Job 31:7

KJV

If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;

KJV (with Strong's)

If my step {H838} hath turned out {H5186} of the way {H1870}, and mine heart {H3820} walked {H1980} after {H310} mine eyes {H5869}, and if any blot {H3971} hath cleaved {H1692} to mine hands {H3709};

Complete Jewish Bible

"If my steps have wandered from the way, if my heart has followed my eyes, if the least dirt has stuck to my hands;

Berean Standard Bible

If my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has followed my eyes, or if impurity has stuck to my hands,

American Standard Version

If my step hath turned out of the way, And my heart walked after mine eyes, And if any spot hath cleaved to my hands:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:7 stands as a powerful declaration within Job's final, impassioned defense of his integrity before God and his accusers. This verse encapsulates his claim of blamelessness across the spectrum of human conduct, asserting that his outward actions, inner desires, and practical deeds have remained pure and aligned with divine righteousness. It serves as a concise summary of his comprehensive oath of innocence, emphasizing a life lived without deviation from God's path, without succumbing to the allure of visual temptation, and without the stain of unrighteous deeds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31 marks the climactic conclusion of Job's final discourse (chapters 29-31), where he presents his most comprehensive and fervent self-vindication. Having exhausted arguments with his friends and lamented his suffering, Job now directly appeals to God, challenging the Almighty to find fault in his life. Chapter 31 is structured as a solemn oath of purgation, where Job systematically denies a wide array of potential sins, invoking curses upon himself if his claims are false. This chapter functions as a legal defense, with Job presenting himself as an innocent defendant demanding a hearing from his divine accuser. Verse 7 specifically belongs to a section (vv. 1-8) dealing with personal purity, integrity of walk, and avoidance of covetousness, setting the stage for his subsequent denials concerning social justice, wealth, and idolatry. His declaration here reinforces the depth of his conviction regarding his own righteousness, which he believes stands in stark contrast to his inexplicable suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern legal and social contexts, oaths played a crucial role in establishing truth and innocence, especially when no other witnesses were available. A solemn oath, often invoking divine judgment, was considered binding and carried immense weight. Job's oath in chapter 31 reflects this cultural practice, where he is not merely stating his innocence but formally swearing it before God. The concept of "walking in the way" was a common metaphor for one's conduct and moral life, reflecting the journey of life. The emphasis on the "heart" and "eyes" as sources of moral purity or corruption was also prevalent, as seen in various wisdom traditions. The "hands" symbolized one's actions and deeds, making "clean hands" a powerful image of blamelessness. Job's detailed enumeration of sins he has *not* committed demonstrates a profound understanding of the moral law, perhaps even anticipating aspects of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing that true righteousness encompassed both internal disposition and external behavior.
* **Key Themes:** Job 31:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Integrity and Righteousness**, as Job passionately asserts his blamelessness despite his immense suffering. He portrays himself as a man who has consistently walked in God's ways, challenging the conventional wisdom of his friends that suffering is always a direct result of sin. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Internal Nature of Sin**, particularly through the phrase "mine heart walked after mine eyes." This emphasizes that sin often originates not merely in outward acts but in the inner desires and intentions that are stirred by what one sees, foreshadowing later biblical teachings on the heart's role in sin, as seen in [Numbers 15:39](/numbers/15-39 "Numbers 15:39 - Do not follow your eyes and heart") and [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Jesus on Lust"). Thirdly, it touches upon the theme of **Divine Justice and Accountability**, as Job presents his life as an open book before God, implicitly challenging God to judge him fairly based on his actual conduct, not on the assumptions of his friends. Finally, the imagery of "the way" and "clean hands" reinforces the concept of a **Righteous Path and Blameless Deeds**, a consistent biblical motif for those who seek to live in alignment with God's will, as explored in passages like [Psalm 24:4](/psalm/24-4 "Psalm 24:4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Step (Hebrew, _'ashur'_):** This word refers to a "step" or "going," often used metaphorically for one's path, conduct, or moral course of life. In the context of Job 31:7, "my step hath turned out of the way" signifies a deviation from the prescribed or righteous path. It implies a conscious or deliberate turning away from the standard of uprightness, emphasizing a departure from the expected moral trajectory. Job is asserting that his life's journey has not veered into unrighteousness.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lev_):** In Hebrew anthropology, the "heart" is not merely the seat of emotions but the core of one's being, encompassing intellect, will, conscience, and moral decision-making. When Job says "mine heart walked after mine eyes," it indicates that his inner will and desires were not dictated or led astray by external visual stimuli. This speaks to the profound internal control Job claims to have exercised over his inclinations, preventing covetousness, lust, or idolatry from taking root in his innermost being.
* **Blot (Hebrew, _mum_):** This term denotes a blemish, defect, or physical/moral impurity. It is often used in a cultic sense for an animal unfit for sacrifice due to a defect (e.g., [Leviticus 22:21](/leviticus/22-21 "Leviticus 22:21 - Unblemished Sacrifices")). When applied to Job's "hands," it signifies the absence of any moral stain, guilt, or defilement resulting from his actions. Job is asserting that his deeds are free from any blemish of injustice, corruption, or sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If my step hath turned out of the way":** This clause initiates a conditional statement, a common feature of oaths of purgation. It refers to Job's overall conduct and life's trajectory. "The way" (Hebrew, _derekh_) is a common biblical metaphor for one's manner of life, moral course, or adherence to God's commands. Job is asserting that his life's journey has been consistently aligned with righteousness, that he has not deviated from the path of truth and justice, nor has he engaged in any act of moral transgression or unfaithfulness.
* **"and mine heart walked after mine eyes":** This powerful Hebrew idiom describes a profound internal discipline. The "eyes" are the gateway through which temptation often enters the "heart," leading to desire, covetousness, or lust. Job is declaring that his inner being (heart) has not been led astray or dominated by what his eyes have seen. He has not allowed visual stimuli to dictate his desires, choices, or actions, thereby avoiding sins such as lust, idolatry (seeing and desiring another god), or coveting material possessions. This speaks to a deep level of internal purity and self-control.
* **"and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands":** This final clause addresses Job's external actions and their moral purity. "Hands" are symbolic of one's deeds, work, and practical conduct. A "blot" (Hebrew, _mum_) represents a blemish, moral stain, or defilement. "Cleaved" (Hebrew, _dabaq_) suggests a persistent attachment, indicating that no sin, injustice, or guilt has stuck to or become characteristic of his actions. Job is proclaiming that his hands are clean, that his practical dealings and deeds are free from any impurity, corruption, or unrighteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey Job's emphatic declaration of innocence. The primary device is **Hypothetical Oath** or **Conditional Clause**, signaled by the opening "If." This structure is characteristic of oaths of purgation, where the speaker invokes a curse or negative consequence upon themselves if their claim of innocence is false. This adds immense weight and solemnity to Job's words, demonstrating his absolute conviction. **Metaphor** is richly employed throughout the verse: "my step hath turned out of the way" uses the journey as a metaphor for life's moral course; "mine heart walked after mine eyes" personifies the heart and eyes as agents, with the eyes leading the heart into temptation; and "blot hath cleaved to mine hands" uses the physical imagery of a stain or blemish to represent moral impurity. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, where the three clauses progressively reinforce the same core idea of blamelessness, moving from the general conduct ("step") to internal disposition ("heart after eyes") and finally to external actions ("hands"), creating a comprehensive and cumulative assertion of integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:7 profoundly articulates a holistic understanding of righteousness that encompasses thought, desire, and action, challenging the superficiality of outward conformity. Job's declaration highlights the biblical truth that true purity begins in the heart, where intentions and desires are formed, before manifesting in external deeds. His claim to have controlled his heart's response to what his eyes beheld underscores the critical importance of internal discipline in the pursuit of holiness, a concept echoed throughout Scripture. Furthermore, the verse implicitly connects to the broader theological theme of divine omniscience and ultimate accountability, as Job presents his life as an open book before God, trusting in God's perfect knowledge to vindicate him. His assertion of blamelessness in the face of immense suffering forces a re-evaluation of the simplistic retribution theology espoused by his friends, paving the way for a deeper understanding of God's sovereign purposes beyond human comprehension.
* [Numbers 15:39](/numbers/15-39 "Numbers 15:39 - Do not follow your eyes and heart")
* [Psalm 24:4](/psalm/24-4 "Psalm 24:4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Temptation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's unwavering declaration in Job 31:7 serves as a profound challenge and a timeless guide for believers today. It calls us to a rigorous and honest self-examination, not merely of our outward actions, but of the hidden springs of our desires and intentions. In a world saturated with visual stimuli, the warning against the heart walking after the eyes is more pertinent than ever, urging us to guard our gaze and cultivate a pure inner life that resists the allure of covetousness, lust, and idolatry in all its forms. This verse reminds us that true integrity is a comprehensive state, where our walk, our desires, and our deeds are all brought into alignment with God's righteous standards. It inspires us to live with a constant awareness of God's presence and our ultimate accountability to Him, striving for a blamelessness that reflects His character, even when facing unexplainable trials or accusations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my "step" be turning "out of the way" in my daily life, perhaps subtly or unconsciously?**
* **How does my "heart" tend to "walk after my eyes" in today's visually-driven culture (e.g., social media, advertising, entertainment)? What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater internal purity?**
* **What "blots" might currently "cleave to my hands" – unconfessed sins, unresolved injustices, or unrighteous deeds – that I need to bring before God for cleansing and repentance?**
* **How does Job's bold declaration of innocence challenge my own understanding of righteousness and suffering?**

### FAQ
**What does "mine heart walked after mine eyes" mean in a practical sense for us today?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful idiom describing the process by which visual input can lead to sinful desire and action. Practically, it means allowing what you see to dictate your desires and choices, often leading to covetousness, lust, or idolatry. For us today, it's a warning against the dangers of unbridled consumption of visual media, whether it's pornography, excessive materialism displayed on social media, or anything that stirs ungodly desires within the heart. It calls us to cultivate discernment and discipline over what we allow our eyes to behold, recognizing that the battle for purity often begins with what we see and how our hearts respond to it. This concept is reinforced in [1 John 2:16](/1_john/2-16 "1 John 2:16 - The Lust of the Eyes") which speaks of "the lust of the eyes" as a primary temptation.

**How does Job's claim of innocence in this verse relate to the Christian understanding of human sinfulness?**

Answer: Job's claim in Job 31:7 is a declaration of his *relative* blamelessness within the context of his human experience and against the specific accusations of his friends. He is asserting that he has not committed the gross, intentional sins that would warrant such severe suffering according to their retribution theology. From a Christian theological perspective, while Job was undoubtedly a righteous man for his time, the New Testament reveals a deeper understanding of universal human sinfulness. [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") states that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Job's righteousness, like all human righteousness, would ultimately be insufficient for perfect standing before a holy God without the atoning work of Christ. However, Job's sincerity and diligent pursuit of purity serve as a powerful example of striving for holiness even before the full revelation of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 31:7 is a profound declaration of human integrity, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job's assertion of a "step" that has not "turned out of the way" finds its perfect embodiment in Jesus, who alone walked the path of perfect righteousness without deviation, fulfilling all the law and prophets ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The claim that "mine heart walked after mine eyes" points to Christ's unparalleled purity of thought and desire; He was tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Unlike fallen humanity whose hearts are prone to wander after sinful desires ([Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")), Jesus' inner being was always in perfect alignment with the Father's will. Finally, Job's declaration that "no blot hath cleaved to mine hands" is perfectly realized in Jesus, the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose hands performed only righteous deeds and bore no stain of sin. It is His blameless life and perfect sacrifice that cleanses us from every blot, enabling us, by faith, to be declared righteous in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")), fulfilling the longing for purity that Job so passionately expressed.

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

Numbers 15:39

And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:

Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment.

Matthew 5:29

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Ezekiel 6:9

And they that escape of you shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives, because I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath departed from me, and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols: and they shall lothe themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations.

Isaiah 33:15

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

Ezekiel 14:3

Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?

Psalms 101:3

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; [it] shall not cleave to me.