Job 31:28

KJV

This also [were] an iniquity [to be punished by] the judge: for I should have denied the God [that is] above.

KJV (with Strong's)

This also were an iniquity {H5771} to be punished by the judge {H6416}: for I should have denied {H3584} the God {H410} that is above {H4605}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then this too would be a criminal offense, for I would have been lying to God on high.

Berean Standard Bible

this would also be an iniquity to be judged, for I would have denied God on high.

American Standard Version

This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judges; For I should have denied the God that is above.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:28 stands as a pivotal declaration within Job's final defense, articulating his unwavering commitment to the one true God and framing any denial of Him as a profound iniquity deserving of divine judgment. This verse is a cornerstone of Job's extensive oath of innocence, powerfully asserting his fidelity and rejecting all forms of idolatry, especially the prevalent ancient Near Eastern practice of astral worship, which he views as a direct affront to the Creator's supreme authority and transcendence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31 serves as the dramatic culmination of Job's final discourse (chapters 29-31), where he presents his most comprehensive and impassioned defense against the persistent accusations of his friends. This chapter is meticulously structured as a detailed "oath of innocence" or "negative confession," a legalistic literary form in which Job systematically enumerates various sins he has *not* committed, often invoking a curse upon himself if his claims are false. Verses 26-28 specifically target the sin of idolatry, particularly the worship of the sun and moon, which were pervasive religious practices in the ancient Near East. Job's emphatic declaration in verse 28 functions as the ultimate statement of his exclusive fidelity to Yahweh, portraying the denial of God as the gravest possible offense and thereby reinforcing his earlier assertions of integrity and righteousness, as seen in his initial portrayal in [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Job's Blameless Character").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, astral worship—the veneration of the sun, moon, and stars—was a deeply entrenched religious practice, frequently intertwined with fertility cults, divination, and state religion. Empires like Babylon, Egypt, and the Canaanite city-states attributed divine powers to celestial bodies, believing they exerted direct influence over earthly events and human destiny. Job's fervent denouncement of such practices in verses like [Job 31:26-27](/job/31-26-27 "Job 31:26-27 - Job's Rejection of Astral Worship") underscores his adherence to a pure monotheistic faith, standing in stark contrast to the polytheistic and pantheistic religious landscape of his era. The concept of "the judge" (Hebrew: *pᵉlîylîy*) would have been universally understood as a figure of ultimate authority and justice, whether human or divine. Job's appeal to God as the supreme judge reflects a profound belief in divine accountability and the inherent moral order of the cosmos, where denying the Creator was not merely a social transgression but a cosmic one, disrupting the very fabric of existence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the theme of **Job's unwavering integrity and righteousness**, demonstrating his consistent and exclusive devotion to God despite immense suffering, a characteristic established from the book's opening chapters. Secondly, it highlights the profound sinfulness of **idolatry**, not merely as a ritualistic act but as a fundamental denial of God's unique sovereignty and transcendence. Job understands that placing trust or worship in anything other than "the God that is above" is a direct affront to the Creator, echoing the foundational prohibition against other gods in the [Decalogue](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). Finally, the verse emphasizes the theme of **divine justice and accountability**, as Job acknowledges that denying God is an "iniquity to be punished by the judge," affirming God's role as the ultimate arbiter of truth and righteousness, a concept central to the book's exploration of suffering, justice, and the nature of divine governance, as seen in passages like [Job 34:10-12](/job/34-10-12 "Job 34:10-12 - God's Righteousness and Justice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** This term (H5771) signifies more than a simple error or unintentional sin; it carries the profound weight of moral perversity, distortion, or the twisting of what is inherently right. It implies deep-seated guilt and the deserved punishment that inevitably follows. Job employs this term to convey the profound moral corruption inherent in denying God, suggesting a deliberate and deep-seated rebellion against the divine order rather than a mere lapse in judgment.
* **Denied (Hebrew, _kâchash'_):** This primitive root (H3584) encompasses the ideas of being untrue, whether in word (to lie, feign, disown) or in deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe). In this context, it denotes a profound act of disowning or repudiating God, a betrayal of allegiance that goes beyond mere intellectual disbelief to an active rejection of His authority and existence. It implies a deliberate turning away from the truth of God's being.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** This word (H410), shortened from a root meaning strength, refers to the Mighty One, especially the Almighty. While it can be used for any deity, in the context of Job's monotheistic confession and the phrase "God that is above," it unequivocally refers to Yahweh, the supreme and singular Creator. Its usage here emphasizes God's inherent power, might, and unique status as the ultimate divine being, distinct from all created things.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This also [were] an iniquity [to be punished by] the judge":** Job initiates this clause by declaring that the action he is about to specify (denying God) would constitute a profound moral wrong, an act of perversity that inherently deserves divine retribution. The phrase "to be punished by the judge" clarifies that this "iniquity" is not merely a personal failing or social transgression but a violation against a cosmic, moral order, demanding ultimate accountability from God Himself, who is the supreme arbiter of justice.
* **"for I should have denied the God [that is] above":** This clause precisely identifies the "iniquity": the denial of God. The crucial phrase "the God that is above" (Hebrew: *'El mima'al*, incorporating H4605 *maʻal*) powerfully emphasizes God's absolute transcendence, His supreme position, and His unparalleled authority over all creation. Job is not merely speaking of denying any deity, but specifically denying the one, true, sovereign God who stands above all things, including the celestial bodies (sun and moon) he referenced in the preceding verses. This denial, therefore, would be a profound act of rebellion against the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:28 masterfully employs several potent literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The entire chapter functions as a **negative confession** or **oath of innocence**, a sophisticated legalistic literary form where the speaker meticulously lists sins they have *not* committed, often invoking a self-curse if their claims are false. This structure imbues Job's defense with a powerful sense of forensic drama, moral certainty, and personal integrity. The verse also utilizes **hyperbole** in Job's absolute declaration, emphasizing the extreme gravity of denying God and portraying it as the ultimate, unforgivable transgression. Furthermore, the phrase "the God that is above" serves as a powerful **epithet** or **divine appellation**, highlighting God's transcendence, His supreme authority, and His distinctness from all created things. This appellation creates a stark **thematic opposition** between true worship of the transcendent Creator and the idolatrous worship of immanent, created entities, thereby reinforcing the central theological message of exclusive monotheism.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:28 stands as a profound testament to the absolute sovereignty of God and the foundational nature of true worship. It asserts that the ultimate sin is not merely an act of commission but the fundamental denial of God's supreme authority, existence, and unique identity, particularly when this denial manifests as the worship of created things. This denial is viewed as a direct affront to the Creator, warranting divine judgment, and irrevocably establishes a clear hierarchy where God alone is worthy of ultimate allegiance. Job's declaration powerfully reinforces the biblical emphasis on exclusive worship and warns against the perils of idolatry, whether overt or subtle, as a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship between humanity and its Creator. This principle is foundational to biblical faith.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the Lord Your God")
* [Romans 1:20-23](/romans/1-20-23 "Romans 1:20-23 - Humanity's Suppression of Truth and Idolatry")
* [1 John 2:22-23](/1_john/2-22-23 "1 John 2:22-23 - Denying the Father and the Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 31:28 presents a timeless challenge to believers today, urging us to deeply examine the true object of our ultimate allegiance. While overt worship of celestial bodies is rare in contemporary society, the "denial of the God that is above" can manifest in myriad, often subtle, forms. It occurs whenever we prioritize anything—be it wealth, career advancement, personal relationships, self-fulfillment, political ideologies, or even our own desires and comfort—above God's revealed will and His supreme authority. Such prioritization effectively denies His unique place as the sovereign Creator, Sustainer, and Judge of all. This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our lives, demanding that our thoughts, words, and actions consistently affirm God's absolute sovereignty and our complete, humble dependence on Him. It serves as a potent reminder that true faith is not merely intellectual assent to theological propositions but an active, undivided loyalty that recognizes God as the ultimate arbiter of truth, the sole source of ultimate meaning, and the only worthy recipient of our worship and devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might I be "denying the God that is above" in my daily life, perhaps by prioritizing something else over His will or character?**
* **What are the "idols" of my modern context (e.g., success, comfort, approval, personal autonomy) that might compete for the ultimate allegiance due only to God?**
* **How does my understanding of God as the ultimate "judge" impact my commitment to living a life of integrity and undivided devotion in all areas of my life?**

### FAQ
**What does "the God that is above" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In Job 31:28, "the God that is above" (Hebrew: *'El mima'al*, utilizing H4605 *maʻal*) emphasizes God's absolute transcendence, His supreme authority, and His unique position over all creation. This phrase directly contrasts with the celestial bodies (sun, moon) mentioned in the preceding verses ([Job 31:26-27](/job/31-26-27 "Job 31:26-27 - Job's Rejection of Astral Worship")), which were common objects of idolatry in the ancient Near East. Job is asserting that to worship anything created, or to deny the Creator's ultimate sovereignty, is a profound sin. This phrase highlights God's distinctness from the created order and His unparalleled power and majesty, reinforcing that He alone is worthy of worship and allegiance, as He is the one who rules from on high, above all earthly and cosmic powers.

**How does Job's understanding of "iniquity" relate to divine judgment?**

Answer: Job's use of "iniquity" (Hebrew: *ʻâvôn*, H5771) in this verse signifies a deep moral perversion or guilt that inherently warrants punishment. He explicitly states that such an act "were an iniquity [to be punished by] the judge." This reveals Job's profound conviction that denying God is not a minor transgression but a fundamental betrayal of the cosmic order, which demands accountability from the ultimate "judge"—God Himself. It underscores the biblical principle that God is not only the Creator but also the righteous arbiter of justice, who will hold humanity responsible for their actions and their allegiance. This concept of divine judgment is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing God's holiness and His commitment to justice, as seen in passages like [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge").

**Is Job suggesting that denying God is the *only* sin that warrants judgment?**

Answer: No, Job is not suggesting that denying God is the *only* sin, but rather that it is a foundational and supremely grave sin. In Job 31, Job meticulously lists numerous other sins he has *not* committed (e.g., injustice, lust, oppression, deceit, mistreatment of servants, lack of charity in [Job 31:13-25](/job/31-13-25 "Job 31:13-25 - Job's Integrity in Social Relations")), each of which he implies would warrant judgment. However, denying "the God that is above" is presented as perhaps the ultimate, most comprehensive transgression, as it strikes at the very root of one's relationship with the Creator. It is the ultimate act of rebellion against the source of all moral law and existence. This aligns perfectly with the First Commandment, which prohibits having [other gods before the Lord](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods"), establishing the supremacy of God as the basis for all other moral obligations and the foundation for all true righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 31:28, with its profound declaration against denying "the God that is above," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Job rightly understood the immense gravity of denying the transcendent Creator, humanity's deepest and most pervasive denial is not merely of God's existence, but of His redemptive plan uniquely embodied in His Son. Jesus, as the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"), perfectly revealed the "God that is above," bridging the infinite chasm between the transcendent Creator and fallen humanity. To deny Christ is, in essence, to deny the Father who sent Him, as Jesus Himself unequivocally declared, "[Whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven](/matthew/10-33 "Matthew 10:33 - Denying Jesus")." Furthermore, the ultimate "iniquity" that Job spoke of, the rebellion against the sovereign God, was decisively and perfectly punished, not in human judgment, but in the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross, where He bore the full weight of humanity's sin, rebellion, and denial. Through His glorious resurrection, Jesus is now the [appointed judge of the living and the dead](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus, the Appointed Judge"), ensuring that every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that [Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus"), to the eternal glory of God the Father. Thus, the ancient call to undivided allegiance to "the God that is above" is now fully realized and perfectly fulfilled in the call to confess, trust, and follow Jesus, the divine Son, who perfectly embodies, reveals, and reconciles us to the Father.

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

Deuteronomy 17:2

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

Deuteronomy 17:7

The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

Job 31:11

For this [is] an heinous crime; yea, it [is] an iniquity [to be punished by] the judges.

Genesis 18:25

That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Job 23:7

There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

Joshua 24:23

Now therefore put away, [said he], the strange gods which [are] among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.

Psalms 50:6

And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God [is] judge himself. Selah.