Job 31:19

KJV

If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;

KJV (with Strong's)

If I have seen {H7200} any perish {H6} for want of clothing {H3830}, or any poor {H34} without covering {H3682};

Complete Jewish Bible

or if I saw a traveler needing clothing, someone in need who had no covering,

Berean Standard Bible

if I have seen one perish for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a cloak,

American Standard Version

If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, Or that the needy had no covering;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:19 serves as a powerful declaration within Job's climactic oath of integrity, where he asserts his blamelessness before God and his accusers. This verse specifically highlights Job's active and unwavering compassion towards the most vulnerable, stating that he never ignored or failed to provide for those in extreme destitution, particularly the poor who were literally perishing from lack of clothing or covering. It stands as compelling evidence of his profound commitment to social justice and practical righteousness, underscoring that his suffering was not a consequence of unconfessed sin or neglect of the needy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31 forms the powerful culmination of Job's final defense, immediately preceding the divine speeches from the whirlwind. It is meticulously structured as an "oath of purgation" or "negative confession," a legal and theological device common in the ancient Near East. In this form, Job systematically enumerates various sins he has *not* committed, effectively daring God to find fault in his conduct and inviting divine judgment if his claims are false. This chapter moves beyond a mere denial of overt wickedness, asserting a deep, internal commitment to righteousness that permeated every facet of his life—from his thoughts and desires (vv. 1-12) to his treatment of servants (vv. 13-15), and crucially, to his profound care for the vulnerable. Verses 16-23 specifically detail Job's ethical responsibilities towards the marginalized, with verse 19 serving as a poignant affirmation of his active empathy and tangible provision for the poor, demonstrating that his piety was not merely ritualistic but profoundly practical and compassionate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East (ANE), the care and protection of the poor, widows, orphans, and the marginalized were paramount ethical and religious duties, frequently enshrined in legal codes (e.g., the Code of Hammurabi) and wisdom literature. Wealthy and influential individuals, like Job, were expected to embody these ethical standards, reflecting a societal and divine concern for justice and equity. Clothing was far more than a matter of modesty; it was a fundamental necessity for survival, providing critical protection against the harsh extremes of weather, from the scorching desert sun to the freezing night temperatures. To "perish for want of clothing" or be "without covering" implied the most extreme form of destitution and vulnerability, often leading to death from exposure, disease, or profound shame. Job's solemn declaration, therefore, speaks directly to a deeply ingrained cultural expectation and a profound understanding of human dignity and the critical role of basic provisions within his society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. It powerfully emphasizes **Practical Compassion and Social Justice**, demonstrating that true righteousness extends beyond mere ritual observance or personal piety to tangible, active care for the vulnerable and marginalized. Job's actions vividly illustrate a profound sense of **Integrity and Blamelessness**, aligning perfectly with the initial description of him as "blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil" in [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Job's Blameless Character"). His willingness to invite divine scrutiny based on his treatment of the poor underscores the theme of **Divine Accountability**, where human actions, especially towards the marginalized, are seen as directly related to one's relationship with God. This resonates deeply with principles found throughout the wisdom literature, such as the teaching that "[Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Honoring God by Helping the Poor")" and the prophetic call to "[share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house](/isaiah/58-7 "Isaiah 58:7 - Sharing Bread and Clothing")".

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perish (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** This primitive root, H6, signifies more than just physical death. It denotes a state of utter ruin, being lost, wandering away, or extreme suffering leading to destruction. In this context, Job's assertion is that he actively intervened to prevent individuals from reaching this ultimate point of ruin or being utterly undone due to their desperate circumstances. It highlights the severe, life-threatening consequences faced by those lacking basic necessities.
* **Clothing (Hebrew, _lᵉbûwsh'_):** H3830 refers to a garment or attire in general. In the ancient world, clothing was indispensable for protection against the elements (heat, cold, rain, wind) and for maintaining personal dignity and modesty. Its absence or inadequacy was a clear indicator of extreme poverty and vulnerability, often leading to exposure and shame.
* **Covering (Hebrew, _kᵉçûwth'_):** H3682, derived from the verb "to cover," refers to a protective garment, cloak, or blanket. While often synonymous with "clothing," its inclusion here emphasizes a comprehensive provision of warmth, shelter, and dignity, particularly against the chill of night or harsh weather. Together with "clothing," it paints a complete picture of the basic human needs Job claims to have met.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I have seen any perish for want of clothing":** Job initiates this clause with a conditional "If," characteristic of his oath of purgation, implying a challenge or an invitation for scrutiny. He solemnly declares that he has never observed anyone in such a dire state of destitution—on the brink of death or utter ruin due to a lack of proper attire—without taking compassionate action. This indicates not merely passive non-participation in injustice, but an active, observant awareness of suffering and a proactive commitment to intervention.
* **"or any poor without covering;":** This second clause functions as a powerful synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and expanding upon the first statement. It reiterates Job's unwavering claim that he never encountered a truly impoverished individual (Hebrew: _ʼebyôwn_, H34, denoting one who is destitute and needy) lacking the fundamental necessity of a protective garment or blanket without providing for them. The repetition underscores the depth and consistency of his compassion, demonstrating that his charitable acts were comprehensive and unwavering towards the most vulnerable members of society.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:19 masterfully employs several literary devices that amplify its meaning and emotional impact. The most evident is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause, "or any poor without covering," reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first clause, "If I have seen any perish for want of clothing," using different but closely related terms. This technique not only adds emphasis and completeness to Job's declaration of compassion but also highlights the comprehensive nature of his care. The entire chapter, including this verse, functions as a **Negative Confession** or **Oath of Purgation**, a profound legal and theological device in which the speaker solemnly declares their innocence by listing actions they have *not* committed, often inviting divine judgment if their claims are false. This structure lends immense weight, sincerity, and legal gravity to Job's words. Furthermore, there is an implied **Rhetorical Question** or challenge within the "If I have..." construction, as Job effectively dares God or his accusers to find any fault in his conduct regarding the poor, thereby underscoring his profound confidence in his own righteousness and integrity. Finally, the vivid imagery of individuals "perishing" and being "without covering" evokes a strong sense of **Pathos**, appealing powerfully to the listener's emotions and highlighting the profound vulnerability and desperate plight of the destitute, which in turn magnifies the moral and spiritual impact of Job's compassionate response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:19 articulates a profound biblical truth: genuine righteousness is not merely the absence of sin, but the active, tangible pursuit of justice and mercy, particularly towards the most vulnerable members of society. Job's unwavering commitment to providing for the unclothed poor reflects a divine standard of care that permeates the entirety of Scripture. God's own character is consistently revealed as one who champions the cause of the oppressed, hears the cry of the needy, and provides for the destitute. Therefore, human compassion for the marginalized is presented as a direct imitation of divine character and a tangible, undeniable expression of authentic faith. Job's integrity, powerfully demonstrated through his practical acts of charity, serves as a compelling model for how one's inner piety and fear of God translate into outward, ethical living, connecting directly to the heart of God's law and the consistent prophetic calls for social justice and equitable treatment of all.

* [Isaiah 58:7](/isaiah/58-7 "Isaiah 58:7 - Sharing Bread and Clothing")
* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Open Hand to the Poor")
* [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Honoring God by Helping the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 31:19 stands as a timeless and deeply challenging mirror for believers in every generation. It compels us to move beyond a passive or minimalist understanding of righteousness—simply avoiding wrongdoing—to an active, empathetic, and tangible engagement with the suffering of others. Job did not wait to be asked; he "saw" those perishing and responded with immediate, practical aid, providing essential "clothing" and "covering." This challenges us to cultivate a heightened awareness of the myriad needs around us, whether they manifest as physical destitution, emotional isolation, spiritual brokenness, or systemic injustice. Our faith is not meant to be confined to private devotion but is designed to be lived out tangibly, demonstrating love not merely in word or sentiment but "in deed and in truth." Just as Job understood the profound impact of basic provisions on human dignity and survival, we are called to identify and address the contemporary equivalents of "clothing and covering"—shelter for the homeless, nutritious food for the hungry, accessible medical care for the sick, quality education for the unlearned, and compassionate presence for the lonely and grieving. Our proactive, loving response to the vulnerable is a direct and profound reflection of our authentic walk with God and our understanding of His heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's active compassion and willingness to intervene challenge my current understanding of righteousness and what it truly means to "fear God"?**
* **What "perishing" or "uncovered" needs in my immediate community, workplace, or sphere of influence am I called to actively "see" and address with practical aid and compassionate action?**
* **In what specific ways can I move beyond merely avoiding sin to an active, intentional, and consistent pursuit of good, justice, and mercy, as Job so powerfully demonstrated?**

### FAQ

**Was Job's declaration of innocence boastful or self-righteous?**

Answer: Job's declaration in Job 31:19, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is not an act of boastful self-righteousness in the modern, pejorative sense. Instead, it functions as a solemn "oath of purgation" or "negative confession," a recognized legal and theological device within the ancient Near Eastern context. Accused by his friends of hidden sin as the cause of his immense suffering, Job appeals directly to God, inviting divine scrutiny and judgment based on his life's conduct. He is not claiming absolute perfection or moral infallibility, but rather asserting his integrity and blamelessness concerning the specific charges leveled against him—namely, that his suffering must be due to unconfessed wickedness. His detailed enumeration of ethical behaviors, including his profound care for the poor and vulnerable, serves as compelling evidence that his suffering is not a just consequence of personal wrongdoing, thereby upholding his blameless character as initially described in [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Job's Blameless Character").

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of the book of Job?**

Answer: Job 31:19 is absolutely crucial to the book's central message by powerfully reinforcing Job's unwavering character and directly challenging the simplistic, rigid retribution theology espoused by his friends. The friends operate under the premise that suffering is always a direct consequence of sin. Job's detailed self-defense, particularly his active and comprehensive compassion for the poor and vulnerable, irrefutably demonstrates that his suffering is *not* a result of personal wickedness or neglect of his moral duties. This verse, therefore, helps to establish the central theological problem of the book: why does a truly righteous person suffer? It underscores that true piety involves not just ritual observance or personal morality, but a profound commitment to social justice and active care for the marginalized. By proving his righteousness in these practical ways, Job sets the stage for God's ultimate vindication and the revelation of a more complex divine wisdom that transcends human understanding of cause and effect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's compassionate provision for the "perishing" and "uncovered" poor in Job 31:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job acted out of personal integrity and adherence to the ethical demands of the Law, Jesus's entire life was the very incarnation of divine compassion and perfect righteousness. He not only identified deeply with the poor and marginalized but voluntarily "became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), taking on human flesh and experiencing human vulnerability in its fullness. Jesus consistently demonstrated practical compassion throughout His ministry, miraculously feeding the hungry crowds ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), healing the sick and afflicted ([Luke 4:40](/luke/4-40 "Luke 4:40 - Jesus Heals Many")), and offering spiritual "covering" and restoration for those lost in sin and shame. His profound teaching in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Sheep and the Goats") explicitly links acts of mercy towards "the least of these" directly to serving Christ Himself, making our compassion for the vulnerable a direct response to and participation in His ongoing redemptive work. Ultimately, Christ provides the perfect "covering" for our spiritual nakedness and destitution through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, clothing us with His perfect righteousness ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")) and offering eternal life, thereby fulfilling humanity's deepest need for dignity, protection, reconciliation with God, and everlasting salvation.

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

Job 22:6

For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.

Isaiah 58:7

[Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

Job 29:13

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

2 Chronicles 28:15

And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.

Matthew 25:36

Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

James 2:16

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

Luke 3:11

He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.