Job 21:31

KJV

Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him [what] he hath done?

KJV (with Strong's)

Who shall declare {H5046} his way {H1870} to his face {H6440}? and who shall repay {H7999} him what he hath done {H6213}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So who will confront him with his ways? Who will repay him for what he has done?

Berean Standard Bible

Who denounces his behavior to his face? Who repays him for what he has done?

American Standard Version

Who shall declare his way to his face? And who shall repay him what he hath done?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 21:31 encapsulates Job's profound challenge to the conventional wisdom of his friends, who rigidly adhere to a simplistic theology of immediate, earthly retribution. In this chapter, Job presents empirical observations that contradict their views, noting that the wicked often prosper, live long, and die peacefully, seemingly escaping divine judgment in this life. This verse serves as a climactic rhetorical question, expressing Job's frustration with the apparent lack of present justice and underscoring the profound limitations of human ability to confront or hold accountable those who commit evil, thereby implicitly pointing to a higher, ultimate authority for true and comprehensive judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 21 functions as Job's forceful and direct rebuttal to Zophar's preceding discourse in [Job 20](/job/20 "Job 20 - Zophar's Discourse on the Wicked's Fate"), where Zophar confidently asserted that the prosperity of the wicked is inherently fleeting and their downfall swift and inevitable. Job systematically dismantles this conventional wisdom by presenting a litany of empirical observations that contradict it. He points out that, contrary to his friends' rigid framework, many wicked individuals not only thrive but also live long lives, enjoy peace, leave behind numerous descendants, and are even mourned at their death, experiencing no apparent earthly consequence for their deeds (cf. [Job 21:7-13](/job/21-7-13 "Job 21:7-13 - The Prosperity and Peace of the Wicked")). This verse, "Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him [what] he hath done?", serves as the culminating rhetorical question in Job's argument, powerfully emphasizing that no human authority or power can effectively hold such wicked individuals accountable or exact retribution for their actions in this life. It sets the stage for the crucial understanding that ultimate justice must reside solely with God, transcending human capacity and temporal limitations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of the book of Job is typically placed within the patriarchal period, reflecting the broader wisdom traditions prevalent throughout the ancient Near East. A dominant theological concept of the era, often termed Deuteronomic theology (though its principles predate the written Deuteronomic code), posited a direct and immediate correlation between an individual's moral conduct and their earthly circumstances: righteousness was believed to lead to prosperity and well-being, while wickedness inevitably resulted in suffering and misfortune. Job's friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—are staunch proponents of this rigid framework, using it as their sole lens through which to interpret Job's immense suffering as a direct consequence of his presumed sin. Job 21:31, however, directly challenges this deeply ingrained cultural and theological assumption. By highlighting the observable reality that earthly circumstances do not always align with human expectations of immediate retribution, Job forces a confrontation with the complexities of divine justice, pushing beyond the simplistic cause-and-effect explanations prevalent in his cultural milieu.
* **Key Themes:** Job 21:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Job and resonate throughout broader biblical theology. Firstly, it implicitly points to **Divine Sovereignty and Ultimate Judgment**, asserting that God alone possesses the ultimate authority and power to truly confront and judge the wicked. Humans demonstrably lack the capacity, power, or even the access to "declare his way to his face" or "repay him," underscoring the profound truth that [it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed Judgment"). Secondly, the verse powerfully highlights the perennial **Problem of Evil and Suffering**, challenging simplistic cause-and-effect views of divine justice in the earthly realm. Job's unsettling observation that the wicked often prosper while the righteous suffer compels a deeper theological inquiry beyond superficial explanations, forcing a re-evaluation of divine justice. Lastly, it emphasizes **Human Limitations**, acknowledging humanity's inherent inability to fully comprehend God's intricate ways or to unilaterally enforce ultimate justice. Job understands that humans cannot stand before God as an equal to challenge His decrees, nor can they ensure perfect retribution for every wrong deed. This profound realization necessitates a foundational faith in God's perfect timing and His overarching plan, even when its manifestation is not immediately evident to human eyes, as reflected in passages like [Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - Standing Before God's Judgment Seat"), which speaks to the universal accountability before God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Declare (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** From H5046, a primitive root meaning "to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain." In the context of Job 21:31, "declare" carries the powerful nuance of confronting, accusing, or exposing someone's true character or actions directly and publicly. Job's question asks who possesses the audacity, authority, or power to stand before the seemingly untouchable wicked and reveal their true nature or deeds to their face, implying a direct and unyielding challenge to their perceived impunity.
* **To his face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From H6440, a plural noun (always singular in meaning) meaning "the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively)." This idiomatic phrase, "to his face" (literally "upon his face"), signifies a direct, unmediated, and open confrontation or accusation. It implies a bold, public challenge that aims to force accountability or shame upon the confronted party, rather than a hidden or indirect one. Job's rhetorical question underscores the perceived impossibility of any human directly challenging the powerful wicked in a way that would compel them to account for their actions in this life.
* **Repay (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** From H7999, a primitive root meaning "to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in various applications); make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, (re-) pay (again), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward." This verb specifically refers to the act of delivering full retribution or complete justice, ensuring that one receives precisely what is due for their actions, whether good or bad. Job's rhetorical question asserts that no human can accomplish this complete recompense or exact full justice for the deeds of the wicked, thereby underscoring the profound idea that ultimate, perfect justice is beyond human reach and capacity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who shall declare his way to his face?"**: This initial clause functions as a potent rhetorical question, articulating Job's profound frustration and the perceived impunity of the wicked. Job is not genuinely seeking a volunteer; rather, he is emphatically asserting that no human being possesses the requisite authority, courage, or power to confront a powerful, wicked individual directly and expose their true character or misdeeds. The phrase "to his face" intensifies the challenge, suggesting a public, unmediated accusation that would compel accountability and shame. It starkly highlights the grim reality that, in this earthly life, many wicked individuals operate without fear of human reprisal or public disgrace.
* **"and who shall repay him [what] he hath done?"**: This second rhetorical question extends the first, transitioning from the concept of direct confrontation to that of ultimate retribution. Job asks who possesses the capacity to deliver full, complete, and just recompense for the wicked's actions. The powerful implication is that no human can adequately punish or "pay back" the wicked for their misdeeds in a manner that truly satisfies justice. This clause underscores the inherent limitations of human justice systems and the apparent lack of immediate, visible divine intervention in the earthly realm, thereby reinforcing Job's core argument that the wicked often escape earthly consequences.

#### Literary Devices
Job 21:31 primarily employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question**. By posing two questions that are designed to elicit no human answer, Job effectively emphasizes the profound impossibility of human intervention in bringing the wicked to a complete and just reckoning. This device highlights the inherent limitations of human power and authority in the face of pervasive evil, thereby implicitly pointing to a higher, divine authority as the only one capable of administering ultimate and perfect judgment. The strategic use of rhetorical questions also serves to articulate Job's deep frustration, bewilderment, and even despair at the apparent injustice he observes in the world, compelling the reader to grapple with the very same theological dilemma. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** embedded within Job's questions, as his friends firmly believe that God *does* immediately repay the wicked in this life. Yet, Job's empirical observations directly contradict their rigid theology, exposing the stark irony and inadequacy of their simplistic view of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 21:31 is a poignant expression of the universal human struggle with the enduring problem of evil and the apparent delay of divine justice. It fundamentally challenges the simplistic notion that God always dispenses immediate, visible retribution or reward in this life, compelling a deeper and more nuanced understanding of God's sovereignty and His ultimate, comprehensive plan for justice. The verse implicitly but powerfully shifts the locus of ultimate judgment from imperfect human hands to perfect divine authority, reminding believers that while earthly systems of justice are often flawed, incomplete, and easily circumvented, God's justice is perfect, comprehensive, and absolutely certain, even if its full manifestation is reserved for a future, appointed time. This profound perspective cultivates patience, fosters unwavering trust in God's character, and encourages a reliance on His perfect timing rather than on the immediate, often contradictory, circumstances of the present world.

* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed Judgment")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - Standing Before God's Judgment Seat")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 21:31 offers profound and enduring insights for believers navigating a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the wicked appear to prosper without consequence. It calls us to cultivate a robust and unwavering faith in God's ultimate justice, even when earthly circumstances appear to contradict it or when our human expectations of immediate retribution are not met. We are starkly reminded that our human capacity to confront pervasive evil and exact perfect, comprehensive retribution is inherently limited. This humbling truth should prevent us from taking vengeance into our own hands and, instead, compel us to entrust the final, perfect judgment to the perfectly righteous and sovereign God. It also provides a crucial perspective on the temporary and often illusory nature of earthly prosperity, especially for those who disregard God; true blessedness and ultimate well-being are not always measured by material wealth or worldly success. For those experiencing injustice, suffering, or oppression at the hands of the wicked, this verse offers a grounding and comforting truth: while human efforts to right every wrong are limited and often frustrating, God's justice is absolutely sure, complete, and will be perfectly executed, even if delayed from a human perspective. It encourages patient endurance, unwavering trust in the divine timetable, and a confident hope in the ultimate triumph of righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job 21:31 challenge your own assumptions about how God dispenses justice in the world, particularly concerning the prosperity of the wicked?**
* **In what specific ways might the apparent prosperity of the wicked test your faith, and how does this verse encourage you to respond with patience and trust?**
* **How does the limitation of human ability to "repay" the wicked inform your approach to personal grievances or societal injustices, encouraging you to release the burden of vengeance?**
* **What practical implications does this verse have for your daily life regarding the importance of trusting God's ultimate timing and sovereignty, even when His ways are not immediately clear or comprehensible?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 21:31 imply that the wicked never suffer in this life?**

Answer: No, Job 21:31 does not imply that the wicked *never* suffer in this life. Rather, Job's central point is that suffering or prosperity is not always a direct, immediate, and visibly transparent indicator of one's righteousness or wickedness. He is directly challenging the simplistic, rigid theology of his friends who insisted on an immediate and unequivocal cause-and-effect relationship between sin and suffering. Job observes that, contrary to their doctrine, many wicked individuals experience long lives, peace, and prosperity, and die without apparent earthly consequence (see [Job 21:7-13](/job/21-7-13 "Job 21:7-13 - The Prosperity and Peace of the Wicked")). His rhetorical question highlights the human inability to confront or punish these powerful wicked individuals effectively in this life, thereby pointing to the absolute necessity of a higher, ultimate judgment that transcends earthly limitations and human capacity. It is a profound statement about the *apparent* lack of justice and human helplessness in the face of pervasive evil, not an absolute denial of all earthly suffering for the wicked.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's desperate rhetorical cry in [Job 21:31](/job/21-31 "Job 21:31 - Who Shall Declare His Way?") for someone to confront and repay the wicked finds its ultimate, comprehensive answer and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job recognized the inherent human inability to exact perfect justice or to hold the powerful wicked accountable, the New Testament unequivocally reveals Jesus as the one uniquely appointed by God to be the righteous Judge of all humanity. The very one whom no human could "declare his way to his face" or "repay" is ultimately confronted, judged, and brought to account by Christ. [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One") powerfully declares that "the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son." Furthermore, Jesus himself, the perfectly innocent and righteous one, suffered the ultimate injustice on the cross, taking upon himself the full repayment and just recompense for the sins of humanity, thereby satisfying divine justice on behalf of all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). His glorious resurrection and triumphant ascension confirm His absolute victory over sin, death, and all evil, establishing Him as the supreme authority before whom "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, the profound problem of unpunished evil and apparent injustice, so keenly felt and articulated by Job, is perfectly resolved in the person of Christ, who will one day return to execute perfect, final judgment and establish everlasting righteousness and justice for all eternity ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Appointed a Day of Judgment")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 7:10

And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

Galatians 2:11

¶ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

Job 41:11

¶ Who hath prevented me, that I should repay [him? whatsoever is] under the whole heaven is mine.

Psalms 50:21

These [things] hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether [such an one] as thyself: [but] I will reprove thee, and set [them] in order before thine eyes.

Job 21:19

God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know [it].

Isaiah 59:13

In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

1 Kings 21:19

And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.