Job 31:19

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

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

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

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

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

Job 31:19 is part of Job's extensive defense of his integrity and righteousness before God and his friends. In this chapter, Job meticulously lists actions he has *not* committed, essentially taking an oath of innocence against various societal and moral transgressions. This particular verse focuses on his compassionate treatment of the poor and vulnerable.

Context

Chapter 31 represents Job's final and most impassioned plea, where he lays out a comprehensive list of his virtuous conduct, inviting God to examine his heart. He is not merely claiming innocence of overt sin but asserting a deep commitment to justice, mercy, and faithfulness in all aspects of his life. His declarations serve as a powerful testament to his character, demonstrating that his suffering is not a consequence of unconfessed sin, as his friends suggested. This verse, along with others in the chapter, highlights his active role in caring for the marginalized, reflecting the high ethical standards expected in ancient Near Eastern society, particularly from those in positions of influence or wealth.

Key Themes

  • Practical Compassion: Job affirms that he never ignored the suffering of the poor or those lacking basic necessities. His righteousness was not merely ceremonial but manifested in tangible acts of kindness and provision. This active empathy is a hallmark of true piety.
  • Social Responsibility: The verse underscores a biblical principle that those with means have a responsibility to care for the less fortunate. Job's willingness to provide clothing and covering for the naked and destitute was an essential aspect of his justice.
  • Integrity of Heart: Job’s declaration here is not boastful but serves as evidence of his genuine character. He is not merely avoiding evil but actively pursuing good, which is a key component of the blameless and upright life attributed to him at the beginning of the book.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "perish for want of clothing" uses the Hebrew term אֹבֵד ('oved), which signifies not just death but also extreme suffering, ruin, or being lost. This emphasizes the dire consequences of neglect. "Clothing" (לְבוּשׁ - levush) and "covering" (כְּסוּת - kesut) are fundamental necessities, especially in the variable climates of the ancient Near East, providing both protection and dignity. Job's assertion speaks to providing these basic human needs, implying he understood the profound impact of their absence on a person's life and survival.

Practical Application

Job 31:19 offers a timeless challenge for believers today. It reminds us that our faith is not just about what we believe, but also about how we act, especially towards the vulnerable. Practical compassion, such as providing for those in need, is a tangible expression of love and righteousness. Just as Job demonstrated, true piety involves actively seeing and responding to the needs of others, echoing the New Testament emphasis on faith demonstrated by works. This verse encourages us to examine our own lives: Do we see the suffering around us? And if so, do we respond with compassion and practical aid, recognizing that in doing so, we are serving Christ Himself, as taught in Matthew 25:40?

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.

  • 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.

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