Job 31:39

KJV

If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:

KJV (with Strong's)

If I have eaten {H398} the fruits {H3581} thereof without money {H3701}, or have caused the owners {H1167} thereof to lose {H5301} their life {H5315}:

Complete Jewish Bible

if I ate its produce without paying or made its owners despair;

Berean Standard Bible

if I have devoured its produce without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants,

American Standard Version

If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, Or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:39 serves as a profound declaration within Job's final, comprehensive defense of his integrity, where he vehemently denies two severe transgressions concerning land and its produce: the unjust acquisition of agricultural yield without proper compensation, and the far more heinous act of causing the death of landowners for personal gain. This verse powerfully underscores Job's unwavering commitment to economic justice and the sanctity of human life, standing as a compelling testament to his righteousness amidst immense suffering and baseless accusations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31 functions as the climactic and most extensive self-vindication in Job's series of speeches, representing his final, passionate oath of purgation before God and his accusers. Having exhausted his arguments and appeals, Job systematically reviews various categories of potential sin, invoking severe curses upon himself if he has committed any of the transgressions he lists. This chapter is meticulously structured as a comprehensive defense, moving from personal purity (e.g., integrity regarding lust, [Job 31:1-4](/job/31-1 "Job's Vow Regarding His Eyes")) to social justice (e.g., treatment of servants, [Job 31:13-15](/job/31-13 "Justice for Servants")), idolatry (e.g., worship of the sun or moon, [Job 31:26-28](/job/31-26 "Denial of Idolatry")), hospitality, and finally, integrity in land dealings and public confession (e.g., hiding sin, [Job 31:33-34](/job/31-33 "Job's Public Integrity")). Job 31:39 specifically falls within the concluding section (vv. 38-40) where Job addresses his conduct concerning his land and its produce, emphatically denying any form of exploitation or violence connected to his property, thereby emphasizing the comprehensive scope of his moral uprightness and his adherence to the highest standards of justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, land was far more than mere property; it was the fundamental source of livelihood, identity, and inheritance, inextricably linked to family legacy, social status, and economic security. Agricultural produce formed the bedrock of the economy, sustaining individuals and communities. Consequently, any injustice related to land—such as taking produce without payment or, even worse, dispossessing or killing landowners—was considered an egregious offense with devastating social and economic ramifications. Such acts directly violated communal norms and divine laws designed to protect the vulnerable, ensure equitable distribution of resources, and maintain social stability. Job's emphatic denial of these specific sins highlights the prevailing understanding of justice, property rights, and the sanctity of life within his society, reflecting principles found in the broader biblical tradition concerning fair dealings and the protection of the poor and the land itself, as articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 19:14](/deuteronomy/19-14 "Do Not Move Your Neighbor's Landmark") (against moving boundary markers) and [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "The Land Belongs to God") (the land belongs to God and is not to be sold permanently).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Economic Justice and Integrity**, as Job explicitly denies theft and exploitation of agricultural resources, affirming the critical importance of fair dealings and respect for property rights. This principle resonates throughout wisdom literature and the Law, emphasizing that righteousness extends to all economic interactions (e.g., [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Dishonest Scales Are an Abomination")). Secondly, it highlights the **Sanctity of Life**, particularly in the second clause, where Job denies causing death for material gain. This aligns with the foundational biblical prohibition against murder found in the Decalogue ([Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "The Sixth Commandment: Do Not Murder")) and underscores the supreme value God places on human life. Thirdly, Job's comprehensive self-examination and his willingness to invite divine retribution if found guilty emphasize **Personal Accountability** and his profound conviction that God is a righteous and omniscient Judge who sees and knows all actions, a central theme in the book's exploration of divine justice, human suffering, and the nature of true piety (e.g., [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "The Eyes of the Lord Are Everywhere")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fruits (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** While often translated as "strength" or "power," H3581 (_kôach_) here is used figuratively to denote the "produce" or "yield" of the land, emphasizing its capacity to provide sustenance and wealth. Job's denial of eating these "fruits" without payment signifies his commitment to not unjustly acquiring or consuming the agricultural output that rightfully belonged to others, whether through direct theft, exploitation of laborers, or unfair dealings.
* **money (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** H3701 (_keçeph_) literally means "silver" but by implication refers to "money" or "price." The phrase "without money" therefore directly indicates a lack of proper compensation or payment. This highlights Job's adherence to equitable economic practices, ensuring that he did not deprive the rightful owner of their due, thereby upholding principles of fair exchange and respect for property.
* **life (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** H5315 (_nephesh_) is a broad term referring to a "breathing creature," "vitality," "soul," or "person." In the context of "cause... to lose their life," it powerfully denotes the act of causing death, extinguishing the very vitality of a person. Job's denial of taking a "life" for material gain underscores his profound respect for human existence and his abhorrence of the gravest sin—murder—especially when motivated by covetousness for land or property.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money":** This clause represents Job's denial of any form of economic exploitation or theft related to agricultural produce. It speaks to his integrity in business and land dealings, asserting that he never unjustly acquired or consumed the yield of the land without providing proper, fair compensation. This demonstrates his commitment to honest transactions and respecting the labor and property rights of others, even in the smallest agricultural exchanges.
* **"or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life":** This second, more severe clause, constitutes Job's vehement denial of murder or actions that directly led to the death of landowners. Such a heinous act would typically be motivated by extreme covetousness, aiming to seize their property or eliminate rivals. Job's denial of this transgression underscores his profound respect for human life and his abhorrence of violence for material gain, illustrating that his integrity extended to the most extreme moral boundaries, upholding the sanctity of life above all material wealth.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:39, as an integral part of Job's final defense, prominently employs the **Oath of Purgation**, a legal-rhetorical device where Job systematically lists potential sins and invites divine judgment or a curse upon himself if he is found guilty. This entire chapter is a masterclass in this device, emphasizing Job's profound confidence in his innocence and his willingness to submit to divine scrutiny. The verse also utilizes effective **Parallelism** by juxtaposing two related but escalating transgressions: economic injustice (eating without payment) and the ultimate violation of life (causing death). This structure highlights the comprehensive nature of Job's integrity, demonstrating his innocence regarding both lesser economic misdeeds and the gravest sin of murder. The language itself is direct, declarative, and solemn, characteristic of **Legal Language**, as Job presents his case as if in a courtroom before God, appealing to the divine arbiter. The implicit **Hyperbole** in Job's willingness to swear to such extreme denials further underscores his unwavering conviction and the depth of his moral character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:39 profoundly connects to the biblical emphasis on justice, integrity, and the sanctity of life. Job's denial of taking produce without payment aligns with the Mosaic Law's regulations against theft and exploitation, ensuring fair dealings and protecting the vulnerable in society. His vehement rejection of causing death for land acquisition echoes the sixth commandment, affirming that human life is sacred and inviolable, never to be sacrificed for material gain. This verse highlights that true righteousness extends beyond ritual observance or personal piety to encompass ethical conduct in economic and social spheres, reflecting God's own character as a just and righteous judge who upholds the cause of the oppressed. Job's integrity, even in the face of immense suffering, serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of living a life pleasing to God, a life grounded in deep moral conviction and a profound respect for both divine law and human dignity.

* [Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "The Sixth Commandment: Do Not Murder")
* [Deuteronomy 19:14](/deuteronomy/19-14 "Do Not Move Your Neighbor's Landmark")
* [Micah 2:2](/micah/2-2 "Coveting and Seizing Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 31:39 challenges believers to a profound level of self-examination regarding their own economic practices and their respect for human life and dignity. In a world often driven by unchecked profit, material acquisition, and competitive advantage, Job's unwavering commitment to justice—even concerning agricultural produce and land ownership—serves as a timeless and convicting call to integrity. We are called to conduct our business and personal affairs with unimpeachable honesty, fairness, and a deep respect for others' property, labor, and livelihood. This means ensuring that our pursuit of gain never comes at the expense of another's well-being, their rightful compensation, or, God forbid, their very life. This verse reminds us that true righteousness is not merely about avoiding overt, egregious sins but about cultivating a heart that values justice, compassion, and human dignity above all material wealth. It prompts us to critically consider how our economic decisions and aspirations impact others, especially the vulnerable, and to strive for practices that consistently honor God and reflect His righteous character in every transaction and interaction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be tempted to "eat the fruits thereof without money" in my own life, whether through unfair business practices, exploitation, or taking undue advantage of others?**
* **How does my pursuit of wealth, resources, or career advancement align with, or diverge from, the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of human life and the holistic welfare of others?**
* **What specific, practical steps can I take to ensure my economic dealings, both personal and professional, are consistently characterized by integrity, fairness, and a deep respect for all individuals involved?**
* **How can Job's comprehensive and courageous self-examination inspire me to regularly assess my own heart, motivations, and actions before God, seeking His purifying gaze?**

### FAQ
**Why is Job so emphatic about these specific sins related to land and life?**

Answer: Job's emphatic denial of these specific sins underscores their immense gravity in ancient Near Eastern society and his commitment to comprehensive integrity. Land was the primary source of wealth, identity, and survival, making land-related injustices particularly devastating to individuals and families. Taking produce without payment was a direct form of theft and economic exploitation, directly harming a neighbor's livelihood and violating communal trust. Causing owners to lose their life for land was the ultimate act of covetousness and violence, a direct violation of the sanctity of life and an egregious breach of divine law. By denying both the lesser (economic exploitation) and the greater (murder for gain) offenses, Job demonstrates the profound depth of his moral character and his adherence to the highest standards of justice, which he believed God required. This also serves as a powerful counter to the implicit accusations of his friends, who suggested he must have committed such hidden sins to warrant his suffering, as seen in passages like [Job 22:6-9](/job/22-6 "Eliphaz Accuses Job of Oppression").

**How does Job 31:39 relate to modern economic ethics and social justice?**

Answer: While the specific context of Job 31:39 is an ancient agrarian society, the underlying principles are profoundly relevant to modern economic ethics and social justice. "Eating fruits without money" translates to any form of unjust gain, exploitation of labor, fraud, or taking unfair advantage of others in financial dealings. This includes practices such as wage theft, unfair contracts, predatory lending, engaging in business practices that harm the environment, or exploiting vulnerable communities for profit. "Causing owners to lose their life" extends beyond literal murder to any corporate or economic decision that knowingly leads to the severe suffering, illness, or death of individuals for financial gain, such as maintaining unsafe working conditions, polluting environments, or developing unethical products. The verse calls us to pursue economic systems and personal practices that prioritize human dignity, fairness, and the sanctity of life over unchecked profit, echoing biblical calls for justice for the poor and oppressed found in passages like [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job's integrity in Job 31:39 stands as a truly remarkable testament to human righteousness and moral conviction, it ultimately points beyond itself to the perfect and complete righteousness found only in Jesus Christ. Job, though innocent of the specific charges leveled against him, was nonetheless a sinner in need of a redeemer, and his suffering, while not directly punitive for these specific sins, highlighted the universal human condition of vulnerability and the profound need for a perfect mediator. Christ, however, perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, never "eating the fruits thereof without money" nor ever "causing the owners thereof to lose their life" in any unjust or exploitative way. He lived a life of absolute and flawless integrity, upholding every aspect of God's Law, not for personal gain but for the glory of God and the salvation of humanity. His life was the perfect embodiment of divine justice and sacrificial love, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He, the innocent and righteous one, "became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His perfect obedience and atoning death, Christ paid the full price for all our economic injustices, our violations of life's sanctity, and every sin, offering us forgiveness and the precious gift of His own flawless righteousness. This enables us, by His Spirit, to live lives of integrity, reflecting the very justice and mercy He embodied ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the true and ultimate Lamb of God, who came not to take life unjustly, but to give it abundantly and eternally ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Christ Gives Abundant Life")).

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

1 Kings 21:19

And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

James 5:4

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

Isaiah 26:21

For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

Proverbs 1:19

So [are] the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; [which] taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

1 Kings 21:13

And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, [even] against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

1 Kings 21:16

And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

Ezekiel 22:12

In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD.