He demonstrates unwavering integrity by refusing to exploit the orphan.
If I have lifted up my hand against the orphan, Because I saw I had support in the gate, (v.21)
Job continues his self-examination by highlighting care for the vulnerable. In the ancient Near East, legal matters were settled at the city gate, where the powerful could easily sway judges and witnesses. By saying, If I have lifted up my hand against the orphan, Job insists that even if he possessed such influence, he refused to use it for personal benefit or to oppress the fatherless. This reflects his commitment to justice and compassion, refusing to exploit someone who lacked a father’s protection. Scripture often emphasizes orphan care as a key mark of righteousness, as seen elsewhere (James 1:27).
Job lived around the time of the Patriarchs (possibly around 2000 BC), traditionally associated with the land of Uz, near Edom. He was a man of great wealth and was known for his piety and generosity. In the surrounding context of Job 31, he methodically lists the ways he sought to uphold God’s standards. Here, reference to the orphan underscores God’s heart for the powerless (Deuteronomy 24:17-19). Instead of depending on his influence “in the gate,” he testifies that he used his position to protect and bless those in need.
Job’s moral appeal resonates with the entire biblical narrative, which reveals God as One who defends the weak and encourages His people to do likewise (Psalm 68:5). Followers of Jesus are also exhorted to care for the fatherless and widows, showing that godly love extends to those who cannot repay (Luke 14:13-14). Job 31:21 demonstrates the harmony between the Old Testament ideal of charitable justice and the New Testament commandment to love our neighbor with selfless devotion.
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Job 31:21 meaning
If I have lifted up my hand against the orphan, Because I saw I had support in the gate, (v.21)
Job continues his self-examination by highlighting care for the vulnerable. In the ancient Near East, legal matters were settled at the city gate, where the powerful could easily sway judges and witnesses. By saying, If I have lifted up my hand against the orphan, Job insists that even if he possessed such influence, he refused to use it for personal benefit or to oppress the fatherless. This reflects his commitment to justice and compassion, refusing to exploit someone who lacked a father’s protection. Scripture often emphasizes orphan care as a key mark of righteousness, as seen elsewhere (James 1:27).
Job lived around the time of the Patriarchs (possibly around 2000 BC), traditionally associated with the land of Uz, near Edom. He was a man of great wealth and was known for his piety and generosity. In the surrounding context of Job 31, he methodically lists the ways he sought to uphold God’s standards. Here, reference to the orphan underscores God’s heart for the powerless (Deuteronomy 24:17-19). Instead of depending on his influence “in the gate,” he testifies that he used his position to protect and bless those in need.
Job’s moral appeal resonates with the entire biblical narrative, which reveals God as One who defends the weak and encourages His people to do likewise (Psalm 68:5). Followers of Jesus are also exhorted to care for the fatherless and widows, showing that godly love extends to those who cannot repay (Luke 14:13-14). Job 31:21 demonstrates the harmony between the Old Testament ideal of charitable justice and the New Testament commandment to love our neighbor with selfless devotion.