Job’s words stress the unwavering confidence of a just person who entrusts his cause entirely to God.
Job, believed by many to have lived as early as 2000 BC in the land of Uz (an area often associated with Edom or northern Arabia), speaks boldly in his defense throughout this chapter. When he states, “Surely I would carry it on my shoulder, I would bind it to myself like a crown” (Job 31:36), he pictures his sworn statement of innocence as something he is willing to publicly display. By referring to carrying his words on his shoulder, Job suggests that his integrity is no burden, but rather something he would gladly bear so that all might see. He even likens it to a crown, reflecting his confidence that his cause is just and honorable, as a crown is worn on the head for all to behold.
The imagery of a crown in “I would bind it to myself like a crown” (Job 31:36) also emphasizes the dignity and royalty with which Job regards his defense. This points to the high value he places on righteousness and honesty, even amid extreme suffering. Much like how the New Testament reminds readers that steadfast faith and perseverance can bring about spiritual reward (James 1:12), Job holds fast to his integrity, believing it will be his confidence before God. His steadfastness invites us to consider how confidence in our uprightness, through faith, can be a reflection of trust in God’s ultimate justice and vindication.
Job’s determination and courage in “Surely I would carry it on my shoulder” (Job 31:36) underscore his belief that God sees all of his actions and will respond accordingly. Although Job does not speak directly of Jesus, Christians reading this text may recognize a connection to the righteousness available through Christ (Romans 3:22). In a manner foreshadowing that perfect righteousness, Job stands prepared to present his case directly to God, emblematic of a true devotion that persists even under severe trials.
Set to dark mode
Job 31:36 meaning
Job, believed by many to have lived as early as 2000 BC in the land of Uz (an area often associated with Edom or northern Arabia), speaks boldly in his defense throughout this chapter. When he states, “Surely I would carry it on my shoulder, I would bind it to myself like a crown” (Job 31:36), he pictures his sworn statement of innocence as something he is willing to publicly display. By referring to carrying his words on his shoulder, Job suggests that his integrity is no burden, but rather something he would gladly bear so that all might see. He even likens it to a crown, reflecting his confidence that his cause is just and honorable, as a crown is worn on the head for all to behold.
The imagery of a crown in “I would bind it to myself like a crown” (Job 31:36) also emphasizes the dignity and royalty with which Job regards his defense. This points to the high value he places on righteousness and honesty, even amid extreme suffering. Much like how the New Testament reminds readers that steadfast faith and perseverance can bring about spiritual reward (James 1:12), Job holds fast to his integrity, believing it will be his confidence before God. His steadfastness invites us to consider how confidence in our uprightness, through faith, can be a reflection of trust in God’s ultimate justice and vindication.
Job’s determination and courage in “Surely I would carry it on my shoulder” (Job 31:36) underscore his belief that God sees all of his actions and will respond accordingly. Although Job does not speak directly of Jesus, Christians reading this text may recognize a connection to the righteousness available through Christ (Romans 3:22). In a manner foreshadowing that perfect righteousness, Job stands prepared to present his case directly to God, emblematic of a true devotion that persists even under severe trials.