Job 31:11

KJV

For this [is] an heinous crime; yea, it [is] an iniquity [to be punished by] the judges.

KJV (with Strong's)

For this is an heinous crime {H2154}; yea, it is an iniquity {H5771} to be punished by the judges {H6414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For that would be a heinous act, a criminal offense,

Berean Standard Bible

For that would be a heinous crime, an iniquity to be judged.

American Standard Version

For that were a heinous crime; Yea, it were an iniquity to be punished by the judges:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:11 stands as a powerful declaration within Job's final and comprehensive defense, where he vehemently asserts his moral integrity against the implicit accusations of his friends. This verse specifically condemns the act of adultery, which Job has just referenced, labeling it a "heinous crime" and an "iniquity" that warrants severe judicial punishment. In doing so, Job underscores the profound societal and theological ramifications of such a transgression, reflecting the high value placed on marital fidelity and sexual purity in the ancient Near Eastern context and the broader biblical ethic.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31 serves as the dramatic culmination of Job's self-vindication, often referred to as his "oath of innocence" or "negative confession." Following his profound lament in [Job 30](/job/30 "Job 30 - Job's Lament and Despair"), Job systematically lists a wide array of potential sins—from lust and injustice to pride and neglect of the poor—solemnly swearing before God that he is innocent of each. This chapter functions as a legal defense, where Job calls upon God to witness his blamelessness, even inviting divine judgment if his words are false. Verses [Job 31:9-10](/job/31-9 "Job 31:9-10 - Job's Vow Against Adultery") directly precede verse 11, introducing the topic of adultery, which Job emphatically denies committing. This immediate context sets the stage for his strong condemnation of the act, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to righteousness in both public and private spheres, thereby anticipating God's eventual vindication of his character.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, adultery was far more than a private moral failing; it was considered a grave societal and religious offense, often a capital crime. The Mosaic Law explicitly prescribed death for both parties involved in adultery, as seen in [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Law on Adultery") and [Deuteronomy 22:22](/deuteronomy/22-22 "Deuteronomy 22:22 - Punishment for Adultery"). This legal framework reflected a deep cultural understanding of marriage as a foundational institution for social order, family lineage, and the preservation of tribal purity. Adultery was perceived as an act that violated sacred covenant, undermined the sanctity of the family unit, and could lead to significant social disruption, including disputes over inheritance and paternity. Job's explicit reference to "judges" indicates that this was an offense subject to formal legal proceedings, underscoring its public and punishable nature, distinct from other sins that might only incur divine wrath.

* **Key Themes:** Job 31:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Integrity and Righteousness**, as Job presents himself as a man who has maintained moral purity even in the face of immense suffering and temptation. His strong condemnation of adultery is an integral part of his comprehensive declaration of blamelessness before both God and humanity. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Gravity of Sin**, particularly sexual sin. By labeling adultery a "heinous crime" and an "iniquity," Job emphasizes its profound seriousness, reflecting a consistent biblical understanding that such acts are not trivial but deeply offensive to God and destructive to human relationships. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on sexual purity found throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment"). Finally, the mention of "judges" underscores the theme of **Justice and Accountability**, demonstrating that certain moral transgressions have not only spiritual but also legal and societal repercussions, reflecting divine justice administered through human institutions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heinous crime (Hebrew, _zimmah'_):** This term (זִמָּה) carries a strong connotation of moral depravity, wicked plotting, or perverse intention. It implies not just a momentary lapse but a deeply corrupted or inherently evil act, often suggesting premeditation or a severe moral perversion. It is used elsewhere in the Old Testament for acts of gross immorality like incest ([Leviticus 18:17](/leviticus/18-17 "Leviticus 18:17 - Prohibited Sexual Relations")) and the heinous sexual perversion described in [Judges 20:6](/judges/20-6 "Judges 20:6 - The Levite's Complaint"). Its application here elevates adultery beyond a simple transgression to a profound moral outrage.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʿawon'_):** The Hebrew word (עָוֹן) denotes guilt, punishment for sin, or the sin itself. It often describes a deviation from the moral path, implying a twisting or perverting of what is right. While _zimmah_ emphasizes the depraved nature of the act, _ʿawon_ highlights the guilt incurred and the consequent punishment due. Together, these terms powerfully convey the severe moral and legal culpability associated with adultery.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this [is] an heinous crime":** The demonstrative "this" refers directly to the act of adultery, which Job has just addressed in the preceding verses ([Job 31:9-10](/job/31-9 "Job 31:9-10 - Job's Vow Against Adultery")). By labeling it a "heinous crime" (_zimmah_), Job emphasizes the profound moral depravity and perversity inherent in the act, indicating it is not a minor transgression but a deeply offensive and corrupting sin.
* **"yea, it [is] an iniquity [to be punished by] the judges":** This clause further intensifies the condemnation. The repetition ("yea") underscores the gravity. Calling it an "iniquity" (_ʿawon_) highlights the guilt and culpability, implying that it warrants both divine and human retribution. The explicit mention of "judges" makes it clear that adultery was a public offense subject to legal prosecution and severe punishment within the societal framework of the time, reinforcing its status as a capital crime.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:11 employs several powerful literary devices to emphasize the gravity of adultery. The use of **Repetition** in "heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity" serves to amplify the condemnation, driving home the severity of the offense through a double emphasis on its moral and legal consequences. This is further strengthened by **Parallelism**, where two distinct but related terms ("heinous crime" and "iniquity") are used to describe the same act, reinforcing its multifaceted evil. The phrase "to be punished by the judges" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "judges" stands in for the entire legal and judicial system, highlighting the societal and governmental recognition of adultery as a capital offense. Finally, the entire chapter, including this verse, is a masterful example of **Negative Confession** or **Oath of Innocence**, where Job systematically denies a list of potential sins, using his own moral conduct as evidence of his righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:11 powerfully articulates the biblical understanding of adultery as a grievous sin, not merely a personal failing. It underscores the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution and the profound societal and spiritual disruption caused by its violation. The verse reflects a consistent biblical ethic that views sexual purity and marital fidelity as foundational to human flourishing and right relationship with God. It also highlights the principle that sin has consequences, both in the eyes of God and within human legal systems, affirming divine justice and the need for accountability. This deep-seated conviction about the gravity of sexual sin is woven throughout the entire biblical narrative, from the Law to the Prophets and into the New Testament.

* [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 22:22](/deuteronomy/22-22 "Deuteronomy 22:22 - Punishment for Adultery")
* [Proverbs 6:32](/proverbs/6-32 "Proverbs 6:32 - The Folly of Adultery")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's unwavering commitment to sexual purity and his strong condemnation of adultery in Job 31:11 offer profound contemporary relevance. In a world often characterized by casual attitudes towards sexual ethics, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the enduring biblical standard for marital fidelity and the sanctity of sexual intimacy within its proper bounds. It challenges believers to cultivate a deep-seated integrity that extends beyond outward actions to the innermost thoughts and desires, recognizing that true purity begins in the heart. The seriousness with which God views adultery calls us to guard our eyes, minds, and relationships, understanding that sin, especially sexual sin, is destructive not only to individuals but also to families and communities. Our pursuit of holiness should reflect Job's comprehensive commitment to living a life unblemished by such grave offenses, trusting that God sees and honors genuine righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's comprehensive "oath of innocence" challenge my own understanding of integrity, particularly in areas of private thought and action?**
* **In what ways does society today downplay or redefine the gravity of sexual sin, and how should a biblical worldview inform my perspective?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater purity of heart and mind, guarding against the subtle temptations that can lead to moral compromise?**

### FAQ
**Why was adultery considered such a "heinous crime" in ancient times, and what does "punished by the judges" imply?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern societies, particularly under the Mosaic Law, adultery was viewed with extreme gravity because it violated fundamental social, familial, and religious covenants. It undermined the sanctity of marriage, which was the bedrock of family lineage and societal order, and could lead to questions of paternity and inheritance. Furthermore, it was seen as a direct transgression against God's covenant and His moral law, as explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")). The phrase "punished by the judges" signifies that adultery was not merely a private moral failing but a public offense subject to the legal system. Under Israelite law, the prescribed penalty for adultery was death for both parties involved ([Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Law on Adultery"); [Deuteronomy 22:22](/deuteronomy/22-22 "Deuteronomy 22:22 - Punishment for Adultery")), underscoring the severity of its societal and spiritual consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job's declaration in [Job 31:11](/job/31-11 "Job 31:11 - Job's Condemnation of Adultery") highlights the Old Testament's strict condemnation of adultery and the legal consequences it entailed, the New Testament, through Jesus Christ, deepens and expands our understanding of this sin, pointing to its ultimate fulfillment in Him. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, elevated the standard of purity beyond outward acts to the very thoughts and intentions of the heart, declaring that "everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart" ([Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Jesus' Teaching on Adultery of the Heart")). This profound insight reveals that true purity, which Job strived for, is not merely adherence to external laws but a transformation of the inner being—something only possible through Christ. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of perfect purity and fidelity, never succumbing to lust or sin, and He offers forgiveness and cleansing for those who have failed in this area, famously demonstrating grace to the woman caught in adultery while still calling her to "go and sin no more" ([John 8:1-11](/john/8-1 "John 8:1-11 - Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery")). Moreover, the New Testament portrays the church as the spotless bride of Christ ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church as Bride")), emphasizing that our relationship with God is a sacred covenant, much like marriage, demanding faithfulness. Thus, Christ fulfills the spirit of Job's condemnation by providing both the perfect standard of purity and the grace to achieve it, transforming hearts and enabling believers to live lives of true integrity, reflecting the holiness of God Himself.

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

Leviticus 20:10

¶ And the man that committeth adultery with [another] man's wife, [even he] that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

Job 31:28

This also [were] an iniquity [to be punished by] the judge: for I should have denied the God [that is] above.

Deuteronomy 22:22

If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, [both] the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.

Deuteronomy 22:24

Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, [being] in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

Genesis 38:24

¶ And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she [is] with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.

Ezekiel 16:38

And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.

Genesis 26:10

And Abimelech said, What [is] this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us.