Job 31:21 - if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, because I saw my help in the gate,
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What does "Job 31:21" mean?
This verse from Job 31:21 is part of Job's long declaration of innocence, where he lists behaviors he hasn't engaged in. He's arguing that he doesn't deserve the suffering he's enduring. Let's break down the meaning:
"If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless..." This means, "If I have acted in a way that oppressed or harmed orphans." The "lifting up of the hand" suggests a gesture of violence, dominance, or taking advantage of someone weaker and more vulnerable. Orphans, being without parental protection, were particularly susceptible to exploitation in that society.
"...because I saw my help in the gate..." This is the crucial part. The "gate" in ancient Near Eastern cities was not just an entrance; it was the center of public life, commerce, and legal proceedings. The city elders and judges would gather at the gate to hear cases and settle disputes.
So, this phrase means, "If I have exploited the fatherless because I thought I could win a legal case against them, or otherwise gain an unfair advantage in the legal system because I had influence with the judges or those in power at the gate."
In essence, Job is saying:
"I swear I have never taken advantage of an orphan simply because I believed I could get away with it. I wouldn't use my influence in the courts (the gate) to unjustly oppress someone who couldn't defend themselves."
The verse highlights several key concepts:
Social Justice: The verse emphasizes the importance of protecting the vulnerable, particularly orphans.
Abuse of Power: It warns against using influence or legal power to exploit those who are weaker or lack resources.
Personal Integrity: Job is asserting that he would never compromise his moral principles for personal gain, even if he had the opportunity to do so.
The Corruption of Justice: The "gate" represents the justice system, and the verse implicitly acknowledges the potential for that system to be corrupted and used to harm the innocent.
In short, Job is denying that he has ever been a bully or abused his position or power to harm those who were vulnerable and defenseless, confident that he could win in court due to his connections.
Job 31:21 - if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, because I saw my help in the gate,
What does "Job 31:21" mean?
This verse from Job 31:21 is part of Job's long declaration of innocence, where he lists behaviors he hasn't engaged in. He's arguing that he doesn't deserve the suffering he's enduring. Let's break down the meaning:
"If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless..." This means, "If I have acted in a way that oppressed or harmed orphans." The "lifting up of the hand" suggests a gesture of violence, dominance, or taking advantage of someone weaker and more vulnerable. Orphans, being without parental protection, were particularly susceptible to exploitation in that society.
"...because I saw my help in the gate..." This is the crucial part. The "gate" in ancient Near Eastern cities was not just an entrance; it was the center of public life, commerce, and legal proceedings. The city elders and judges would gather at the gate to hear cases and settle disputes.
So, this phrase means, "If I have exploited the fatherless because I thought I could win a legal case against them, or otherwise gain an unfair advantage in the legal system because I had influence with the judges or those in power at the gate."
In essence, Job is saying:
"I swear I have never taken advantage of an orphan simply because I believed I could get away with it. I wouldn't use my influence in the courts (the gate) to unjustly oppress someone who couldn't defend themselves."
The verse highlights several key concepts:
Social Justice: The verse emphasizes the importance of protecting the vulnerable, particularly orphans.
Abuse of Power: It warns against using influence or legal power to exploit those who are weaker or lack resources.
Personal Integrity: Job is asserting that he would never compromise his moral principles for personal gain, even if he had the opportunity to do so.
The Corruption of Justice: The "gate" represents the justice system, and the verse implicitly acknowledges the potential for that system to be corrupted and used to harm the innocent.
In short, Job is denying that he has ever been a bully or abused his position or power to harm those who were vulnerable and defenseless, confident that he could win in court due to his connections.