Job 31:40 Meaning

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Job 31
  4. Job 31:40

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Job 1 Job 2 Job 3 Job 4 Job 5 Job 6 Job 7 Job 8 Job 9 Job 10 Job 11 Job 12 Job 13 Job 14 Job 15 Job 16 Job 17 Job 18 Job 19 Job 20 Job 21 Job 22 Job 23 Job 24 Job 25 Job 26 Job 27 Job 28 Job 29 Job 30 Job 31 Job 32 Job 33 Job 34 Job 35 Job 36 Job 37 Job 38 Job 39 Job 40 Job 41 Job 42

Verse

Job 31:1 Job 31:2 Job 31:3 Job 31:4 Job 31:5 Job 31:6 Job 31:7 Job 31:8 Job 31:9 Job 31:10 Job 31:11 Job 31:12 Job 31:13 Job 31:14 Job 31:15 Job 31:16 Job 31:17 Job 31:18 Job 31:19 Job 31:20 Job 31:21 Job 31:22 Job 31:23 Job 31:24 Job 31:25 Job 31:26 Job 31:27 Job 31:28 Job 31:29 Job 31:30 Job 31:31 Job 31:32 Job 31:33 Job 31:34 Job 31:35 Job 31:36 Job 31:37 Job 31:38 Job 31:39 Job 31:40

What is the meaning of Job 31:40?

Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.

Previous Verse
« Job 31:39
Next Verse
Job 32:1 »

Job 31:40 Bible Verse Meaning

Bible Verse Meaning of Job 31:40

Job 31:40 states, "Let thorns grow instead of wheat, and stinkweed instead of barley." This verse concludes a lengthy defense by Job, wherein he contemplates the recompense for his actions, appealing to the justice of God in the face of suffering.

Summary of Interpretations

In analyzing the meaning of Job 31:40, we can draw insights from public domain commentaries, emphasizing several key themes:

  • Job's Innocence: Job firmly defends his integrity and righteousness throughout this chapter, asserting that if he has sinned, he is ready for punishment but believes he has done no wrong.
  • Imagery of Thorns and Weeds: The imagery used by Job signifies despair and ruin. He suggests that he would prefer a ground filled with thorns (signifying suffering and loss) rather than the fruitful blessings of God's favor, indicating his feelings of hopelessness.
  • Divine Retribution: Job calls upon God to judge him and render justice. If he is found guilty, he invites suffering as a consequence, showcasing his willingness to accept divine verdicts.

Insights from Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry elaborates that in this verse, Job invokes the imagery of thorns and stinkweed to express his anguish. His use of such stark imagery symbolizes a life marked by sin, lamenting that a life without God's blessing yields bitterness and despair. Henry highlights how Job's desperate plea reflects his desire for divine scrutiny of his life and choices.

Albert Barnes' Notes

Albert Barnes emphasizes Job's appeal for a divine reckoning, where he challenges God to bring forward evidence of his guilt. Barnes elucidates that Job wishes to see the consequences of his sin, if any exist, and the phrase "let thorns grow instead of wheat" underscores his rejection of a life devoid of divine approval and moral integrity.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke interprets this verse as an expression of sorrow and a rhetorical device meant to draw stark contrasts between blessings represented by wheat and the sorrows of sinful living symbolized by thorns. Clarke notes that Job, having lost everything, reflects on what his life has become and longs for a return to righteousness.

Application in Daily Life

The implications of Job 31:40 extend beyond Job’s immediate historical context. For individuals seeking Bible verse meanings and Bible verse interpretations, this verse serves as a call to self-examination. One may reflect on the hardships in their life and consider if they arise from personal choices or external circumstances.

Understanding Scripture

Furthermore, by engaging in Bible study insights and deepening one’s Bible study resources, individuals can relate Job's plea to their own struggles, seeking God's guidance and clarity in their circumstances.

Cross References

  • James 3:18: The connection between righteousness and the fruits of peace, linking Job's moral integrity with divine blessings.
  • Galatians 6:7: A reminder that God’s law of sowing and reaping applies to all, emphasizing the repercussions of our actions.
  • Psalms 1:4-6: The contrast between the righteous and the wicked, illustrating the outcomes based on one's life choices.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, Job 31:40 encapsulates significant themes relevant to Bible study groups and personal introspection. By understanding this verse, one can appreciate the depth of human suffering while recognizing the call to ethical living and faith in God’s justice and mercy.

Job 31 (KJV) Verse Selection

Job 31:1 Job 31:2 Job 31:3 Job 31:4 Job 31:5 Job 31:6 Job 31:7 Job 31:8 Job 31:9 Job 31:10 Job 31:11 Job 31:12 Job 31:13 Job 31:14 Job 31:15 Job 31:16 Job 31:17 Job 31:18 Job 31:19 Job 31:20 Job 31:21 Job 31:22 Job 31:23 Job 31:24 Job 31:25 Job 31:26 Job 31:27 Job 31:28 Job 31:29 Job 31:30 Job 31:31 Job 31:32 Job 31:33 Job 31:34 Job 31:35 Job 31:36 Job 31:37 Job 31:38 Job 31:39 Job 31:40

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »