Job 29:14

KJV

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment [was] as a robe and a diadem.

KJV (with Strong's)

I put {H3847} on righteousness {H6664}, and it clothed {H3847} me: my judgment {H4941} was as a robe {H4598} and a diadem {H6797}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I clothed myself with righteousness, and it clothed itself with me; my justice was like a robe and a crown.

Berean Standard Bible

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban.

American Standard Version

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: My justice was as a robe and a diadem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 29:14 offers a poignant glimpse into Job's former life, portraying him as a figure of exemplary moral integrity and judicial authority. Before his profound suffering, Job's commitment to righteousness was not merely an act but an intrinsic part of his being, visibly evident to all. His administration of justice was likewise a public display of his esteemed leadership, carrying the dignity and respect associated with royal or priestly office, symbolizing his profound influence and blameless character within his community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 29:14 is situated within Job's final, extended monologue (chapters 29-31), where he passionately defends his character and laments his current, inexplicable suffering by contrasting it sharply with his glorious past. Chapter 29 specifically serves as a nostalgic recollection of the honor, influence, and respect he once commanded. This verse, therefore, functions as a powerful assertion of his personal integrity and his role as a just leader, directly refuting the accusations of his friends who insisted his calamities were a result of hidden sin. It reinforces the initial description of Job in [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Job's Blameless Character") as "perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil," providing concrete examples of what that blamelessness looked like in his public and private life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly within a patriarchal or tribal society like Job's, the role of a respected elder or leader was paramount. Such figures often served as judges, arbitrators, and benefactors, holding court "in the gate" (the public square) where disputes were settled and community decisions made. Job's description of his "judgment" as a "robe and a diadem" evokes the imagery of a king, a high official, or even a priest, whose garments signified their authority, dignity, and sacred responsibility. These were not just clothes but symbols of their office, status, and the very character expected of them. The community's well-being was deeply intertwined with the integrity and wisdom of such leaders, making Job's portrayal here a testament to his ideal fulfillment of this societal role.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Righteousness as an Intrinsic Identity**, not merely an outward performance. Job's righteousness "clothed" him, suggesting it was his very essence, visible and undeniable. Secondly, it underscores **Justice as a Public Duty and Mark of Authority**. Job's "judgment" (justice) was his "robe and diadem," illustrating that his leadership was defined by equitable administration and wise arbitration, earning him profound respect and honor. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on justice as a core attribute of God and a foundational requirement for human leaders, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Judges and Justice") which commands the appointment of righteous judges. Finally, the verse speaks to **Integrity as the Foundation of Ethical Leadership**, presenting Job as a model of how moral rectitude and a commitment to justice should characterize those in positions of influence, providing a stark contrast to the later accusations against him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Heb. צֶדֶק, _tzedeq_):** This term signifies moral and ethical uprightness, conformity to a standard, often a divine one. It implies integrity, blamelessness, and adherence to what is just and right in God's eyes. In a broader sense, _tzedeq_ can also encompass social justice, referring to actions that ensure equity and fairness within the community, especially for the vulnerable. Job's assertion that he "put on righteousness" suggests an active, deliberate choice to live in accordance with this high standard, which then became his defining characteristic.
* **Judgment (Heb. מִשְׁפָּט, _mishpat_):** While often translated as "judgment" in a legal sense, _mishpat_ is a much broader concept. It encompasses legal verdicts, but also the general administration of justice, equity, right order, and what is due to others. It refers to the practical outworking of righteousness in society, ensuring that justice is served, the oppressed are defended, and disputes are resolved fairly. For Job, his _mishpat_ was not just a series of correct decisions but a pervasive commitment to upholding what is right in the community.
* **Robe (Heb. מְעִיל, _me'il_) / Diadem (Heb. צָנִיף, _tzaniph_):** These are significant symbols of status and authority. A _me'il_ was often a costly, outer garment worn by persons of distinction, such as kings (e.g., Saul, David), priests (e.g., Aaron's ephod robe), or wealthy individuals. A _tzaniph_ was a turban or head-dress, specifically associated with royalty or high priestly office, signifying honor, dignity, and sacred responsibility. By likening his judgment to these items, Job emphasizes that his justice was not only fair but also carried the weight, dignity, and public recognition of a supreme authority figure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I put on righteousness, and it clothed me":** This clause uses a powerful metaphor to describe Job's character. "Putting on" righteousness implies a deliberate, active choice, a conscious commitment to living justly and uprightly. The phrase "it clothed me" further emphasizes that righteousness was not merely an external act but became an integral part of his very being, a pervasive quality that defined him and was visible to all who observed him. It was his identity, his public persona, and his internal disposition, all seamlessly integrated.
* **"my judgment [was] as a robe and a diadem":** This simile extends the clothing metaphor, elevating Job's administration of justice to a level of royal or priestly dignity. His "judgment" (his practice of justice and equity) was not just a function he performed, but an adornment that conferred honor, authority, and respect upon him. Like a king's robe or a high priest's turban, his justice was a visible symbol of his esteemed position, his wisdom, and his moral authority within the community. It conveyed his legitimacy and the high regard in which he was held.

#### Literary Devices
Job 29:14 is rich in literary imagery, primarily employing **Metaphor** and **Simile**. The opening phrase, "I put on righteousness, and it clothed me," is a powerful **Metaphor**. Righteousness is directly equated with a garment, suggesting that it was not merely an external act but an intrinsic and visible aspect of Job's very being. This metaphor implies that his integrity was as inseparable from him as the clothes he wore, defining his public identity and personal character. Following this, the phrase "my judgment [was] as a robe and a diadem" uses a **Simile**, explicitly comparing his administration of justice to symbols of royalty and high office. This comparison elevates his judicial role, imbuing it with dignity, authority, and sacred responsibility. The use of these garments as symbols further employs **Symbolism**, where the robe and diadem represent not just clothing but the honor, status, and legitimate power associated with a righteous leader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 29:14 provides a profound theological statement on the nature of true righteousness and justice, reflecting an ideal that resonates throughout Scripture. Job's self-description illustrates a life lived in active pursuit of God's standards, where personal integrity and public justice are inextricably linked. This verse highlights that genuine piety is not confined to religious rituals but extends to every sphere of life, particularly in how one interacts with and serves the community. It points to a divine expectation for leaders to embody justice and righteousness, mirroring God's own character, who is depicted as the ultimate righteous Judge. Job's example, though human and imperfect, serves as a testament to the profound impact of a life committed to these virtues, earning respect and honor from both God and humanity.

* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation and Righteousness")
* [Proverbs 21:3](/proverbs/21-3 "Proverbs 21:3 - Justice Over Sacrifice")
* [Psalm 82:3-4](/psalms/82-3 "Psalm 82:3-4 - Defend the Poor and Needy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 29:14 challenges believers to consider the pervasive nature of their own righteousness and commitment to justice. Job's life demonstrates that righteousness should not be a facade or an occasional act, but an integral part of who we are, visibly evident in our daily interactions and decisions. Are we "clothed" in integrity, or do we merely put it on for certain occasions? This verse calls us to actively pursue justice in our spheres of influence, whether in our families, workplaces, or broader communities. Like Job, we are to be champions of fairness, truth, and equity, seeking to uphold what is right, especially for the vulnerable and oppressed. Our commitment to these principles should be as defining as a royal garment, earning respect not for ourselves, but for the God whose character we seek to reflect. This pursuit requires intentionality and a deep reliance on God's grace to transform our hearts and actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my life visibly demonstrate a commitment to righteousness and justice, as if "clothed" in them?**
* **How do I actively pursue justice in my personal relationships, workplace, or community, particularly for those who are marginalized or oppressed?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my integrity is not just an ideal but a consistent reality in my daily choices?**
* **How does Job's example inspire or challenge my understanding of ethical leadership, whether in a formal role or in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What does "my judgment [was] as a robe and a diadem" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful metaphor indicating that Job's administration of justice was not merely fair but also highly authoritative, dignified, and publicly recognized. A "robe" and "diadem" (turban) were articles of clothing worn by kings, high officials, or priests in the ancient Near East, symbolizing their status, honor, and legitimate power. Therefore, Job is asserting that his decisions and actions as a judge and leader were imbued with the same respect, weight, and public acknowledgment as those of a royal figure. His justice was his public identity, a visible testament to his esteemed position and moral authority within his community. It suggests that his judgments were universally accepted and honored, bringing order and equity.

**How does Job's righteousness compare to the righteousness we receive through Christ?**

Answer: Job's righteousness, as described in [Job 29:14](/job/29-14 "Job 29:14 - Job's Righteousness and Justice"), was a genuine, human righteousness—a life of integrity, moral uprightness, and active pursuit of justice based on his adherence to God's revealed will. It was admirable and earned him great respect. However, the New Testament reveals that human righteousness, even at its best, is imperfect and insufficient to meet God's perfect standard for salvation. The righteousness we receive through Christ is a divine, imputed righteousness, meaning it is Christ's perfect righteousness credited to us by faith ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). This is a gift, not earned by works. While Job's righteousness was a personal achievement and character trait, the believer's righteousness in Christ is a legal standing before God, which then empowers and enables us to live out practical righteousness in our daily lives, reflecting the character of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's profound commitment to righteousness and justice, so vividly described as clothing him like a robe and diadem, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Job's integrity was a remarkable human endeavor, Christ *is* righteousness itself, the very embodiment of divine justice and moral perfection. He is the one who truly "put on righteousness" in His earthly life, living a blameless existence that perfectly fulfilled God's law, a righteousness that was not merely a garment but His very nature ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Furthermore, Christ's "judgment" (His perfect administration of justice) is indeed like a royal robe and diadem, for He is the King of Kings and the righteous Judge of all the earth, whose judgments are always true and just ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")). For believers, the beauty of Job 29:14 is that we are not left to achieve such a righteousness on our own, but through faith, we are "clothed with Christ" ([Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed with Christ")), receiving His perfect righteousness as our own ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God by Faith")). This imputed righteousness then empowers us, through the Holy Spirit, to pursue and embody the practical righteousness and justice that Job exemplified, hungering and thirsting for it as Jesus taught ([Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness")).

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

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Isaiah 59:17

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Psalms 132:9

Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

Ephesians 6:14

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Revelation 19:8

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Job 27:6

My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach [me] so long as I live.

Isaiah 62:3

Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.