Job articulates that caring for the orphan reflects a faithful commitment to God and a moral standard that transcends time.
“Or have eaten my morsel alone, And the orphan has not shared it?” (v.17). In this poignant question, Job continues his self-examination by highlighting the possibility that he might have withheld his bread from the fatherless. Job lived in the land of Uz, an area whose geographical location is not precisely known, but is often thought to have been somewhere east of Canaan, possibly in Edom or Northern Arabia. This ancient setting, perhaps dated to around 2000 BC, reveals a patriarchal milieu where the practice of hospitality was held in high esteem. By invoking the orphan (sometimes translated as “fatherless”), Job presents a moral challenge to the idea of neglecting or oppressing the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 10:18). Through this rhetorical question, he implies that a true worshiper of God should never abandon those in need.
“Or have eaten my morsel alone” (v.17) brings attention to the idea that Job was careful to share his sustenance with others. Even the simplest meal was considered an opportunity to show compassion. In his context, bread and other basic foods were precious, and sharing them symbolized both generosity and relationship. By suggesting it would be wrong to keep his morsel all to himself, Job underscores his deep conviction that caring for the less fortunate is an essential human and spiritual duty (James 1:27). This stance, woven into the fabric of the ancient Near Eastern code of hospitality, demonstrates Job’s commitment to righteous behavior.
“And the orphan has not shared it?” (v.17) underscores Job’s concern for those who have lost parents, specifically highlighting a group vulnerable to social and economic exploitation. Job’s declaration implies that when one possesses resources, it is a grave offense to exclude orphans from mindful provision. By composing this scenario as a question, Job invites his listeners—and readers—to inspect their own conduct. He sets an example that echoes throughout Scripture, emphasizing compassion as a hallmark of godly life, and looking forward to how Jesus often dignifies and welcomes society’s outcasts (Matthew 19:14).
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Job 31:17 meaning
“Or have eaten my morsel alone, And the orphan has not shared it?” (v.17). In this poignant question, Job continues his self-examination by highlighting the possibility that he might have withheld his bread from the fatherless. Job lived in the land of Uz, an area whose geographical location is not precisely known, but is often thought to have been somewhere east of Canaan, possibly in Edom or Northern Arabia. This ancient setting, perhaps dated to around 2000 BC, reveals a patriarchal milieu where the practice of hospitality was held in high esteem. By invoking the orphan (sometimes translated as “fatherless”), Job presents a moral challenge to the idea of neglecting or oppressing the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 10:18). Through this rhetorical question, he implies that a true worshiper of God should never abandon those in need.
“Or have eaten my morsel alone” (v.17) brings attention to the idea that Job was careful to share his sustenance with others. Even the simplest meal was considered an opportunity to show compassion. In his context, bread and other basic foods were precious, and sharing them symbolized both generosity and relationship. By suggesting it would be wrong to keep his morsel all to himself, Job underscores his deep conviction that caring for the less fortunate is an essential human and spiritual duty (James 1:27). This stance, woven into the fabric of the ancient Near Eastern code of hospitality, demonstrates Job’s commitment to righteous behavior.
“And the orphan has not shared it?” (v.17) underscores Job’s concern for those who have lost parents, specifically highlighting a group vulnerable to social and economic exploitation. Job’s declaration implies that when one possesses resources, it is a grave offense to exclude orphans from mindful provision. By composing this scenario as a question, Job invites his listeners—and readers—to inspect their own conduct. He sets an example that echoes throughout Scripture, emphasizing compassion as a hallmark of godly life, and looking forward to how Jesus often dignifies and welcomes society’s outcasts (Matthew 19:14).