Job 31:36

KJV

Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, [and] bind it [as] a crown to me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely I would take {H5375} it upon my shoulder {H7926}, and bind {H6029} it as a crown {H5850} to me.

Complete Jewish Bible

I would carry it on my shoulder; I would bind it on me like a crown.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely I would carry it on my shoulder and wear it like a crown.

American Standard Version

Surely I would carry it upon my shoulder; I would bind it unto me as a crown:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:36 encapsulates Job's profound confidence in his own integrity and his fervent desire for vindication before God. In the midst of his lengthy defense, Job declares his willingness to embrace any formal indictment or written charge from his accuser, not as a burden of shame, but as a symbol of honor and a badge of triumph, fully expecting that such an accusation would ultimately prove his blamelessness and lead to his public restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31 serves as the climactic conclusion to Job's final and most extensive defense, often termed his "oath of innocence" or "challenge to God." This chapter is a meticulously structured legal defense, where Job systematically enumerates a comprehensive list of potential sins—ranging from personal moral failings like lust and covetousness to social injustices like oppressing the poor or denying hospitality—and invokes self-imprecations (curses upon himself) if he has committed any of them. The verse immediately preceding, [Job 31:35](/job/31-35 "Job 31:35 - Job's Plea for a Hearing"), expresses Job's desperate cry for an audience with the Almighty and for his adversary to present a written charge. Job 31:36 is a direct and audacious response to this desire, demonstrating his utter conviction that any such accusation would only highlight his righteousness, transforming a potential burden into a mark of honor. This declaration sets the stage for God's eventual response from the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the land of Uz, likely in the patriarchal period, characterized by a tribal, agrarian society. In this era, a person's reputation and honor were paramount, and public vindication was crucial. Legal proceedings often involved formal accusations and defenses, sometimes with written documents. The imagery of bearing something on the "shoulder" or wearing it as a "crown" draws from ancient Near Eastern customs. Bearing a burden on the shoulder was a common way to carry heavy loads or responsibilities, while a crown (or diadem/turban) was a universal symbol of royalty, authority, and honor, often worn by kings or priests. Job's language reflects a deep understanding of the legal and social norms of his time, where a public challenge and subsequent vindication were essential for restoring one's standing in the community. His audacious stance is particularly striking given the cultural emphasis on humility before the divine.
* **Key Themes:** Job 31:36 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Foremost is the theme of **Integrity and Righteousness**, as Job's unwavering confidence in his blamelessness before God is on full display. Despite his immense suffering and the accusations of his friends, he maintains his moral uprightness, echoing the divine assessment of him in [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Job's Blameless Character"). This verse also highlights Job's profound **Desire for Vindication**, a recurring motif throughout his speeches. He longs for a direct encounter with God to present his case and clear his name, as seen in [Job 23:3-4](/job/23-3 "Job 23:3-4 - Job's Longing for God's Presence"). Furthermore, the imagery of transforming an indictment into a crown speaks to the theme of **Suffering and Glory**, suggesting that even the deepest trials, when endured with integrity, can ultimately lead to honor and divine affirmation, foreshadowing the restoration described in [Job 42:10](/job/42-10 "Job 42:10 - Job's Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shoulder (Hebrew, _shakem'_):** This term frequently denotes the part of the body used for bearing burdens, responsibilities, or authority. For instance, in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Government on His Shoulder"), the government is said to rest upon the Messiah's shoulder. In this context, Job's willingness to "take it upon my shoulder" signifies his readiness to fully accept and bear the weight of any formal accusation or indictment, demonstrating his complete accountability and unwavering resolve to face the charges head-on. It is an act of embracing the challenge, rather than shrinking from it.
* **Crown (Hebrew, _nezer'_):** This word refers to a diadem, a consecration, or a mark of royalty, distinction, or honor. It is often associated with kingship, priesthood, or special dedication (e.g., the Nazirite vow in [Numbers 6:7](/numbers/6-7 "Numbers 6:7 - Nazirite Vow")). By stating he would "bind it as a crown to me," Job elevates the potential indictment from a mark of shame to a symbol of dignity and triumph. He believes that the formal charges, once presented, would not expose his guilt but rather confirm his innocence, thereby becoming a badge of honor that affirms his blameless character and vindicates his suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely I would take it upon my shoulder":** This clause expresses Job's absolute readiness and eagerness to receive and bear any formal accusation or "book" of charges mentioned in the preceding verse. The "it" refers to the written indictment from his adversary. His willingness to "take it upon my shoulder" signifies not only his acceptance of the challenge but also his capacity and resolve to carry the full weight of the legal process and its implications. It underscores his profound confidence in his own integrity, suggesting that he views the accusation not as a crushing burden but as something he can confidently manage and overcome.
* **"and bind it as a crown to me":** This powerful metaphorical statement reveals Job's ultimate expectation of vindication. Far from being disgraced by an indictment, Job anticipates that the very charges leveled against him will, upon examination, serve to prove his innocence and elevate his status. To "bind it as a crown" transforms the symbol of accusation into a symbol of honor, royalty, and triumph. It implies that the process of being accused and then proven innocent will ultimately bring him greater glory and public affirmation of his blameless character, rather than shame.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. Job uses the metaphor of taking an indictment "upon my shoulder" to symbolize his readiness to bear the full weight and responsibility of the charges against him. This is further extended by the powerful symbolism of binding it "as a crown to me." The "crown" here is a potent symbol of honor, royalty, and vindication, transforming a potential mark of shame into a badge of glory. This dramatic contrast between a burden and a crown creates a strong sense of **Irony**, as Job envisions an accusation, typically a source of disgrace, becoming the very instrument of his honor. The entire statement is an example of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis, underscoring Job's extreme confidence and defiance in the face of his suffering and his friends' accusations. The **Parallelism** between "take it upon my shoulder" and "bind it as a crown" reinforces the idea of embracing and transforming the accusation into something positive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job's audacious declaration in [Job 31:36](/job/31-36 "Job 31:36 - Job's Confidence in Vindication") speaks to the profound human desire for justice and vindication, particularly when one is falsely accused or misunderstood. Theologically, it highlights the concept of divine justice, where God is ultimately the righteous judge who sees all and will bring truth to light. Job's confidence, though rooted in his own perceived righteousness, ultimately reflects a trust in God's character as one who rewards integrity. His willingness to embrace scrutiny as a path to honor foreshadows the New Testament concept that suffering for righteousness' sake can lead to glory. It also underscores the importance of living a life of such integrity that one does not fear examination, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate His faithful ones, even if that vindication comes in unexpected ways or after prolonged trials.

* [Psalm 7:8](/psalm/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - God Judges the Peoples")
* [1 Peter 4:16](/1_peter/4-16 "1 Peter 4:16 - Suffering for Christ's Name")
* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ through Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 31:36 challenges believers to cultivate a life of such deep integrity and transparency before God that we would not shrink from scrutiny, but rather welcome it, trusting in God's ultimate justice and vindication. In a world where reputations are easily tarnished and false accusations abound, Job's example encourages us to prioritize blamelessness of character over public opinion. It invites us to consider how we respond to adversity and criticism: do we cower in fear, or do we, like Job, possess a spiritual boldness that transforms potential burdens into opportunities for God's glory to be revealed through our steadfastness? This verse reminds us that true honor comes not from avoiding challenges, but from facing them with a clear conscience and an unwavering faith that God will ultimately set things right, even if the "crown" of vindication feels like a heavy burden in the interim.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's confidence in his integrity challenge my own walk with God?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to fear scrutiny, and what does that reveal about my conscience before God?**
* **How can I cultivate a mindset that views trials or false accusations not as burdens, but as potential opportunities for God's character to be displayed through my life?**

### FAQ
**What does Job mean by taking an indictment "upon my shoulder"?**

Answer: By stating he would "take it upon my shoulder," Job means he would willingly and confidently accept any formal accusation or written charge brought against him. In ancient cultures, bearing something on the shoulder often symbolized carrying a burden, responsibility, or authority. Job's use of this imagery here emphasizes his readiness to face the full weight of the legal process and its implications, demonstrating his profound conviction that he is innocent and can successfully defend himself against any charges. He is not avoiding the confrontation but embracing it, trusting that the truth will prevail. This statement follows his desire in [Job 31:35](/job/31-35 "Job 31:35 - Job's Plea for an Answer") for his adversary to write a book of charges.

**How can an indictment be "bound as a crown"?**

Answer: This is a powerful metaphor that reveals Job's ultimate expectation of vindication. An indictment is typically a source of shame and disgrace. However, Job is so confident in his blamelessness that he believes the very act of being accused and then proven innocent would bring him honor and glory, rather than shame. A "crown" is a symbol of royalty, dignity, and triumph. By saying he would "bind it as a crown," Job means that the formal charges, once examined, would not expose guilt but would instead affirm his integrity, thereby becoming a badge of honor that publicly validates his righteous character and ultimately leads to his restoration and glory. It transforms a potential burden into a mark of distinction, demonstrating his unwavering trust in divine justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job's confidence in [Job 31:36](/job/31-36 "Job 31:36 - Job's Confidence in Vindication") was rooted in his own perceived righteousness, the Christian finds an even greater and perfect fulfillment of this desire for vindication in Jesus Christ. Job longed for an advocate and a formal hearing, confident in his personal blamelessness; yet, even Job, righteous as he was, was still a sinner in need of a redeemer. Christ, however, is the one truly blameless and upright man, the only one who could perfectly "take upon His shoulder" the ultimate indictment—the sin of the world—not as a badge of His own integrity, but as a substitutionary burden for humanity. The prophet [Isaiah foretold](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ Bears Our Sufferings") that He would "surely bear our griefs and carry our sorrows." Jesus bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Righteousness in Christ")). His suffering and death, the ultimate indictment against humanity's sin, became the means by which He was crowned with glory and honor ([Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Crowned with Glory")). Through His resurrection, Christ was definitively vindicated, and all who are united with Him by faith are likewise declared righteous, receiving not their own earned crown, but the "crown of righteousness" ([2 Timothy 4:8](/2_timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness")) through His perfect work. Thus, what Job aspired to in his own limited righteousness, Christ perfectly achieved as our substitute and triumphant King.

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

Isaiah 22:22

And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

Philippians 4:1

¶ Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved.

Job 29:14

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment [was] as a robe and a diadem.

Exodus 28:12

And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod [for] stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

Isaiah 62:3

Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.