgment (Daniel 5:27). Job's invitation for God to weigh him demonstrates confidence—unlike his friends who assume divine weighing already condemned him. The passage anticipates final judgment when God will weigh all and vindicate the righteous.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Job's invitation for divine weighing teach about the confidence a clear conscience brings?
  2. How should the reality of final judgment affect our daily lives and moral choices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יִשְׁקְלֵ֥נִי1 of 6

“Let me be weighed”

H8254

to suspend or poise (especially in trade)

בְמֹאזְנֵי2 of 6

“balance”

H3976

(only in the dual) a pair of scales

צֶ֑דֶק3 of 6

“in an even”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

וְיֵדַ֥ע4 of 6

“may know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ5 of 6

“that God”

H433

a deity or the deity

תֻּמָּתִֽי׃6 of 6

“mine integrity”

H8538

innocence

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 31:6 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 31:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 7:8-9Daniel 5:27Matthew 7:231 Samuel 2:3Isaiah 26:7Proverbs 16:11

Test Your Knowledge

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