King James Version

What Does Job 31:8 Mean?

Job 31:8 in the King James Version says “Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.” — study this verse from Job chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 31:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;

10

Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then let me sow, and let another eat (אֶזְרְעָה וְאַחֵר יֹאכֵל, ezre'ah ve'acher yochel)—This self-imprecation invokes the covenant curse of Leviticus 26:16: 'ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.' Zara (sow) without reaping was the ultimate agricultural futility. Job invites this judgment if his hands bear moral 'blot' (v. 7).

Yea, let my offspring be rooted out (וְצֶאֱצָאַי יְשֹׁרָשׁוּ, vetze'etza'ai yeshorashu)—Tze'etza'im (offspring, descendants, what comes forth) being sharash (rooted out, uprooted) meant complete extinction of one's lineage, the severest Old Testament curse. Job's children have already died (1:18-19), making this oath bitterly ironic—he's already experienced the very judgment he invokes, yet maintains his innocence. This proves Job isn't claiming sinless perfection but rather rejecting the specific sins his friends allege.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Deuteronomic theology, covenant curses included agricultural failure and loss of posterity (Deuteronomy 28:30-32, 38-42). For an ancient patriarch, family continuity was essential to identity and legacy. Job's willingness to invoke these ultimate curses upon himself demonstrates the seriousness of oath-taking in legal contexts. The tragic reality is that he's already suffered these losses without the corresponding guilt.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Job invoke covenant curses upon himself when he's already experienced their effects?
  2. How does this verse demonstrate that Job's oath is about specific accusations, not claims of sinlessness?
  3. What would you be willing to lose to prove your integrity before God and others?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
אֶ֭זְרְעָה1 of 5

“Then let me sow”

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

וְאַחֵ֣ר2 of 5

“and let another”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

יֹאכֵ֑ל3 of 5

“eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְֽצֶאֱצָאַ֥י4 of 5

“yea let my offspring”

H6631

issue, i.e., produce, children

יְשֹׁרָֽשׁוּ׃5 of 5

“be rooted out”

H8327

to root, i.e., strike into the soil, or (by implication) to pluck from it

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 31:8 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 31:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 6:15Leviticus 26:16Deuteronomy 28:38Job 24:6Job 20:18Job 18:19

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