Job 31:17

KJV

Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;

KJV (with Strong's)

Or have eaten {H398} my morsel {H6595} myself alone, and the fatherless {H3490} hath not eaten {H398} thereof;

Complete Jewish Bible

or ate my portion of food by myself, without letting the orphan eat any of it

Berean Standard Bible

if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless—

American Standard Version

Or have eaten my morsel alone, And the fatherless hath not eaten thereof

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:17 stands as a powerful declaration within Job's extensive self-vindication, where he passionately asserts his blamelessness against the accusations of his friends and the perceived injustice of God's dealings. This verse specifically highlights Job's unwavering commitment to radical generosity and social justice, affirming that he never consumed his sustenance in isolation but consistently shared it with the most vulnerable members of society, particularly the fatherless. It underscores his deep personal integrity and adherence to the highest ethical standards of his time, demonstrating a righteousness rooted in compassionate action rather-than mere ritual.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31 forms the climactic conclusion of Job's final discourse (chapters 29-31), where he presents his most comprehensive and impassioned defense. Having lamented his suffering and challenged God's justice, Job now systematically refutes any notion that his calamities are a consequence of specific, unconfessed sins. This chapter functions as a solemn oath of innocence, with Job invoking curses upon himself if he has committed various transgressions, ranging from idolatry and sexual impurity to injustice and a lack of compassion. Verse 17 is part of a broader section (verses 16-23) where Job specifically addresses his ethical conduct towards the poor and marginalized, asserting his consistent care for the widow, the fatherless, and the needy, thereby contrasting his actions with the very sins his friends implicitly accused him of.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, societal structures often left the "fatherless" (orphans), widows, and resident aliens particularly vulnerable, as they lacked the traditional family or tribal support systems for protection and provision. Laws and ethical codes across various cultures, including Israelite law, frequently emphasized the community's responsibility to care for these groups. Job's declaration reflects this deep-seated cultural value, asserting his adherence not merely to the letter of the law but to its spirit. His claim of sharing even his "morsel" (basic sustenance) with the fatherless speaks to a profound level of personal sacrifice and generosity, indicating a commitment that went beyond mere obligation, aligning with the highest ideals of righteousness in a society where hospitality and care for the needy were paramount virtues.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job. It reinforces the theme of **Job's integrity and righteousness**, demonstrating that his piety was not superficial but manifested in practical, compassionate actions towards others. It highlights the theme of **social justice and care for the vulnerable**, showcasing Job as an exemplar of the divine expectation that the powerful and prosperous should protect and provide for the marginalized, a principle echoed throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable") and [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice, Correct Oppression")). Furthermore, it implicitly touches upon the theme of **true wisdom and piety**, suggesting that genuine faith is evidenced by a life of active love and mercy, rather than just ritualistic observance or intellectual assent, aligning with the later New Testament emphasis on faith demonstrated through works ([James 2:14-26](/james/2 "James 2 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Morsel (Hebrew, _pat_):** This term refers to a piece of bread, a small portion of food, or even the basic sustenance necessary for survival. Its use here emphasizes that Job was not merely sharing his surplus or abundance, but even his fundamental, daily provision. This signifies a radical level of generosity, indicating that his compassion extended to the point of potentially sacrificing his own comfort or sufficiency for the sake of others. It underscores the depth of his commitment to the fatherless, portraying a man who truly lived out the principle of sharing what he had, no matter how little.
* **Fatherless (Hebrew, _yatom_):** In ancient societies, the "fatherless" were orphans, specifically those who had lost their primary male provider and protector. Along with widows and resident aliens, they constituted the most vulnerable demographic, often lacking legal, social, or economic recourse. The consistent biblical emphasis on caring for the _yatom_ highlights God's own heart for the marginalized and serves as a litmus test for true righteousness. Job's specific mention of the fatherless here is not incidental; it demonstrates his adherence to a core divine expectation for righteous living, proving his active engagement in protecting and providing for those most susceptible to exploitation and poverty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Or have eaten my morsel myself alone,"**: This clause presents a rhetorical question (implied by the preceding "Or have I..." in the broader context of Job 31), challenging the notion that Job ever consumed his basic sustenance in isolation or selfishly. The phrase "myself alone" (לבדי, _levaddi_) emphasizes exclusivity and self-sufficiency, suggesting a hoarding of resources. Job's assertion is that he never practiced such solitary consumption, implying a consistent practice of communal sharing and generosity, even with his most fundamental provisions.
* **"and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;"**: This second clause directly negates the possibility of Job's selfishness, affirming that the fatherless *did* indeed partake of his "morsel." It serves as a powerful counter-statement to the first, explicitly stating that his practice was one of inclusion and provision for the vulnerable. The conjunction "and" here links the two clauses in a way that creates a strong antithesis: he did not eat alone, *because* the fatherless ate with him. This highlights Job's active role in alleviating the plight of the marginalized, making his generosity a defining characteristic of his life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices**. Primarily, it utilizes **Antithesis**, contrasting the selfish act of eating "my morsel myself alone" with the compassionate act of ensuring "the fatherless hath not eaten thereof" (implying they *did* eat). This stark opposition highlights Job's ethical stance and underscores his radical generosity. The entire chapter, including this verse, functions as a series of **Rhetorical Questions** (though the "Or have I..." is implied from the preceding verses), where Job challenges his accusers by listing hypothetical transgressions he *did not* commit, thereby asserting his innocence. This rhetorical strategy serves to emphasize his blamelessness and to call into question the basis of his suffering. Furthermore, "morsel" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where a small piece of bread represents the entirety of one's sustenance, wealth, or resources, thereby amplifying the scope of Job's generosity to encompass all his possessions and not just a literal piece of food.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:17 profoundly connects to the biblical emphasis on God's character as a defender of the oppressed and the corresponding call for His people to reflect that character. Job's actions embody the very heart of divine justice and compassion, demonstrating that true righteousness is not merely about avoiding sin but actively pursuing good, especially for those unable to advocate for themselves. His commitment to sharing his "morsel" with the fatherless illustrates a practical theology where faith is expressed through tangible acts of mercy and hospitality. This resonates deeply with the prophetic tradition that consistently links true worship with social justice, asserting that ritual without righteousness is an abomination to God. Job's defense here serves as a powerful reminder that our treatment of the most vulnerable among us is a direct reflection of our relationship with God.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Fatherless and Widow")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Lord by Giving to the Poor")
* [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure and Undefiled Religion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's declaration in Job 31:17 challenges believers today to move beyond passive sympathy to active, sacrificial generosity. In a world often marked by economic disparity and social isolation, the call to share our "morsel"—whether it be our material resources, time, skills, or even our emotional and spiritual sustenance—with those who are truly vulnerable remains profoundly relevant. This verse compels us to examine our own lives: Do we consume our blessings in isolation, or do we actively seek out opportunities to extend compassion and provision to the "fatherless" in our contemporary society, who might be orphans, neglected children, the impoverished, the marginalized, or those without a voice? True faith is not merely a private conviction but a public demonstration of God's love and justice, prompting us to embody the radical generosity that characterized Job's life and, ultimately, the life of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "eating my morsel myself alone" in my current life, whether materially, emotionally, or spiritually?**
* **Who are the "fatherless" in my community or sphere of influence who are in need of my "morsel"?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally share my resources with those who are vulnerable or marginalized?**
* **How does my generosity (or lack thereof) reflect my understanding of God's heart for justice and compassion?**

### FAQ
**Why is "the fatherless" specifically mentioned alongside Job's "morsel"?**

Answer: The specific mention of "the fatherless" (along with widows and resident aliens in other biblical texts) highlights the most vulnerable and unprotected members of ancient society. In a patriarchal culture, losing one's father meant losing the primary source of protection, provision, and social standing. By asserting that he shared his most basic sustenance ("morsel") with the fatherless, Job emphasizes his adherence to the highest ethical and divine standards of care for the truly needy. It's a declaration that his righteousness was not theoretical but manifested in concrete, sacrificial acts of compassion towards those who had no other recourse, reflecting a core biblical principle of social justice found throughout the Law and Prophets (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:19-21](/deuteronomy/24 "Deuteronomy 24 - Laws of Justice and Compassion")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 31:17, with its profound emphasis on sacrificial generosity towards the fatherless, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job's righteousness was a testament to his human integrity, Christ embodies divine righteousness perfectly. Jesus consistently identified with the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable, declaring that "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - The King's Judgment")). He did not merely share His "morsel"; He became the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering Himself completely for the spiritual nourishment of a humanity that was, in a profound sense, "fatherless"—orphaned by sin and separated from God. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ reconciled us to the Father, adopting us into His divine family ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption as Sons Through Christ")), thereby transforming our spiritual orphanhood into sonship and daughtership. The early church, following Christ's example, practiced radical communal sharing, ensuring that "there was not a needy person among them" ([Acts 4:34](/acts/4-34 "Acts 4:34 - Sharing in the Early Church")), demonstrating the ongoing fulfillment of this principle in the life of His body. Thus, Job's exemplary compassion foreshadows the perfect, self-giving love of Christ, who gave His very life so that we, the spiritually fatherless, might eat of the true Bread and live eternally.

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

Ezekiel 18:7

And hath not oppressed any, [but] hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

1 John 3:17

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

John 13:29

For some [of them] thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy [those things] that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

Luke 11:41

But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

Romans 12:13

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Job 22:7

Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.

James 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.