Job 31:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:9 stands as a pivotal declaration within Job's extensive oath of purgation, where he vehemently asserts his innocence against the unspoken accusations of his friends and before the divine court. In this verse, Job specifically denies any transgression related to sexual impurity and covetousness, affirming that his heart has neither been led astray by illicit desire for another woman nor has he plotted to violate the sanctity of a neighbor's marriage or household. This statement underscores his profound commitment to both personal fidelity and communal respect, presenting his life as a testament to blameless conduct rooted in the integrity of his inner being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31:9 is an integral part of Job's final and most comprehensive defense, often referred to as his "oath of purgation" or "negative confession," spanning from [Job 31:1](/job/31 "Job's Oath of Purgation Begins") to [Job 31:40](/job/31-40 "Job's Final Declaration"). In this extended monologue, Job systematically lists various sins he claims he has not committed, inviting divine judgment upon himself if his assertions are false. This specific verse follows Job's declaration of a covenant with his eyes to avoid lustful glances ([Job 31:1](/job/31-1 "Job's Covenant with His Eyes")) and his commitment to honest dealings ([Job 31:5-8](/job/31-5 "Job's Integrity in Business")). The structure of this chapter, with its repeated "If... then let..." clauses, functions as a legal challenge, where Job presents his life as evidence of righteousness, directly refuting the premise of his friends' arguments that his suffering must be due to hidden sin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of an "oath of purgation" was common in the ancient Near East, serving as a legal and religious mechanism for individuals to clear their name in the absence of witnesses or direct evidence. By invoking a conditional curse upon oneself, the oath-taker placed their fate in the hands of the deity, trusting that their innocence would be affirmed by the absence of the threatened calamity. In Israelite society, as reflected in the [Mosaic Law](/exodus/20 "The Ten Commandments"), the sanctity of marriage, family, and private property was paramount. Adultery was a grave offense, punishable by death ([Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Penalty for Adultery")), and coveting a neighbor's wife or possessions was explicitly forbidden ([Exodus 20:17](/exodus/20-17 "The Tenth Commandment")). Job's denial in this verse, therefore, is not merely a personal claim but a public affirmation of adherence to the highest moral and societal standards of his time, demonstrating his profound respect for divine law and communal order.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Sexual Purity and Fidelity**, emphasizing that true righteousness extends beyond outward actions to the inner inclinations of the heart, a principle later echoed by Jesus in [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Jesus' Teaching on Lust"). Job's denial of being "deceived by a woman" speaks to the integrity of his desires, not just his deeds. Secondly, it underscores **Respect for the Neighbor's Household and Marriage**, as "laying wait at my neighbour's door" implies a premeditated violation of domestic peace and marital sanctity, directly reflecting the spirit of the commandments against adultery and coveting. Finally, and most profoundly, Job's defense champions the theme of **Integrity of Heart and Action**. His insistence that his moral uprightness stems from a pure and undivided heart, rather than mere external conformity, anticipates the prophetic call for internal righteousness ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant and the Law on the Heart")) and the New Testament emphasis on the transformation of the inner person ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Transformation by the Renewing of the Mind")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deceived (Hebrew, _pātâ_):** This verb carries the sense of being persuaded, enticed, or seduced, often with a nuance of being led astray into error or sin. In this context, it specifically refers to being lured into illicit sexual desire or action. Job's denial indicates that his heart, the seat of his intentions and desires, was never swayed or enticed by a woman other than his wife to commit infidelity, suggesting a strong internal resistance to temptation.
* **Laid wait (Hebrew, _’ārab_):** This word denotes lurking, ambushing, or lying in wait, typically with a malicious or predatory intent. When applied to a neighbor's door, it powerfully conveys the idea of a deliberate, calculated act of covetousness or plotting against a neighbor's spouse or household. Job's use of this term emphasizes that he not only avoided the act of adultery but also the premeditated thought or scheme to violate his neighbor's domestic peace or marital sanctity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If mine heart have been deceived by a woman":** This clause addresses the internal dimension of sexual purity. Job asserts that his inner being, the very core of his desires and affections, has not been led astray or enticed into lustful thoughts or intentions concerning a woman with whom he should not be involved. This goes beyond merely abstaining from the physical act of adultery and speaks to the purity of his motivations and the integrity of his heart. It sets a high standard, acknowledging that sin often begins in the heart before manifesting in action.
* **"or [if] I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;":** This second clause speaks to the external, premeditated act of violating a neighbor's marital or domestic sanctity. "Laying wait at my neighbour's door" vividly portrays a deliberate, clandestine, and predatory action aimed at gaining access to or seducing a neighbor's wife, or perhaps even plotting against their household in a broader sense of covetousness. Job denies any such malicious intent or action, affirming his respect for the boundaries and integrity of his neighbor's family and property, aligning with the spirit of the Decalogue.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:9 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. The verse is part of a larger **Conditional Oath** or "oath of purgation," where Job systematically states "If I have done X, then let Y happen to me." This structure functions as a legal challenge, invoking divine judgment as a witness to his innocence, thereby underscoring the solemnity and sincerity of his claims. The use of "heart" (**Metonymy**) to represent Job's inner desires, intentions, and moral center is significant, emphasizing that his righteousness is not merely external but deeply rooted in his character. Furthermore, the phrase "laid wait at my neighbour's door" is a vivid **Metaphor** or **Imagery**, painting a clear picture of clandestine, predatory behavior, highlighting the deliberate and malicious nature of the sin Job denies. This imagery powerfully conveys the depth of his commitment to respecting the sanctity of others' relationships and homes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:9 resonates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on internal purity and the sanctity of covenant relationships. Job's self-declaration anticipates the prophetic call for a new heart and spirit, where righteousness flows from a transformed inner being rather than mere external conformity to law. It affirms that God's concern extends beyond outward actions to the very thoughts and intentions of the human heart, laying a foundation for New Testament teachings on the spiritual nature of sin and righteousness. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true holiness involves guarding one's desires and intentions, not just one's deeds, and that respect for others' relationships is a fundamental expression of love and justice.

* [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "The Seventh Commandment: You shall not commit adultery")
* [Exodus 20:17](/exodus/20-17 "The Tenth Commandment: You shall not covet")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Guard Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's bold declaration in Job 31:9 challenges us to examine the depth of our own integrity, particularly in areas of sexual purity and respect for others' relationships. It calls us to move beyond a superficial understanding of morality that focuses only on outward actions, urging us to cultivate a heart that is truly pure in its desires and intentions. In a world often characterized by fleeting commitments and blurred moral lines, Job's unwavering commitment to fidelity and respect for his neighbor's household stands as a powerful testament to enduring virtues. This verse reminds us that true righteousness is holistic, encompassing both our private thoughts and our public conduct, and that genuine love for God is reflected in our love and respect for our neighbor. It prompts us to consider how diligently we guard our hearts against enticement and how faithfully we uphold the sanctity of marriage and family, both our own and others'.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's emphasis on the "heart" challenge your understanding of personal purity and integrity?**
* **In what ways might we "lay wait at our neighbor's door" today, even without physical presence, and how can we guard against such intentions?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart that is truly pure in its desires and intentions, as Job describes?**

### FAQ
**What does "deceived by a woman" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "deceived by a woman" (Hebrew: _pātâ_) refers to being enticed or seduced into illicit sexual desire or actions by a woman other than one's wife. It signifies a moral failing where one's heart, the seat of intentions and affections, is led astray into infidelity or lust. Job is denying that he allowed his inner being to be swayed by such temptation, emphasizing his commitment to sexual fidelity and purity of heart, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 6:25](/proverbs/6-25 "Do not lust in your heart for her beauty").

**How does "laid wait at my neighbour's door" relate to the concept of covetousness?**

Answer: "Laid wait at my neighbour's door" (Hebrew: _’ārab_) strongly implies a premeditated, clandestine act of plotting against a neighbor's household, most likely with the intent to seduce their wife or violate their domestic peace. This directly relates to the biblical prohibition against coveting a neighbor's wife and possessions, as found in [Exodus 20:17](/exodus/20-17 "The Tenth Commandment"). It's not merely about the physical act of adultery, but the malicious, intentional desire and planning to violate the sanctity of another's marriage and home, demonstrating a lack of respect for both divine law and communal boundaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's profound declaration of purity and integrity in [Job 31:9](/job/31-9 "Job's Oath of Purity") finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Job could only assert his blamelessness and call for divine judgment if found false, Jesus lived a life of absolute and unblemished purity, both in thought and action, without needing to make such an oath. He perfectly embodied the standard Job aspired to, not only refraining from outward sin but maintaining a heart utterly free from lust or covetousness. Jesus explicitly taught that sin originates in the heart, stating that "everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart" ([Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Jesus' Teaching on Lust")). This teaching elevates Job's standard from a human aspiration to a divine reality, a reality perfectly fulfilled in Christ. Furthermore, as the ultimate "neighbor" who laid down His life for others ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "Greater Love Has No One Than This")), Jesus never "laid wait" to harm or violate, but always sought to bless and redeem. He is the Lamb of God, "without blemish or spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ")), whose perfect righteousness is imputed to all who believe, enabling us to stand before God not on the basis of our own flawed integrity, but on the flawless integrity of Christ Himself ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Our Righteousness")).

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

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.