Job 31:27

KJV

And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:

KJV (with Strong's)

And my heart {H3820} hath been secretly {H5643} enticed {H6601}, or my mouth {H6310} hath kissed {H5401} my hand {H3027}:

Complete Jewish Bible

my heart was secretly seduced, so that I would wave them a kiss with my hand;

Berean Standard Bible

so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth,

American Standard Version

And my heart hath been secretly enticed, And my mouth hath kissed my hand:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:27 is a profound declaration by Job of his unblemished integrity, specifically concerning the pervasive sin of idolatry. As a crucial part of his final and most comprehensive defense before God, Job asserts that neither his innermost thoughts nor his outward actions have ever been directed towards the worship of false deities or celestial bodies. This verse powerfully underscores his unwavering commitment to exclusive devotion to the one true God, emphasizing that his purity extended beyond mere external conformity to encompass the very desires and inclinations of his heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31 serves as the climactic culmination of Job's lengthy and impassioned self-defense against the relentless accusations of his friends. This chapter takes the form of a solemn oath of innocence, often described as a "negative confession," where Job systematically denies a comprehensive list of sins that might have provoked his suffering. He appeals directly to God, inviting divine judgment and punishment if he is found guilty of any of the transgressions he enumerates. Verse 27 is strategically placed within this series of specific denials, following his assertions of integrity regarding issues like injustice, lust, and covetousness. It represents a pivotal statement, demonstrating the profound depth of his righteousness by addressing one of the most fundamental offenses against God's sovereignty: idolatry. This comprehensive oath sets the stage for God's direct intervention and response in the subsequent chapters, ultimately validating Job's character and integrity in the face of his accusers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was thoroughly permeated with polytheistic religions and various forms of nature worship, particularly astrolatry—the veneration of celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars. These practices were deeply interwoven into the fabric of daily life, religious rituals, and even political allegiances. The specific gesture of "kissing one's hand" was a widely recognized act of homage, adoration, or reverence directed towards deities, idols, or powerful rulers in many ancient cultures. This act could involve blowing a kiss towards the object of veneration, or literally kissing one's own hand and then extending it as a sign of profound respect, submission, or even as a form of making a covenant. Job's explicit and emphatic denial of this common act of worship dramatically underscores his radical departure from the prevailing pagan norms of his time and region, affirming his unique and steadfast devotion to the singular, invisible God—a concept profoundly counter-cultural and revolutionary in the surrounding religious landscape.
* **Key Themes:** Job 31:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **exclusivity of worship** due to the one true God, a foundational principle articulated in [the First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment") and reiterated throughout the Old Testament. Job's rejection of astrolatry highlights the stark contrast between true worship of the Creator and the veneration of created things, echoing warnings found in [Deuteronomy 4:19](/deuteronomy/4-19 "Deuteronomy 4:19 - Warning Against Worshipping Celestial Bodies"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **integrity of the heart**, asserting that true righteousness extends far beyond mere outward conformity to include an internal purity of motive and desire. Job's claim that his "heart hath been secretly enticed" speaks to a profound level of spiritual purity, aligning with the biblical truth that God looks not merely at external actions but at the heart's true inclination, as seen in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"). Finally, it speaks to **covenant fidelity**, demonstrating Job's steadfast adherence to divine principles of righteousness, even in the absence of the Mosaic Law, showcasing a universal understanding of God's moral demands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enticed (Hebrew, _pâthâh'_ - H6601):** This Hebrew verb means "to open," "to be simple," "to persuade," "to entice," or "to seduce." In this context, it carries the nuance of being subtly drawn away or led astray, often implying an internal, perhaps even unconscious, inclination towards something forbidden. Job's use of this word indicates that he has not allowed even the most private and hidden desires of his heart to be swayed towards idolatry, suggesting a deep self-awareness and commitment to purity of thought.
* **Kissed (Hebrew, _nâshaq'_ - H5401):** This verb means "to kiss" or "to touch." While it can refer to an ordinary kiss, in ritual or ceremonial contexts, it denotes an act of homage, reverence, or submission. Here, it specifically points to a religious gesture of adoration, signifying allegiance to a deity. The act of kissing one's hand and extending it was a common form of veneration in the ancient world, particularly towards celestial bodies or idols.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_ - H3027):** The Hebrew word for "hand" is used here as the object of the kiss, representing the instrument through which the act of homage is performed. The idiom "kissing one's hand" is a well-attested ancient Near Eastern practice for showing reverence to a god or a powerful figure, often associated with celestial worship. The hand, as an extension of one's person, signifies the totality of the individual's act of worship or allegiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And my heart hath been secretly enticed":** This clause reveals the profound depth of Job's integrity. He asserts that his innermost being—his affections, desires, and even his subconscious inclinations—have not been secretly lured or seduced into idolatrous thoughts or inclinations. This goes far beyond merely avoiding outward acts of sin; it speaks to a profound purity of motive and intention, highlighting that true righteousness begins in the heart, the seat of one's moral and spiritual life. Job demonstrates an understanding that God sees beyond mere external actions to the hidden recesses of the soul, where sin often first takes root and where true devotion is cultivated.
* **"or my mouth hath kissed my hand":** This second clause describes a specific, overt act of pagan worship. "Kissing one's hand" was a common gesture in ancient cultures to show adoration or reverence to celestial bodies (like the sun or moon) or idols. It could involve blowing a kiss towards the object of worship or literally kissing one's own hand and then extending it as a sign of homage or submission. Job's emphatic denial of this act signifies his complete and public rejection of any form of idolatry, whether overt or covert, emphasizing his exclusive and unwavering devotion to the one true God, setting himself apart from the prevailing practices of his time.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message of integrity and exclusive worship. The verse prominently features **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the two clauses, "my heart hath been secretly enticed" and "or my mouth hath kissed my hand," express similar ideas of idolatry, one focusing on the internal inclination and the other on the external act. This parallelism creates a comprehensive denial, covering both the hidden desires and the overt expressions of sin, reinforcing the thoroughness of Job's innocence. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting or complementary parts represent the whole. By mentioning both the "heart" (representing internal disposition and thought) and the "mouth/hand" (representing external actions and physical expression), Job asserts his innocence across the entire spectrum of potential idolatry, from the deepest intent to the most visible deed. The phrase "kissed my hand" functions as a powerful **Idiom** for an act of worship or homage, specifically to false gods, making Job's denial vivid, culturally resonant, and immediately understandable to his audience. Finally, the entire verse is part of a larger **Rhetorical Oath** or "negative confession," where Job challenges God to find fault in him, thereby underscoring his perceived righteousness and setting the stage for divine vindication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:27 stands as a timeless testament to the biblical understanding of true worship and the insidious nature of idolatry. It underscores that God demands not merely outward conformity but exclusive and wholehearted devotion. Idolatry, in its essence, is the misdirection of ultimate allegiance, whether to physical idols, celestial bodies, or anything that usurps God's rightful place in our lives and affections. Job's profound declaration reveals a pre-Mosaic understanding that true righteousness involves both the internal disposition and external action, anticipating later prophetic and New Testament teachings on the purity of the heart. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that anything that captures our ultimate affection, trust, or hope outside of God can become an idol, demanding a vigilant examination of our allegiances and a constant re-centering of our lives on the Creator alone.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")
* [Deuteronomy 4:19](/deuteronomy/4-19 "Deuteronomy 4:19 - Warning Against Astrolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 31:27 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the true objects of our devotion in a world where overt idol worship may seem distant. While we may not literally "kiss our hands" to the sun or moon, the principle remains potently relevant: anything that takes God's supreme place in our hearts—be it career, wealth, comfort, relationships, self-image, digital distractions, or even our own opinions—can become a modern idol. Job's emphasis on the "secretly enticed" heart reminds us that spiritual purity begins within, in the hidden desires and inclinations that often go unexamined and can subtly lead us astray. This verse calls us to a radical honesty before God, knowing that He sees not just our actions but the very thoughts and intentions of our hearts. It compels us to guard our hearts diligently, ensuring that our ultimate allegiance, worship, and trust are directed solely to the Creator, not the created, fostering a life of genuine integrity and exclusive devotion that honors Him above all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "secret enticements" of my heart that might subtly draw my affections or trust away from God in today's world?**
* **In what ways might I be "kissing my hand" to modern idols, perhaps through excessive pursuit of worldly success, comfort, or self-gratification, rather than seeking God's kingdom first?**
* **How does the knowledge that God sees my heart, not just my outward actions, impact my daily pursuit of spiritual purity and exclusive devotion?**

### FAQ
**What does "my mouth hath kissed my hand" specifically refer to?**

Answer: This phrase refers to a specific act of pagan worship common in the ancient Near East, particularly associated with astrolatry, the worship of celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars. It describes a gesture of homage or adoration where an individual would either blow a kiss towards the deity or celestial object, or literally kiss their own hand and then extend it towards the object of veneration as a sign of reverence, submission, or covenant. Job's emphatic denial of this act underscores his complete rejection of any form of idolatry and his exclusive devotion to the one true God. This practice is also alluded to in other ancient texts and archaeological findings, confirming its prevalence as a form of worship that Job consciously avoided.

**How is Job's claim relevant to Christians today, given we don't worship the sun or moon?**

Answer: While literal sun and moon worship is uncommon today, Job's claim remains profoundly relevant because the underlying principle of idolatry persists. Idolatry, at its core, is placing anything in God's rightful place of ultimate authority, affection, and trust. For modern believers, this can manifest in various forms: the worship of money ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve God and Money")), the pursuit of power or status, the obsession with self-image or comfort, or even excessive devotion to relationships, hobbies, or digital platforms. The "secret enticement" of the heart speaks to the subtle ways our desires can be led astray, while "kissing one's hand" represents any overt or covert act of allegiance to these modern "gods." Job's integrity challenges us to examine our own hearts and lives, ensuring that our ultimate devotion is solely to the Creator, not to created things or human constructs, as warned against in [Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Romans 1:25 - Worshiping the Creature Rather Than the Creator").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's remarkable declaration of integrity, particularly his denial of internal and external idolatry, profoundly foreshadows the perfect righteousness found only in Jesus Christ. While Job, as a man, could only aspire to such purity and ultimately needed a mediator for his own shortcomings, Christ perfectly embodies the sinless life. He was truly "enticed" by nothing that would draw Him away from the Father's will, for He "committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinless Life")). Unlike Job, who could only deny the act of "kissing his hand" to false gods, Jesus is the one to whom all creation bows, the rightful recipient of all worship and homage, as every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). His sacrifice on the cross not only atones for our past idolatries but also breaks the power of sin, including the sin of worshipping anything other than God. Through His Spirit, believers are given new hearts that desire to worship God alone, enabling them to offer true worship "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), a purity of devotion that Job earnestly sought but could only be fully realized through the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Romans 1:28

And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Hosea 13:2

And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, [and] idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

Psalms 2:12

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.

Isaiah 44:20

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?

1 Kings 19:18

Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

Romans 1:21

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Deuteronomy 13:6

¶ If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;