Job 31:9

¶ If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or [if] I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;

If mine heart {H3820} have been deceived {H6601} by a woman {H802}, or if I have laid wait {H693} at my neighbour's {H7453} door {H6607};

"If my heart has been enticed toward a woman, and I have lain in wait at my neighbor's door;

If my heart has been enticed by my neighbor’s wife, or I have lurked at his door,

If my heart hath been enticed unto a woman, And I have laid wait at my neighbor’s door;

Commentary on Job 31:9 KJV

In Job 31:9, Job continues his passionate and exhaustive defense of his personal integrity and moral uprightness before God. This verse is part of a lengthy "oath of purgation" (Job 31:1-40), where Job systematically lists various sins he claims he has not committed, calling upon divine judgment if he speaks falsely. Here, he specifically addresses matters of sexual purity and respect for his neighbor.

Context

This verse is situated within Job's final and most extensive monologue, where he addresses the accusations of his friends by detailing his blameless conduct. He is not merely asserting innocence but is invoking a conditional curse upon himself should his claims be untrue, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern legal and religious settings. The immediate context of Job 31:1-8 shows Job affirming his commitment to avoid lustful glances and dishonest dealings, setting the stage for this specific denial of adultery and covetousness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sexual Purity and Fidelity: Job vehemently denies that his "heart" (representing his inner desires and intentions) was ever "deceived by a woman," implying he did not succumb to lust leading to illicit sexual relations. This extends beyond mere physical acts to the very inclination of the heart.
  • Respect for Neighbor's Household: The phrase "laid wait at my neighbour's door" strongly indicates a premeditated act of coveting a neighbor's wife or plotting against their domestic peace. It underscores a deep respect for the sanctity of marriage and the property of others, reflecting principles found in the Mosaic Law's prohibition against adultery and coveting (Exodus 20:14, 17).
  • Integrity of Heart and Action: Job’s defense emphasizes that his moral uprightness was not just external but stemmed from a pure heart, a theme echoed throughout Scripture concerning true righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "deceived" (Hebrew: פָּתָה - patah) can mean to be persuaded, enticed, or seduced. In this context, it implies being lured into immoral sexual behavior. "Laid wait" (Hebrew: אָרַב - 'arab) suggests lurking or ambushing with malicious intent, further highlighting the deliberate nature of the sin Job denies. It paints a picture of someone actively seeking to violate a neighbor's home and marriage, not just falling into temptation.

Practical Application

Job's unwavering commitment to purity and respect for others' relationships remains highly relevant today. This verse challenges believers to:

  • Guard the Heart: Recognize that true purity begins in the heart, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:28 regarding lust. It's not just about avoiding the act but cultivating pure desires.
  • Respect Boundaries: Uphold the sanctity of marriage and family, respecting the relationships and households of others.
  • Live with Integrity: Strive for a consistent moral character that is evident in both private thoughts and public actions, reflecting a genuine walk with God.

Job's bold declaration serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of personal holiness and the high standard to which God calls His people.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Judges 16:5

    And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength [lieth], and by what [means] we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred [pieces] of silver.

  • 1 Kings 11:4

    For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, [that] his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as [was] the heart of David his father.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:26

    And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart [is] snares and nets, [and] her hands [as] bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

  • Hosea 7:4

    They [are] all adulterers, as an oven heated by the baker, [who] ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough, until it be leavened.

  • Job 24:15

    The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth [his] face.

  • Job 24:16

    In the dark they dig through houses, [which] they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light.

  • Proverbs 6:25

    Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

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