King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
For this [is] an heinous crime; yea, it [is] an iniquity [to be punished by] the judges.
Complete Jewish Bible:
For that would be a heinous act, a criminal offense,
Berean Standard Bible:
For that would be a heinous crime, an iniquity to be judged.
American Standard Version:
For that were a heinous crime; Yea, it were an iniquity to be punished by the judges:
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
For this is an heinous crime{H2154}; yea, it is an iniquity{H5771} to be punished by the judges{H6414}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Leviticus 20:10
- ¶ And the man that committeth adultery with [another] man's wife, [even he] that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
Job 31:28
- This also [were] an iniquity [to be punished by] the judge: for I should have denied the God [that is] above.
Deuteronomy 22:22
- If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, [both] the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.
Deuteronomy 22:24
- Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, [being] in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.
Genesis 38:24
- ¶ And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she [is] with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.
Ezekiel 16:38
- And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.
Genesis 26:10
- And Abimelech said, What [is] this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us.
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Commentary for Job 31:11
Job 31:11 is part of the Book of Job, which is one of the Wisdom Books in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. The book is named after its protagonist, Job, a man known for his righteousness and piety. The narrative centers on the question of why suffering occurs, particularly to those who seem undeserving of it.
In the verses leading up to Job 31:11, Job is in the midst of defending his integrity against accusations made by his friends, who suggest that his suffering must be a punishment for some hidden sin. Job vehemently denies any wrongdoing and calls upon God to reveal any sin he may have committed unknowingly.
In Job 31:11, the verse reads: "For this is a heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges." Here, Job is speaking about the gravity of sexual sin, specifically adultery, which he has just finished declaring he has not committed (verses 9-10). He refers to it as a "heinous crime" and an "iniquity," emphasizing the severity of such an act in the eyes of both God and human society. The mention of "judges" indicates that adultery was not only a moral and religious transgression but also a civil offense that would be subject to legal punishment.
The historical context of this verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern legal and moral standards of the time, which often treated adultery as a serious crime. In the legal framework of ancient Israel, as outlined in the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), adultery was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22).
Job's assertion of his innocence concerning this matter is part of his broader argument that his suffering is unjust and not a result of personal sin. The Book of Job grapples with the complexities of theodicy—the vindication of divine justice in the face of evil and suffering. Job's insistence on his moral integrity, despite his dire circumstances, challenges the simplistic retributive theology of his friends and raises profound questions about the nature of God's justice and human suffering.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H2154
There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זִמָּה
Transliteration: zimmâh
Pronunciation: zim-maw'
Description: or זַמָּה; from זָמַם; a plan, especially a bad one; heinous crime, lewd(-ly, -ness), mischief, purpose, thought, wicked (device, mind, -ness). - Strong's Number: H5771
There are 213 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָוֺן
Transliteration: ʻâvôn
Pronunciation: aw-vone'
Description: or עָווֹן; (2 Kings 7:9; Psalm 51:5 (אֲבַד)), from עָוָה; perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. - Strong's Number: H6414
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פָּלִיל
Transliteration: pâlîyl
Pronunciation: paw-leel'
Description: from פָּלַל; a magistrate; judge.