Job 31:15

KJV

Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?

KJV (with Strong's)

Did not he that made {H6213} me in the womb {H990} make {H6213} him? and did not one {H259} fashion {H3559} us in the womb {H7358}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Didn't he who made me in the womb make them too? Didn't the same one shape us both before our birth?

Berean Standard Bible

Did not He who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same One form us in the womb?

American Standard Version

Did not he that made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
A profound declaration by Job, asserting the inherent equality of all human beings, including masters and servants, based on their shared origin in divine creation. As part of his comprehensive oath of innocence in chapter 31, Job posits that the same God who intricately formed him in the womb also fashioned his servants, thereby nullifying any basis for social hierarchy to justify mistreatment or injustice. This verse serves as a foundational theological argument for ethical conduct, underscoring the universal dignity bestowed by the Creator upon every individual.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31:15 is embedded within Job's final and most extensive defense, an impassioned oath of innocence spanning the entire chapter. Following the discourse with his three friends, Job now directly addresses God, systematically listing various sins he has scrupulously avoided. This particular verse immediately follows Job's assertion in [Job 31:13-14](/job/31-13 "Job 31:13-14 - Job's Treatment of Servants") that he never despised the cause of his male or female servants when they contended with him. The rhetorical question in [Job 31:15](/job/31-15 "Job 31:15 - Shared Creation") provides the theological bedrock for his just treatment of those under his authority, demonstrating that his ethical conduct was not merely social convention but rooted in a profound understanding of universal human dignity. It climaxes a series of self-imprecations, where Job calls down curses upon himself if he has committed the sins he denies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, social hierarchies were deeply ingrained, with significant distinctions between masters and servants, landowners and laborers. Servitude could arise from debt, war, or birth, and while Mosaic Law provided protections for servants (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:12-18](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12-18 - Laws Concerning Servants")), the practical realities often involved vulnerability and potential for abuse. Job, a wealthy and influential man, would have had numerous servants. His declaration in [Job 31:15](/job/31-15 "Job 31:15 - Universal Creation") challenges the prevailing social norms by appealing to a higher, divine standard that transcends human-made distinctions. This perspective was revolutionary for its time, emphasizing a radical equality before God that often contrasted sharply with the social structures of the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Universal Creation**, asserting God as the sole and ultimate "Maker" and "Fashioner" of all humanity, regardless of social standing. This act of creation bestows inherent dignity and worth upon every individual, a concept deeply rooted in [Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26 "Genesis 1:26-27 - Humanity Created in God's Image"), where humanity is created in the image of God. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Justice and Righteousness**, arguing that ethical conduct towards others is not optional but a divine imperative, flowing directly from the recognition of shared creation. To mistreat a fellow human is to disregard the handiwork of God. Finally, it highlights the theme of **Human Equality**, dismantling any basis for pride, prejudice, or oppression by reminding Job's audience that all are equally dependent on their Creator, as echoed in [Proverbs 22:2](/proverbs/22-2 "Proverbs 22:2 - The Rich and Poor Meet Together").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Made (Hebrew, _ʿāśâ'_):** This verb signifies "to make, do, create, accomplish." In the context of creation, it emphasizes God's active, deliberate, and purposeful work in bringing something into existence. Here, it highlights the intentionality and direct involvement of God in the formation of Job and his servants, implying a shared, divinely ordained origin and intrinsic value. It's not a passive process but a divine act of craftsmanship.
* **Fashion (Hebrew, _kûn'_):** This verb means "to establish, prepare, make firm, set up." When used in the context of human formation in the womb, it speaks to the intricate, detailed, and precise shaping or forming by God. It suggests a careful, deliberate molding, emphasizing the unique and personal attention God gives to each individual's development, reinforcing the idea that every person is a distinct and divinely crafted masterpiece.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Did not he that made me in the womb make him?"**: This is the first rhetorical question, directly challenging any notion of superiority based on social status. Job asserts that the very same divine hand that intricately formed him within his mother's womb also formed his servant. The implication is that if God is the common Creator of both master and servant, then any claim of inherent difference in worth or dignity is nullified. This clause establishes a shared origin and a common divine authorship for all humanity.
* **"and did not one fashion us in the womb?"**: This second rhetorical question reiterates and amplifies the first, using a different verb ("fashion") and shifting to the plural ("us"). The use of "one" (Hebrew, _ʾeḥād'_) emphasizes the singular, unified source of creation for all people. The repetition of "in the womb" underscores the intimate, personal, and miraculous nature of this divine work, stressing that every life, regardless of social standing, is uniquely and equally crafted by the same divine hand, thereby demanding equal respect and justice.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:15 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Rhetorical Question**, used twice in quick succession ("Did not he... make him? and did not one fashion us...?"). These questions are not posed to elicit information but to make an emphatic assertion, compelling the listener to acknowledge the undeniable truth of universal human equality rooted in divine creation. The questions force a direct confrontation with any prejudiced or hierarchical thinking. **Parallelism** is also evident, as the two clauses express a similar idea using different but related verbs ("made" and "fashion") and subjects ("he that made me" and "one fashion us"), reinforcing the central concept of shared divine origin. This repetition and restatement serve to drive the point home with greater force and clarity. Finally, the phrase "in the womb" functions as **Metonymy**, representing the entire process of intricate, personal, and miraculous formation of human life, emphasizing the intimate involvement of God in every individual's beginning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:15 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical doctrine of *Imago Dei* (the image of God) and universal human dignity. It fundamentally asserts that all human beings, irrespective of social standing, wealth, or power, share a common Creator and thus possess inherent worth and equality before God. This truth obliterates any theological or moral basis for discrimination, exploitation, or contempt. Job's rhetorical question serves as a timeless ethical imperative, challenging humanity to treat one another with the justice and respect that flows from acknowledging our shared divine origin. It grounds ethical conduct not in social contracts or human laws, but in the very nature of God as the impartial Creator of all.

* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")
* [Proverbs 22:2](/proverbs/22-2 "Proverbs 22:2 - The Rich and Poor Meet Together")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - All Nations from One Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 31:15 offers a profound and timeless challenge to our perceptions and treatment of others. In a world still grappling with systemic inequalities, prejudice, and discrimination based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, or nationality, Job's ancient declaration resonates with striking relevance. It calls us to look beyond superficial differences and recognize the shared humanity and divine imprint in every person we encounter, from the most powerful to the most vulnerable. This verse compels us to examine our own hearts for any hidden biases or prejudices, urging us to dismantle them in light of the truth that we are all equally crafted by the same divine hand. True justice, compassion, and humility flow from this foundational understanding. It is a call to advocate for the marginalized, to stand against oppression, and to cultivate a profound empathy that sees the Creator's handiwork in every human face.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of shared divine creation challenge any prejudices or biases I might unconsciously hold towards others?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively promote justice and equality in my sphere of influence, reflecting the truth that "one fashion[ed] us in the womb"?**
* **How does understanding God as the impartial Creator of all people impact my view of social hierarchies, wealth disparities, or global inequalities?**

### FAQ

**Why is Job 31:15 considered so significant for human equality?**

Answer: Job 31:15 is significant because it grounds human equality not in social contracts, philosophical ideals, or political declarations, but in the very act of divine creation. Job states that the same God who made him also made his servants in the womb, and that "one fashion[ed] us in the womb." This assertion means that all people, regardless of their social standing, wealth, or power, share a common divine origin. This shared origin bestows inherent dignity and worth upon every individual, making any form of discrimination or mistreatment a direct affront to the Creator's work. It's a radical statement for its time, challenging the prevailing social hierarchies by appealing to a higher, universal standard of divine justice and human value, echoing the foundational truth of [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image") that all humanity is created in God's image.

**How does this verse relate to the broader themes of the Book of Job?**

Answer: Job 31:15 is a crucial part of Job's final, impassioned defense of his integrity before God and his friends. Throughout the book, Job grapples with the problem of suffering and divine justice, maintaining his innocence despite immense hardship. This verse specifically addresses the charge, implied by his friends' theology, that his suffering must be due to some hidden sin, perhaps even injustice towards others. By declaring his just treatment of servants based on their shared divine creation, Job demonstrates that his righteousness was not merely external conformity to law, but stemmed from a deep, theological understanding of human dignity. It reinforces the theme of God's universal sovereignty and justice, suggesting that God's ways are not limited by human social structures and that true righteousness involves treating all people with equity, as God Himself is impartial, a concept further developed in the New Testament, for example in [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 31:15 powerfully articulates the Old Testament truth of universal human equality rooted in creation, its Christ-centered fulfillment elevates and perfects this understanding. In Jesus Christ, the ultimate "fashioner" and "maker" of all things (as [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him") and [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, Creator of All") declare), the inherent dignity of humanity is not only affirmed but redeemed and restored. The incarnation of Christ, God becoming man, is the supreme demonstration of God's solidarity with humanity, embracing our shared "womb-made" existence. Furthermore, in Christ, the divisions that separate humanity—whether social, ethnic, or economic—are transcended and ultimately broken down. As [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ") proclaims, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This spiritual unity in Christ does not erase our distinct identities but redefines our relationships, calling believers to live out the radical equality and love exemplified by Christ, who served all, even to the point of giving His life for all, regardless of their status ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Thus, the recognition of shared creation in Job finds its ultimate expression and transformative power in the redemptive work of Christ, who makes us not just fellow creatures, but fellow heirs and members of one body.

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

Proverbs 14:31

¶ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

Proverbs 22:2

¶ The rich and poor meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all.

Job 34:19

[How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.

Malachi 2:10

¶ Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

Job 10:8

¶ Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me.

Job 10:12

Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.

Psalms 139:14

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.