Job 31:26 - if I have seen the sun when it shined, or the moon moving in splendor,

Generated Verse: Job 31:26

What does "Job 31:26" mean?


Job 31:26, "if I have seen the sun when it shined, or the moon moving in splendor," is part of Job's oath of innocence. In this chapter, Job is listing all the terrible things he hasn't done, essentially swearing that he's lived a righteous life and doesn't deserve the suffering he's experiencing.

The verse specifically addresses the sin of idolatry, particularly the worship of celestial bodies like the sun and moon. In Job's time (and in many ancient cultures), sun and moon worship was a common practice. People would attribute divinity to these celestial bodies, seeing them as gods or powerful beings deserving of reverence.

Therefore, the verse means:

"If I have seen the sun when it shined...": If I have been mesmerized or overwhelmed by the sun's brilliance to the point of worshipping it. If I have allowed the sun's beauty to lead me away from the true God.
"...or the moon moving in splendor...": Similarly, if I have been captivated by the moon's majesty and movement in the night sky to the point of worshipping it, instead of recognizing it as a creation of God.

In essence, Job is saying, "I have never been guilty of idolatry. I have never allowed the beauty and power of the sun and moon to distract me from my worship of the one true God." He's asserting that he hasn't succumbed to the temptation of worshipping these celestial objects, even though they are awe-inspiring. He's remained faithful to God, even when surrounded by pagan practices.

It's a powerful declaration of his monotheistic faith and a denial that his suffering is a consequence of worshipping false gods.

What categories does "Job 31:26" have?