Job 31:14

KJV

What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?

KJV (with Strong's)

What then shall I do {H6213} when God {H410} riseth up {H6965}? and when he visiteth {H6485}, what shall I answer {H7725} him?

Complete Jewish Bible

then what would I do if God stood up? Were he to intervene, what answer could I give?

Berean Standard Bible

what will I do when God rises to judge? How will I answer when called to account?

American Standard Version

What then shall I do when God riseth up? And when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:14 stands as a powerful declaration within Job's final, comprehensive defense of his integrity, encapsulating his profound reverence for divine justice and his unwavering conviction of his own blamelessness in the face of his friends' accusations. Through rhetorical questions, Job challenges the very notion of hidden sin, asserting that if he were guilty of the transgressions he has just disavowed, he would be utterly defenseless and speechless when confronted by God's active judgment and meticulous scrutiny. This verse underscores the inescapable reality of divine accountability and the terrifying prospect of standing before the Almighty with a defiled conscience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31:14 is strategically positioned within Job's climactic "oath of innocence," a meticulously detailed self-vindication that spans the entirety of [Job 31](/job/31 "Job 31 - Job's Oath of Innocence"). This chapter represents Job's final and most comprehensive argument before Elihu's intervention and God's direct address. Job systematically enumerates a wide array of potential transgressions—from lust and injustice to pride and idolatry—and solemnly swears he is innocent of them, often invoking self-curses if his claims are false. Verse 14 immediately follows Job's assertion in [Job 31:13](/job/31-13 "Job 31:13 - Job's Treatment of Servants") that he did not disregard the rights of his male or female servants. By posing the question of divine judgment directly after discussing his ethical treatment of the vulnerable, Job demonstrates that his standard of integrity was not merely external compliance with social norms, but deeply rooted in an internal awareness of God's omnipresent scrutiny, applying the same divine accountability to himself that he expected for others.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, solemn oaths and self-curses were common legal and social practices, serving as a powerful means to affirm one's innocence, commitment, or truthfulness in the absence of other forms of evidence. Job's "oath of innocence" in [Job 31](/job/31 "Job 31 - Job's Oath of Innocence") functions as a legal challenge, a public declaration inviting divine judgment if his claims are false. The imagery of God "rising up" and "visiting" resonates with ancient judicial proceedings, where a judge would stand to deliver a verdict or conduct an investigation, signifying an active and decisive intervention. Furthermore, the emphasis on justice for servants, though often neglected in practice, reflected an ideal societal value that even the most vulnerable members of society possessed rights before a divine arbiter. Job's appeal to God's ultimate judgment transcends human courts, aligning with the broader biblical understanding of God as the supreme and righteous Judge of all the earth, as famously affirmed in [Genesis 18:25](/genesis/18-25 "Genesis 18:25 - Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Accountability**, asserting the universal truth that all humanity is ultimately answerable to God for their actions, whether public or hidden. Job's rhetorical question reveals a profound **Reverence for God's Judgment**, not a cowering fear of arbitrary punishment, but an awe-filled respect for His holiness, omniscience, and perfect justice. This reverence underpins his unwavering commitment to **Integrity and Conscience**, as he lives with the constant awareness of God's scrutiny, striving for a clear conscience in every aspect of his life. Finally, the verse underscores the **Inescapable Justice** of God, emphasizing that there is no hiding from His presence or evading His thorough visitation and judgment, a truth echoed throughout scripture, for example, in [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - Where Can I Flee From Your Presence?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** This term (H410) is a shortened form of a word meaning "strength" or "mighty." It refers to the Almighty, the supreme Deity, but can also be used for any deity. In this context, it unequivocally refers to the one true God, emphasizing His inherent power, might, and authority as the ultimate Judge. Job's question is directed at the omnipotent Creator, whose judgment is final and irresistible.
* **Riseth up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This primitive root (H6965) signifies "to rise," "to stand up," or "to establish." In a judicial context, it denotes God taking an active, decisive stance, moving from a position of observation to one of direct intervention, judgment, or confrontation. It implies a moment of reckoning where God actively engages in the process of judgment, not merely observing from afar but stepping forward to execute His verdict.
* **Visiteth (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** The Hebrew word (H6485) carries a broad semantic range including "to visit," "to inspect," "to muster," "to attend to," or "to call to account." In this specific context, it denotes a visitation with hostile intent, for the purpose of scrutiny, examination, and ultimately, judgment or punishment. It implies a thorough divine audit, where God meticulously examines every detail of a person's life, leaving nothing overlooked or hidden from His omniscient gaze.
* **Answer (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) primarily means "to turn back" or "to return," but in a legal or confrontational setting, it extends to "to answer" or "to respond" (as in turning back a reply). Job's rhetorical question, "what shall I answer him?", conveys the utter helplessness and impossibility of offering any valid excuse, defense, or justification when confronted by God's perfect knowledge and righteous judgment, especially if one were indeed guilty. It highlights the futility of human words or arguments against divine truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What then shall I do when God riseth up?"**: This rhetorical question expresses Job's profound sense of vulnerability and dread at the prospect of God taking an active stand as Judge. It highlights the utter helplessness of any individual, particularly one burdened by guilt, when confronted by the direct and decisive intervention of the Almighty. The implied answer is "nothing," signifying the impossibility of evasion, resistance, or successful defense against the divine tribunal.
* **"and when he visiteth,"**: This clause emphasizes the certainty and thoroughness of God's investigative scrutiny. It's not a casual or benign visit, but a divine inspection for accountability, a "visitation" that implies a detailed examination of one's conduct and character. This visitation is inescapable and comprehensive, ensuring that all actions, even those hidden from human eyes, will be brought to light and meticulously assessed.
* **"what shall I answer him?"**: This second rhetorical question underscores the legal and moral predicament of a guilty party before the divine court. It speaks to the utter lack of a valid defense, excuse, or justification that could be offered to God, who knows all things. Job's question implies that a guilty conscience would render him speechless and utterly defenseless in the face of God's perfect knowledge and righteous judgment, leaving no room for argument or appeal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is the **Rhetorical Question**, repeated twice ("What then shall I do...?" and "...what shall I answer him?"). These questions are not posed to elicit information but to emphasize the undeniable truth of Job's conviction: that a guilty person would be utterly defenseless and without recourse before God's judgment. This technique highlights Job's confidence in his own integrity while simultaneously conveying the awesome and terrifying nature of divine accountability. Furthermore, **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrases "God riseth up" and "when he visiteth," attributing human actions (standing, visiting) to God to vividly portray His active, personal role as a judge and investigator. The entire verse functions as a **Legal Metaphor**, framing the divine encounter as a courtroom scenario where God is the supreme and infallible Judge, and Job is the one potentially on trial, underscoring the universal human experience of being accountable to a higher, perfect power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:14 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and universal human accountability. It articulates the undeniable truth that all individuals will ultimately stand before God, the righteous and omniscient Judge, to give an account of their lives. This verse highlights God's omniscience and omnipresence, asserting that no sin can remain hidden from His gaze, and no one can escape His ultimate judgment. It instills a healthy reverence for God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, reminding humanity that true integrity is lived not just before others, but primarily before the all-seeing eyes of God. Job's rhetorical questions underscore the utter helplessness of a guilty conscience in the face of such perfect scrutiny, pointing to the inherent human need for divine mercy or a perfect righteousness that no human can achieve on their own.

* [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Everyone Will Give an Account")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die, Then Judgment")
* [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 31:14 calls us to a profound and ongoing self-examination, lived in the constant awareness of God's omniscient presence and ultimate judgment. It challenges us to cultivate a deep sense of integrity, not merely for outward appearance or human approval, but from a heart that genuinely seeks to please God in all things. This verse reminds us that true righteousness is not about escaping human detection, but about living with a clear conscience before the One who sees all, even our innermost thoughts and intentions. While believers are saved by grace through faith in Christ, the reality of divine accountability should motivate us to pursue holiness, to treat others justly, and to live lives that reflect God's character and His kingdom values. It encourages us to ask ourselves, as Job did, "What will I do when God rises up?" and to strive to live in such a way that we might, through Christ, have a confident answer. This healthy reverence for God's judgment fosters humility, promotes ethical living, and deepens our reliance on His boundless grace for our shortcomings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's future visitation and judgment impact my daily choices, my treatment of others, and my personal priorities?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my integrity when I believe no one is watching, and how can I bolster my resolve to live justly before God's all-seeing eye?**
* **What does it truly mean to live with a "clear conscience" before God and others, and what practical steps can I take to cultivate this profound inner peace and moral alignment?**
* **How does Job's awe-filled reverence for God's judgment shape my own understanding of God's character, His justice in the world, and my response to His holiness?**

### FAQ

**Is Job truly innocent, or is this just his perception?**

Answer: In the specific matters Job lists in his comprehensive oath of innocence (including his ethical treatment of servants, as implied by the preceding verse), he genuinely believes himself to be innocent of the specific charges of hidden sin leveled against him by his friends. The biblical narrative ultimately affirms his righteousness in this regard, as God Himself later declares that Job "has spoken what is right concerning me" ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Eliphaz and His Friends")). This indicates that Job's profound suffering was not a direct consequence of the hidden sins his friends accused him of. While Job, like all human beings, is a fallen creature and not sinless in an absolute, perfect sense, his integrity regarding the specific accusations of his friends is upheld by the divine verdict.

**How does this verse relate to grace and salvation in the New Testament?**

Answer: Job 31:14 powerfully highlights the universal human predicament: how can anyone, being imperfect and sinful, "answer" a perfectly holy and just God when He "riseth up" to judge? This profound question underscores humanity's desperate need for a mediator and a perfect righteousness that is not our own. In the New Testament, we learn that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Our "answer" to God's judgment is found not in our own integrity or good works, but solely in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through faith in Him, believers are declared righteous, and Christ becomes our advocate before the Father ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")). Thus, while Job faced the terrifying prospect of unmediated divine judgment based on his own merit, believers in Christ can approach God's throne with confidence, knowing their "answer" is Christ's perfect work and imputed righteousness.

**Does "God riseth up" imply that God is sometimes inactive or passive?**

Answer: No, the phrase "God riseth up" is an anthropomorphism, a figure of speech that attributes human actions or characteristics to God to make His divine activity comprehensible to us. It does not imply that God is ever inactive or passive in His omnipresence, sovereignty, or continuous governance of the universe. Instead, it vividly portrays God taking a decisive, active stance in a judicial or confrontational capacity. It signifies a specific moment of divine intervention, a particular act of judgment, inspection, or reckoning, rather than a change in His continuous, all-encompassing activity. It emphasizes the solemnity, certainty, and active nature of His judgment when He chooses to execute it, highlighting His direct involvement in upholding justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 31:14, with its raw depiction of human vulnerability and the terrifying prospect of standing before a perfectly righteous God, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate human dilemma that only Christ can fully resolve. Job, in his plea of innocence, still grapples with the unanswerable question of how any human could truly "answer" God perfectly if found wanting, acknowledging the impossibility of self-justification before divine scrutiny. This profound sense of accountability and the inherent human inability to meet God's perfect standard perfectly set the stage for the Gospel. For [all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"), and thus, unlike Job's confident assertion of his own integrity, we cannot confidently claim our own innocence before God's perfect scrutiny. However, in Christ, the definitive "answer" to Job's profound question is revealed. Jesus, the perfect [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's judgment on the cross, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). When God "riseth up" to visit and judge, believers in Christ do not face Him defenseless, but stand clothed in the imputed righteousness of their Savior. Our "answer" is not our own merit, but the finished, perfect work of Christ, who enables us to [draw near with confidence to the throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace") rather than shrinking in fear from the Judge. Indeed, the Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")), ensuring that for those in Christ, the judgment of condemnation has already passed, and eternal life is secured.

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 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Romans 3:19

¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Psalms 7:6

Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me [to] the judgment [that] thou hast commanded.

Psalms 9:19

Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.

Zechariah 2:13

Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

Isaiah 10:3

And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation [which] shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?

Job 9:32

For [he is] not a man, as I [am, that] I should answer him, [and] we should come together in judgment.