(The Lord speaking is red text)
[Then] let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.
then let my wife grind for another man, and let others kneel on her.
then may my own wife grind grain for another, and may other men sleep with her.
Then let my wife grind unto another, And let others bow down upon her.
Then let my wife{H802} grind{H2912} unto another{H312}, and let others{H312} bow down{H3766} upon her.
Job 31:10 is part of the poetic dialogues in the Book of Job, which is traditionally ascribed to the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible. The verse is situated within a larger discourse where Job, having suffered the loss of his wealth, children, and health, is defending his integrity against the accusations of his friends who suggest that his suffering must be a punishment for sin.
In verse 31:10, Job uses a powerful and graphic metaphor to express the depth of his despair and the severity of his losses. By invoking the image of his wife having to work as a servant, grinding grain for another household, and further humiliated by being subjected to the sexual advances of others, Job is illustrating the complete overturning of his domestic life and social standing. This verse reflects the themes of suffering, righteousness, and the questioning of theodicy—the justice of God in allowing the righteous to suffer.
Historically, the Book of Job is thought to have been written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a period when the people of Israel were grappling with theodicy in the face of national disaster. The verse reflects the broader cultural and religious concerns of that era, as the people sought to understand how a just God could permit extreme suffering among the faithful.
Job's statement in 31:10 is part of his final defense of his innocence and moral integrity. He is essentially saying that if he has sinned in any way, then he should suffer the full social and personal degradation that typically accompanied moral failure in his culture. This includes the loss of his wife's honor and their mutual fidelity, which were highly valued in ancient Near Eastern societies. The verse underscores the gravity of the consequences that Job believes would be justly deserved if he were indeed guilty of some hidden sin. It also highlights the profound sense of injustice he feels, as he has maintained his righteousness despite his undeserved suffering.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)