Job 31:17

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

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

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

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

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

Context

Job 31 is a profound chapter in the Book of Job, serving as Job's extensive and passionate self-defense before God and his accusers. Having endured immense suffering, Job refutes the notion that his calamities are a direct punishment for specific unconfessed sins. In this chapter, he systematically lists various ethical and moral transgressions he claims he has not committed, swearing oaths of innocence regarding idolatry, injustice, sexual immorality, and lack of charity. Verse 17 is a powerful declaration of his commitment to social justice and compassion, specifically regarding the most vulnerable members of society. It highlights his adherence to the ancient Near Eastern ethical codes that emphasized care for the poor and marginalized.

Key Themes

  • Compassion and Generosity: Job's statement, "Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof," powerfully conveys his commitment to sharing his resources. A "morsel" (Hebrew: pat) refers to a piece of bread or a portion of food, emphasizing that even his basic sustenance was not hoarded but extended to those in need. This speaks to a radical generosity that prioritizes the welfare of others, especially the most vulnerable.
  • Care for the Vulnerable: The specific mention of "the fatherless" (Hebrew: yatom) underscores a core biblical principle: the special responsibility to protect and provide for orphans and widows, who often lacked social and economic support in ancient societies. Job positions himself as someone who actively fulfilled this duty, aligning with divine expectations for righteous living. This theme echoes throughout Scripture, from the Law to the Prophets and the New Testament, emphasizing "pure religion" as caring for orphans and widows in their affliction.
  • Integrity and Righteousness: This verse, alongside Job's other declarations in this chapter, paints a picture of a man whose righteousness was not merely ceremonial but deeply practical and compassionate. He demonstrates that true faith is evidenced by actions of justice and mercy towards others, particularly those unable to help themselves. Job's defense here showcases a life lived in accordance with a high moral standard, reflecting a deep personal integrity in the face of immense adversity.

Linguistic Insight

The term "fatherless" (יתום - yatom) is crucial here. It refers specifically to orphans, those who have lost their father and thus their primary provider and protector in a patriarchal society. The Bible consistently highlights the special care due to this group, alongside widows and resident aliens, as they were uniquely susceptible to exploitation and poverty. Job's assertion is that he did not merely acknowledge their plight but actively shared his own sustenance with them, demonstrating a practical and profound commitment to their well-being.

Practical Application

Job's declaration in this verse offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine our own generosity and compassion. Do we consume our "morsel" alone, or are we actively seeking opportunities to share our resources—whether material, financial, or time—with those who are less fortunate? This verse encourages a proactive approach to social justice and charity, reminding us that genuine faith is demonstrated through tangible acts of love and care for the vulnerable in our communities. It calls us to embody the spirit of sharing and hospitality, reflecting God's own heart for the poor and oppressed, as seen in passages like Proverbs 19:17, which states that whoever gives to the poor lends to the Lord.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back