Job 31:29

KJV

If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:

KJV (with Strong's)

If I rejoiced {H8055} at the destruction {H6365} of him that hated {H8130} me, or lifted up {H5782} myself when evil {H7451} found {H4672} him:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Did I rejoice at the destruction of him who hated me? Was I filled with glee when disaster overtook him?

Berean Standard Bible

If I have rejoiced in my enemy’s ruin, or exulted when evil befell him—

American Standard Version

If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, Or lifted up myself when evil found him

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:29 stands as a powerful declaration within Job's final, impassioned defense, asserting his profound moral integrity amidst immense suffering. He vehemently denies ever taking malicious pleasure in the misfortune or destruction of those who hated him, nor did he exult or feel superior when adversity befell his adversaries. This verse showcases Job's remarkably advanced ethical standard, revealing a heart free from the common human failing of schadenfreude and a deep-seated commitment to a righteousness that transcends mere external compliance, extending even to his internal attitudes towards enemies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31 forms the climactic and culminating section of Job's final discourse, serving as his comprehensive and solemn oath of innocence before God and his friends. Having systematically refuted the accusations of his companions and expressed his fervent desire for a direct encounter with the Almighty, Job now presents a detailed "negative confession." In this chapter, he meticulously lists a series of grave sins he has *not* committed, effectively challenging God to find any fault in his character or conduct. Verse 29 is strategically placed within this extensive self-vindication, following Job's assertions regarding his integrity in matters of justice, charity, and sexual purity, and preceding his denial of idolatry or reliance on wealth. It underscores the breadth and depth of his moral compass, demonstrating that his righteousness encompassed not only outward actions but also the deepest intentions and attitudes of his heart, even towards those who harbored animosity towards him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of justice often encompassed a strong element of retribution, and the public celebration of an enemy's downfall, particularly after military victories or perceived divine judgments, was not uncommon. Personal vendettas and the desire for revenge were recognized, though not always universally endorsed, social dynamics. However, Job's declaration in this verse transcends these prevailing societal norms, reflecting an extraordinarily high ethical standard that anticipates later biblical teachings. While the Mosaic Law would subsequently introduce principles of justice and care for one's neighbor, Job's internal disposition of actively refusing to rejoice in an enemy's suffering speaks to a moral sensitivity that predates the Mosaic covenant and points to a universal, divinely instilled sense of righteousness. His stance in a world where personal animosity could easily escalate into public rejoicing over misfortune makes his integrity particularly counter-cultural and exemplary.
* **Key Themes:** Job 31:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Job's unwavering integrity and profound righteousness**, demonstrating that his piety was not merely an external performance but deeply rooted in his heart and his attitudes, even towards adversaries. This directly challenges the friends' foundational premise that suffering must be a direct consequence of sin. Secondly, the verse underscores the crucial theme of **divine justice and human prerogative**. By explicitly refusing to rejoice in an enemy's destruction, Job implicitly acknowledges that ultimate judgment and vengeance belong solely to God, not to individuals. This aligns with the broader biblical principle found in passages like [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine") and [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord"). Thirdly, it introduces the nascent theme of **compassion and empathy**, even for one's enemies, remarkably foreshadowing the radical call for love towards adversaries that would later be central to the teachings of Jesus in [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"). This verse elevates the moral standard beyond simple justice to a profound and challenging ethical ideal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoiced (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This primitive root signifies "to brighten up," and figuratively, "to be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome." It denotes an internal state of delight, gladness, or pleasure. In this context, Job emphatically denies experiencing any form of malicious joy or schadenfreude—a perverse pleasure derived from the misfortune or suffering of others. His denial is not merely about refraining from outward celebration but about the complete absence of an inward, unholy delight at the suffering of those who opposed him.
* **Lifted up myself (Hebrew, _ʻûwr'_):** This primitive root means "to wake (literally or figuratively)," and by extension, "to lift up (self), raise (up), or stir up (self)." When used reflexively in this context, it implies a sense of triumph, pride, or self-exaltation over another's misfortune or downfall. Job denies any feeling of superiority, vindication, or arrogant self-elevation arising from the adversity of his enemies, further emphasizing his profound humility and lack of vengeful pride.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This term encompasses a broad range of meanings, including "bad," "evil" (natural or moral), "adversity," "affliction," "calamity," "mischief," and "misery." Here, it refers to the misfortune or calamity that might befall Job's adversaries. Job's denial of rejoicing when "evil found him" highlights his refusal to take pleasure in any form of suffering or distress experienced by his enemies, regardless of its cause.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me":** Job initiates this clause with a conditional "if," implying that such an action would signify a profound moral failing and an unrighteous heart. He specifically refers to "him that hated me," acknowledging the reality of having adversaries. His denial is not merely of general malice but of taking pleasure in the "destruction" (Hebrew, _pîyd_, meaning misfortune, ruin, or perishing) of such a person. This speaks to a heart that does not harbor ill will or wish for the ruin of others, even those who harbor animosity towards him.
* **"or lifted up myself when evil found him":** This second clause serves as a powerful parallel to the first, reinforcing the same ethical principle with slightly different imagery and emphasis. "Lifted up myself" signifies a sense of pride, triumph, or self-exaltation over another's misfortune. "When evil found him" (using the Hebrew _raʻ_ for evil and _mâtsâʼ_ for found, meaning "to attain, find, or occur to") refers to misfortune, calamity, or adversity befalling the hater. Job denies any sense of personal vindication or superiority when his adversary encountered hardship, further demonstrating his profound lack of a vengeful spirit or self-righteous glee.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:29 masterfully employs **Parallelism**, a hallmark feature of Hebrew poetry, particularly prevalent in wisdom literature. The two clauses ("If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me" and "or lifted up myself when evil found him") express the same core idea using different but complementary phrasing. This **Synonymous Parallelism** powerfully reinforces Job's absolute denial of malicious joy or pride in an enemy's misfortune, emphasizing the comprehensive and unwavering nature of his moral integrity. The verse is also an integral part of a larger **Negative Confession** or **Oath of Innocence** that spans the entirety of Job 31. In this extended literary device, Job systematically enumerates actions he has *not* committed, calling upon God to judge him if any of his claims are false. This rhetorical strategy highlights Job's profound conviction in his own righteousness and serves as a compelling challenge to his accusers and, implicitly, to God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:29 presents a remarkable theological statement about the true nature of righteousness, which extends far beyond mere outward acts to encompass the deepest intentions and dispositions of the heart. Job's refusal to rejoice in an enemy's downfall is not simply a matter of social etiquette or legal compliance but a profound spiritual discipline that recognizes God's sole prerogative in judgment and vengeance. It anticipates the New Testament's radical call to love one's enemies and to overcome evil with good, demonstrating that a heart aligned with God's character does not harbor ill will or delight in the suffering of others, even those who inflict harm. This principle reflects a divine standard of compassion and mercy, challenging believers to cultivate a spirit of grace and forgiveness rather than retribution or self-satisfied gloating.

* [Proverbs 24:17-18](/proverbs/24-17-18 "Proverbs 24:17-18 - Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy Falls")
* [Romans 12:19-21](/romans/12-19-21 "Romans 12:19-21 - Avenge Not Yourselves, But Leave It to the Wrath of God")
* [Matthew 5:43-48](/matthew/5-43-48 "Matthew 5:43-48 - Love Your Enemies and Pray for Those Who Persecute You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 31:29 offers a timeless and profoundly challenging standard for personal conduct and spiritual maturity. In a world often characterized by deep divisions, escalating conflicts, and the pervasive temptation to celebrate the misfortunes of those we oppose, this verse calls us to embrace a higher, more Christ-like ethic. It compels us to rigorously examine our internal reactions when adversaries or those who have wronged us experience hardship. Do we secretly delight in their struggles, or do we harbor a sense of vindication or smug satisfaction? Job's declaration serves as a powerful reminder that true righteousness is not merely about refraining from harmful actions but about cultivating a heart utterly free from malice, pride, and the desire for personal vengeance. It encourages us to trust implicitly in God's ultimate justice and to extend compassion and grace, even to those who have wronged us or are considered our enemies, thereby reflecting the very character of God Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I react internally when someone who has wronged me or holds opposing views experiences misfortune?**
* **What does it mean to "lift myself up" when evil finds another, and what practical steps can I take to guard against this subtle attitude of superiority or vindication?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a heart of genuine compassion and empathy, even towards those I find difficult, who oppose me, or who have caused me pain?**
* **In what specific ways does this verse challenge contemporary tendencies towards schadenfreude, public shaming, or the desire for immediate retribution, especially in social media and public discourse?**

### FAQ
**Was Job's standard of not rejoicing in his enemy's destruction common in his time?**

Answer: No, Job's ethical standard, as expressed in [Job 31:29](/job/31-29 "Job 31:29 - Job's Oath of Integrity"), was remarkably advanced and highly uncommon for his era. While some ancient wisdom traditions might have encouraged a degree of restraint, the prevailing cultural norms in the ancient Near East often permitted, and in many contexts, even celebrated, the downfall of enemies, particularly in contexts of warfare or personal vendetta. Job's declaration demonstrates a profound moral and spiritual insight that transcends typical human inclinations and societal expectations of his time, foreshadowing the higher ethical demands found later in biblical revelation, such as those explicitly stated in [Proverbs 24:17](/proverbs/24-17 "Proverbs 24:17 - Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy Falls") and most fully embodied in the radical teachings of Jesus Christ in [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"). His integrity in this regard was truly exceptional and divinely inspired.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 31:29, with its profound ethical demand of not rejoicing in an enemy's destruction, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Job could only *deny* such malicious joy as a testament to his righteousness, Jesus perfectly *embodied* and *demonstrated* the opposite: a boundless, self-sacrificial love that extended even to His most bitter tormentors. On the cross, instead of lifting Himself up when evil found His enemies, Jesus, in an act of unparalleled grace, prayed, "[Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for His Executioners")" (Luke 23:34). He did not rejoice in the destruction of those who hated Him, but rather willingly offered Himself as the ultimate atoning sacrifice to redeem them, demonstrating the very heart of God, who "[desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God Desires All to Be Saved")" (1 Timothy 2:4). The New Testament commands believers to "[bless those who persecute you](/romans/12-14 "Romans 12:14 - Bless Those Who Persecute You")" and to "[love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")" (Matthew 5:44), directly reflecting the character of Christ. Far from celebrating the fall of His adversaries, Jesus willingly laid down His life for them, ultimately overcoming evil with good through His redemptive work on the cross, as encouraged in [Romans 12:21](/romans/12-21 "Romans 12:21 - Overcome Evil with Good").

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

Proverbs 24:17

¶ Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Proverbs 24:18

Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

Proverbs 17:5

¶ Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

Psalms 35:13

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Psalms 35:14

I behaved myself as though [he had been] my friend [or] brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth [for his] mother.

Psalms 35:25

Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.

Psalms 35:26

Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.