Job 31:1

KJV

¶ I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

KJV (with Strong's)

I made {H3772} a covenant {H1285} with mine eyes {H5869}; why then should I think {H995} upon a maid {H1330}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"I made a covenant with my eyes not to let them lust after any girl.

Berean Standard Bible

“I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin?

American Standard Version

I made a covenant with mine eyes; How then should I look upon a virgin?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:1 encapsulates a profound declaration of personal integrity and a radical commitment to inner purity, particularly concerning the control of one's gaze and thoughts. In this pivotal verse, Job asserts that he has established a solemn, self-imposed covenant with his eyes, thereby precluding any lustful or inappropriate thoughts about a young woman. This statement serves as the opening to his final, comprehensive defense, where he systematically enumerates various sins he has conscientiously avoided, appealing to divine judgment as a testament to his blamelessness before God and his accusers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31:1 marks the commencement of Job's climactic and most extensive defense, spanning chapters 29-31. Following the cessation of his friends' arguments and the interlude of Elihu's speeches, Job reasserts his unwavering integrity and directly challenges God to present any evidence of his wrongdoing. Chapter 31 functions as an "oath of purgation" or a "negative confession," a formalized legal declaration common in the ancient Near East. In such an oath, an accused individual would list potential transgressions they have not committed, often invoking self-imprecation if their claims were false. This verse, therefore, is not a casual remark but the foundational statement in a meticulously detailed, self-incriminating oath, establishing the exceptionally high standard of moral and spiritual purity Job claims to have maintained, beginning with the very gateway of his senses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of an oath of purgation was a widely recognized legal and social custom in ancient Near Eastern societies, providing a formal mechanism for an individual to publicly affirm their innocence and appeal to divine justice. By invoking a curse upon himself should his assertions prove false, Job engaged in a culturally understood act designed to authenticate the veracity of his claims. In a societal context where visual temptation and the potential exploitation of vulnerable women (such as "maids" or young virgins) were prevalent, Job's declaration of a self-imposed "covenant with his eyes" signifies an extraordinary level of moral and spiritual discipline. This reflects a deep and nuanced understanding of the intrinsic connection between sight, thought, and action, in an era where inner purity was frequently overshadowed by outward conformity to legalistic or ritualistic requirements.
* **Key Themes:** Job's declaration in this verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Purity of Thought and Action**, emphasizing the critical and often overlooked link between what one allows their eyes to behold and what one permits their mind to contemplate. Job intuitively understood that controlling one's gaze is a foundational prerequisite for controlling the heart and preventing the inception of sinful desires, a proactive approach to purity that remarkably anticipates [Jesus' teaching on the lust of the heart](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Jesus on Lust"). Secondly, the phrase "I made a covenant with mine eyes" exemplifies the theme of **Radical Self-Control and Discipline**. It denotes a deliberate, active commitment of the will, transcending mere passive avoidance of sin to encompass an internal resolve to guard the senses, which frequently serve as conduits for temptation. This reflects a profound awareness of human susceptibility and the persistent need for vigilance. Thirdly, this verse eloquently articulates Job's unwavering commitment to **Uncompromising Integrity and Righteousness**, demonstrating that his blamelessness extended beyond mere outward compliance to the very thoughts and intentions of his innermost being. This resonates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on [guarding the heart above all else](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, this term signifies a solemn, binding agreement, often established by "cutting" (as in passing between pieces of flesh), implying a compact or league. Job's application of this term to a personal, internal commitment elevates his vow beyond a casual promise to a deeply serious, self-imposed spiritual discipline, implicitly made before God. It highlights the gravity and unbreakable nature of his resolve.
* **Eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** From H5869, this word refers to the physical organ of sight, but biblically, it often represents the gateway to the soul, the source of desire, and the initial point of temptation. Job's covenant with his eyes underscores his profound understanding that what one allows their eyes to perceive and dwell upon directly influences the heart and mind, making control of the gaze fundamental to maintaining inner purity.
* **Maid (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** From H1330, this term specifically denotes a virgin or a young, unmarried woman, often implying her privacy and vulnerability. Job's choice of this word emphasizes the illicit nature of any lustful thought or desire directed towards such a person outside the sanctity of marriage, signifying his commitment to sexual purity that extends even to the most potentially tempting objects of desire in his cultural context.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I made a covenant with mine eyes":** This clause reveals Job's active, intentional, and profound commitment to moral and spiritual discipline. The act of "making a covenant" implies a solemn, binding agreement, a deliberate and decisive act of his will to control his visual input. It signifies a conscious decision to establish stringent boundaries for what he allows his eyes to perceive and linger upon, recognizing the inherent power of sight to ignite desires, corrupt the imagination, and ultimately lead to sin. This declaration is a foundational step in his comprehensive strategy for guarding the heart.
* **"why then should I think upon a maid?":** This rhetorical question serves as the logical and inevitable consequence, as well as the powerful justification, for the preceding covenant. If Job has indeed entered into such a serious and binding commitment to control his gaze, then it logically and morally follows that he would not harbor lustful or inappropriate thoughts about a young, unmarried woman. The question implies an absolute impossibility or a profound contradiction, forcefully asserting that his internal purity of thought is a direct and necessary outcome of his external discipline over his eyes. It highlights Job's comprehensive commitment to purity, extending from outward actions to the very intentions and desires of his heart.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:1 masterfully employs several potent **literary devices** to convey Job's unwavering commitment to purity. The most prominent is the **Metaphor** or **Personification** embedded in the phrase "I made a covenant with mine eyes." Eyes, as mere physical organs, cannot literally enter into a legal or spiritual covenant. This phrase metaphorically represents Job's profound and deliberate control over his visual intake, treating his eyes as an entity with which he has forged a binding agreement. This powerfully emphasizes the active, disciplined, and intentional nature of his self-control. Secondly, the verse concludes with a compelling **Rhetorical Question**: "why then should I think upon a maid?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer but rather to make a forceful affirmative statement by implying the utter impossibility or absurdity of the alternative. It underscores Job's unyielding commitment to purity, suggesting that if he has meticulously guarded his eyes, then lustful thoughts are logically and morally precluded. Finally, the entire chapter, of which this verse is the opening, functions as an **Oath** or **Vow of Purgation**, a recognized legal and theological device where Job solemnly declares his innocence by systematically listing potential sins he has avoided, invoking divine judgment upon himself if he speaks falsely. This structural device profoundly elevates the gravity, sincerity, and comprehensive nature of his declaration of inner purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:1 offers profound theological insights into the essence of true righteousness, which transcends mere outward conformity to embrace the sanctity of one's inner life. It reveals God's deep concern not only for our overt actions but also for the very thoughts, intentions, and desires of our hearts. Job's "covenant with his eyes" remarkably anticipates the New Testament's emphasis on the sanctity of the inner person, demonstrating that genuine spiritual integrity commences with guarding the gateways of our senses and cultivating a disciplined mind. This verse highlights the timeless biblical principle that sin frequently originates in the mind and heart, often fueled by what we allow ourselves to see and dwell upon. Therefore, authentic godliness demands proactive self-control, vigilant discernment, and an unwavering commitment to holiness in every facet of our being, recognizing that our most private thoughts and desires are transparent before the all-seeing God.

* [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Jesus on Lust")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")
* [Psalm 119:37](/psalm/119-37 "Psalm 119:37 - Turn My Eyes from Worthless Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's ancient declaration holds profound and enduring relevance for contemporary life, especially in an age saturated with visual media and constant exposure to a deluge of images. The challenge to "make a covenant with mine eyes" is arguably more pertinent than ever before, as digital screens, pervasive advertisements, and myriad forms of entertainment incessantly bombard our senses with content that can effortlessly stir unholy desires, corrupt the imagination, and defile the mind. This verse issues a radical call to believers for intentionality in managing their visual intake, recognizing that true righteousness and spiritual vitality germinate in the heart and mind. It encourages us to proactively establish firm boundaries, diligently cultivate inner purity, and exercise disciplined discernment over what we permit our eyes to behold and our minds to dwell upon. This is not merely about avoiding overt sin, but about nurturing a holy imagination, preserving the sanctity of our inner world, and understanding that our thoughts are the foundational seeds from which our actions ultimately spring.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "making a covenant with your eyes" practically mean for you in today's visually saturated world, particularly concerning digital media and online content?**
* **How does guarding your gaze contribute to the overall purity of your heart and mind, and what are the spiritual dangers of neglecting this crucial discipline?**
* **What proactive steps can you implement to cultivate inner purity, as exemplified by Job, and how can you hold yourself accountable to such a profound commitment?**

### FAQ
**Is Job 31:1 a command for everyone, or just a personal vow by Job?**

Answer: While Job 31:1 is presented as Job's personal vow within his comprehensive oath of purgation, the profound principle it embodies is universally applicable and deeply aligns with broader biblical teachings on purity and self-control. It reflects God's unchanging desire for inner holiness and integrity, a theme echoed consistently throughout Scripture. For instance, [Jesus taught that true purity begins in the heart](/matthew/5-8 "Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the Pure in Heart"), and the New Testament consistently calls believers to [be holy in all their conduct](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct"), which inherently includes guarding their thoughts and desires. Therefore, while not a direct imperative command, Job's declaration serves as a powerful example and a guiding principle for all who earnestly seek to live righteously and blamelessly before God.

**What does "maid" refer to specifically in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "maid" is _betulah_ (בְּתוּלָה), which specifically refers to a virgin or a young, unmarried woman. In the precise context of Job 31:1, it emphasizes the illicit and morally inappropriate nature of any lustful thought or desire directed towards her. Job is unequivocally declaring that he has not allowed his eyes to linger on, nor his mind to entertain impure thoughts about, any woman who is not his wife, particularly a vulnerable young woman who would be an improper object of lust. This highlights his comprehensive commitment to sexual purity and profound respect for others, extending to the most private and often hidden realm of his thoughts. The broader wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 6:25-27](/proverbs/6-25-27 "Proverbs 6:25-27 - Warning Against Adultery"), also issues stern warnings against the dangers of lustful glances and the allure of forbidden desires.

**How does Job's "covenant with his eyes" relate to Jesus' teaching on lust in the Sermon on the Mount?**

Answer: Job's profound declaration in Job 31:1 remarkably anticipates and provides an Old Testament precedent for Jesus' radical teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, particularly in [Matthew 5:27-28](/matthew/5-27-28 "Matthew 5:27-28 - Jesus on Adultery and Lust"). Jesus famously declared, "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Job, living centuries before the Incarnation, had already grasped the profound spiritual truth that sin originates not merely in outward action but in the heart and mind, and that guarding one's eyes is an absolutely crucial step in preventing lust from taking root and blossoming into sin. Job's proactive "covenant" is a practical and deeply spiritual outworking of the very principle Jesus later articulated: true righteousness and holiness demand purity of inner intention, not just outward conformity to the law. Job's ancient wisdom provides a powerful and insightful Old Testament foundation for the exceptionally high ethical and spiritual standard presented by Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's profound declaration in Job 31:1, "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?", resonates deeply with the Christ-centered understanding of purity and righteousness, revealing both human aspiration and divine fulfillment. While Job, in his human integrity, strove with admirable discipline to maintain such a covenant, his very need to make it highlights the inherent human struggle against sin, particularly the sin that originates in the mind and heart. The perfect and ultimate fulfillment of this "covenant with the eyes" is found in Jesus Christ alone. He is the only one who perfectly [lived a life without sin](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted Yet Sinless"), never allowing His eyes to lead His thoughts astray, never harboring a single impure intention, and always perfectly reflecting the purity of God. He was the [Lamb of God who knew no sin](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"), and thus perfectly embodied the inner purity Job so earnestly aspired to. For the believer, our ability to live out the spirit of Job's covenant is not achieved through sheer willpower or self-effort, but through our vital union with Christ and the transforming power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is Christ who [works in us to will and to act](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in You") according to His good purpose, enabling us to [walk by the Spirit](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit") and thereby not gratify the desires of the flesh. Through His atoning sacrifice, we are declared righteous, and by His indwelling Spirit, we are empowered to progressively pursue the very inner purity Job so earnestly sought, finding true freedom from the law of sin and death in [Christ Jesus](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus").

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

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Matthew 5:28

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Matthew 5:29

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Psalms 119:37

¶ Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in thy way.

Proverbs 6:25

Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.