King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
If his loins have not blessed me, and [if] he were [not] warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
Complete Jewish Bible:
who didn't bless me from his heart for being warmed with the fleece from my sheep,
Berean Standard Bible:
if his heart has not blessed me for warming him with the fleece of my sheep,
American Standard Version:
If his loins have not blessed me, And if he hath not been warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
If his loins{H2504} have not blessed{H1288} me, and if he were not warmed{H2552} with the fleece{H1488} of my sheep{H3532};
Cross-References (KJV):
Deuteronomy 24:13
- In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God.
Job 29:11
- When the ear heard [me], then it blessed me; and when the eye saw [me], it gave witness to me:
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Job 31:20
Job 31:20 is part of the Book of Job, which is one of the Wisdom Books in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. The book is named after its protagonist, Job, a man known for his righteousness and piety. The narrative centers around a divine test of Job's faith, where Satan challenges God that Job is faithful only because of his prosperity and health. As a result, Job loses his wealth, his children, and his health, yet he maintains his integrity, refusing to curse God.
In the verse itself, Job is in the midst of a lengthy defense against accusations made by his friends, who insist that his suffering must be a punishment for some hidden sin. Chapter 31 is particularly focused on Job's assertion of his innocence, as he systematically denies various sins that he could have committed but did not. In verse 20, Job is speaking metaphorically about his charitable acts. The "loins" that have not blessed him likely refer to the poor or needy who might have been expected to praise him for his generosity. The phrase "if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep" suggests that Job had provided clothing or warmth to those in need without receiving any direct acknowledgment or blessing in return.
The historical context of the Book of Job is somewhat uncertain, with estimates of its composition ranging from the time of the Patriarchs (circa 2000-1800 BCE) to the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE). The themes of the book include the nature of suffering, the question of why the righteous suffer, the limitations of human wisdom, and the sovereignty of God. Job's statement in 31:20 underscores his commitment to righteousness for its own sake, rather than for any reward or recognition, and highlights the theme of integrity in the face of undeserved suffering. It also touches on the idea of social responsibility, as Job has cared for the less fortunate without expecting personal gain, which was an important virtue in ancient Near Eastern societies, including that of the Israelites.
*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: H2504
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָלָץ
Transliteration: châlâts
Pronunciation: khaw-lawts'
Description: from חָלַץ (in the sense of strength); only in the dual; the loins (as the seat of vigor); loins, reins. - Strong's Number: H1288
There are 289 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָרַךְ
Transliteration: bârak
Pronunciation: baw-rak'
Description: a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason); [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. - Strong's Number: H2552
There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָמַם
Transliteration: châmam
Pronunciation: khaw-mam'
Description: a primitive root; to be hot (literally or figuratively); enflame self, get (have) heat, be (wax) hot, (be, wax) warm (self, at). - Strong's Number: H1488
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גֵּז
Transliteration: gêz
Pronunciation: gaze
Description: from גַּזָז; a fleece (as shorn); also mown grass; fleece, mowing, mown grass. - Strong's Number: H3532
There are 100 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כֶּבֶשׂ
Transliteration: kebes
Pronunciation: keh-bes'
Description: from an unused root meaning to dominate; a ram (just old enough to butt); lamb, sheep.