Job 21:31

Job 21:31 is a poignant rhetorical question posed by Job during his third cycle of debates with his friends. In this chapter, Job challenges the conventional wisdom that the wicked always suffer immediately and visibly, and the righteous always prosper. He argues that, on the contrary, the wicked often live long, prosper, and die peacefully, seemingly unpunished in this life. This verse encapsulates his frustration with the apparent lack of earthly justice and highlights the profound limitations of human ability to confront or judge the powerful wicked.

Context

In Job 21, Job refutes Zophar's earlier assertion (Job 20) that the prosperity of the wicked is short-lived. Job provides numerous examples where the wicked not only thrive but also die without apparent consequence for their deeds. He observes that they often live in peace, leave behind many children, and are mourned at their death, contrary to his friends' theological framework. This verse, "Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him [what] he hath done?", underscores Job's point that no human authority or power can hold such wicked individuals accountable or exact retribution for their actions in this life. It sets the stage for the understanding that ultimate justice must come from a higher power.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Ultimate Judgment: The verse implicitly points to God as the only one capable of truly confronting and judging the wicked. Humans lack the authority, power, or even the access to "declare his way to his face" or "repay him." This theme resonates with the broader biblical truth that it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
• The Problem of Evil and Suffering: Job's question highlights the timeless theological problem of why the wicked often prosper while the righteous suffer. It challenges simplistic cause-and-effect views of divine justice in the earthly realm.
• Human Limitations: The rhetorical questions emphasize humanity's inability to fully comprehend God's ways or to enforce ultimate justice. Job acknowledges that humans cannot stand before God as an equal or challenge His decrees, nor can they ensure perfect retribution for every wrong deed. This points to the need for faith in God's perfect timing and plan, even when it is not immediately evident.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Who shall declare his way to his face?" (Hebrew: מִי יַגִּיד עַל־פָּנָיו דַרְכּוֹ, mī yaggīd ‘al-pānāyw darkō) uses the verb יַגִּיד (yaggīd), meaning "to tell, declare, report." The phrase עַל־פָּנָיו (‘al-pānāyw), "to his face," implies a direct confrontation or accusation. Job is asking who dares to directly challenge or expose the powerful wicked for their deeds. Similarly, "who shall repay him [what] he hath done?" uses the verb יְשַׁלֶּם (yəšallēm), from the root שׁלם (shalem), meaning "to complete, to restore, to repay, to recompense." This refers to the act of delivering retribution or full justice. Job's rhetorical question asserts that no human can accomplish this complete recompense.

Practical Application

Job 21:31 offers several profound applications for believers today:

• Trust in God's Ultimate Justice: This verse reminds us that while justice may not always be swift or visible in this life, God is the ultimate Judge. We are called to trust in His perfect timing and sovereign plan, knowing that one day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess to God, and every deed will be brought into account.
• Avoid Vengeance: Since humans cannot "repay" or perfectly judge, this verse implicitly discourages taking personal vengeance. Instead, believers are encouraged to leave room for God's wrath, as highlighted in passages like Romans 12:19, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
• Perspective on Earthly Prosperity: It provides a crucial perspective on the temporary nature of earthly prosperity, especially for those who disregard God. True blessedness is not always measured by material wealth or worldly success.
• Patience in Suffering: For those experiencing injustice or suffering at the hands of the wicked, this verse offers a grounding truth: human efforts to right every wrong are limited, but God's justice is sure and complete, even if delayed from a human perspective.