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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 31:16 If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow's eyes to fail,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/31-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/18_Job_31_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 31:16 - Job's Final Appeal" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow's eyes to fail," /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/31-15.htm" title="Job 31:15">◄</a> Job 31:16 <a href="/job/31-17.htm" title="Job 31:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Have I refused to help the poor, or crushed the hopes of widows?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“If I have withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If I have withheld the poor from <i>their</i> desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“If I have kept the poor from <i>their</i> desire, Or caused the eyes of the widow to fail,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If I have kept the poor from <i>their</i> desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220If I have kept the poor from their desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“If I have kept the poor from <i>their</i> desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“If I have held back the poor from <i>their</i> desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“If I have withheld from the poor what <i>they</i> desired, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to look in vain [for relief],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I have refused the wishes of the poor or let the widow’s eyes go blind,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I have refused the wishes of the poor or let the widow&#8217s eyes go blind, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If I have withheld the poor from their desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I have never cheated widows or others in need, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"If I have refused the requests of the poor or made a widow's eyes stop [looking for help],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I have never refused to help the poor; never have I let widows live in despair <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"If I refused to grant the desire of the poor or exhausted the eyes of the widow,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If I have refused to give the poor what they desired, or caused the eyes of the widow to fail, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />If I withhold the poor from pleasure, "" And consume the eyes of the widow,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> If I withhold from pleasure the poor, And the eyes of the widow do consume,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If I shall withhold from the desire of the poor, and cause the eyes of the widow to fail;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If I have denied to the poor what they desired, and have made the eyes of the widow wait: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If I have denied the poor what they wanted and have made the eyes of the widow wait;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If I have denied anything that the poor desired, or allowed the eyes of the widow to languish <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“If I have withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If I have withheld the poor from his desire, or have defrauded the widow,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If I have withheld from the poor a thing that he desired, or if I have darkened the eyes of a widow<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If I have withheld aught that the poor desired, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But the helpless missed not whatever need they had, and I did not cause the eye of the widow to fail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/31-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=4680" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/31.htm">Job's Final Appeal</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Did not He who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same One form us in the womb? <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/4513.htm" title="4513: ’em·na‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To withhold, hold back. A primitive root; to debar from benefit or injury.">I have denied</a> <a href="/hebrew/2656.htm" title="2656: mê·ḥê·p̄eṣ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Delight, pleasure. From chaphets; pleasure; hence desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence a matter.">the desires</a> <a href="/hebrew/1800.htm" title="1800: dal·lîm (Adj-mpc) -- Dangling, weak, thin. From dalal; properly, dangling, i.e. weak or thin.">of the poor</a> <a href="/hebrew/490.htm" title="490: ’al·mā·nāh (N-fs) -- A widow. Fem of 'alman; a widow; also a desolate place.">or allowed the widow’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: wə·‘ê·nê (Conj-w:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/3615.htm" title="3615: ’ă·ḵal·leh (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent. A primitive root; to end, whether intransitive or transitived.">to fail,</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless—…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a></span><br />Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13</a></span><br />Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17-18</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-11</a></span><br />If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-11.htm">Luke 3:11</a></span><br />John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-10.htm">Galatians 2:10</a></span><br />They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-18.htm">1 Timothy 6:18</a></span><br />Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-7.htm">Ezekiel 18:7</a></span><br />He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a></span><br />In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3-4</a></span><br />Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a></span><br />Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;</p><p class="hdg">withheld</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/22-7.htm">Job 22:7-9</a></b></br> Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-10</a></b></br> If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/112-9.htm">Psalm 112:9</a></b></br> He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.</p><p class="hdg">the eyes</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/28-32.htm">Deuteronomy 28:32</a></b></br> Thy sons and thy daughters <i>shall be</i> given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail <i>with longing</i> for them all the day long: and <i>there shall be</i> no might in thine hand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/69-3.htm">Psalm 69:3</a></b></br> I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-82.htm">Psalm 119:82,123</a></b></br> Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/20-20.htm">Aught</a> <a href="/job/29-13.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/job/24-19.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/job/31-13.htm">Denied</a> <a href="/job/24-15.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/job/23-13.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/job/23-13.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/job/29-11.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/job/31-7.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/job/21-10.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/job/21-7.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/job/30-28.htm">Help</a> <a href="/job/30-10.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/job/31-10.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/job/30-25.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/job/23-13.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/job/22-7.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/job/29-13.htm">Widow</a> <a href="/job/29-13.htm">Widow's</a> <a href="/job/22-7.htm">Withheld</a> <a href="/job/7-11.htm">Withhold</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/42-8.htm">Aught</a> <a href="/job/31-39.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/psalms/21-9.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/job/31-28.htm">Denied</a> <a href="/job/31-35.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/psalms/19-10.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/job/39-29.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/job/32-1.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/job/41-12.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/job/31-40.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/job/31-21.htm">Help</a> <a href="/job/31-17.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/job/36-11.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/job/31-19.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/job/33-17.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/psalms/6-6.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/job/31-18.htm">Widow</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Widow's</a> <a href="/job/38-15.htm">Withheld</a> <a href="/psalms/40-11.htm">Withhold</a><div class="vheading2">Job 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/31-1.htm">Job makes a solemn protestation of his integrity in several duties</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If I have denied the desires of the poor</b><br>Job is asserting his integrity by claiming he has not denied the needs of the poor. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the poor were often marginalized and lacked social support. The Mosaic Law emphasized care for the poor (<a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-11</a>), reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy. Job's statement aligns with the biblical principle of generosity and compassion, seen in <a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a>, which states that kindness to the poor is akin to lending to the Lord. This phrase also foreshadows the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized caring for the least of these (<a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40</a>).<p><b>or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail</b><br>Widows in ancient times were particularly vulnerable, often lacking financial support and protection. The "eyes to fail" metaphorically describes the despair and hopelessness that can result from neglect. Scripture consistently calls for the protection and provision for widows (<a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22-24</a>, <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>). Job's claim of not allowing the widow's eyes to fail highlights his commitment to justice and mercy, reflecting God's character. This concern for widows is echoed in the New Testament, where the early church is instructed to care for widows (<a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3-16</a>), demonstrating continuity in God's concern for the vulnerable throughout the Bible.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_poor.htm">The Poor</a></b><br>Individuals who are economically disadvantaged and often marginalized in society. In the context of Job, they represent those in need of compassion and justice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_widow.htm">The Widow</a></b><br>A woman who has lost her husband and, in ancient times, often faced significant social and economic challenges. The widow symbolizes vulnerability and the need for protection and support.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_book_of_job.htm">The Book of Job</a></b><br>A poetic and philosophical book in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and the righteousness of God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_near_eastern_society.htm">Ancient Near Eastern Society</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which the Book of Job is set, where social justice and care for the vulnerable were significant moral imperatives.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/compassion_for_the_vulnerable.htm">Compassion for the Vulnerable</a></b><br>Job's declaration challenges believers to examine their own actions towards the poor and widows. Are we actively seeking to meet their needs and uphold their dignity?<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_action.htm">Integrity in Action</a></b><br>Job's self-examination serves as a model for personal integrity. Believers are encouraged to reflect on their lives and ensure their actions align with God's standards of justice and mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/social_justice_as_a_divine_mandate.htm">Social Justice as a Divine Mandate</a></b><br>The care for the poor and widows is not merely a social responsibility but a divine command. Christians are called to be advocates for justice and providers of support for those in need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination_and_repentance.htm">Self-Examination and Repentance</a></b><br>Job's introspection invites believers to regularly assess their own lives, repent where necessary, and seek to live in a way that honors God through service to others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_job_31_curses_compare_to_nt_mercy.htm">How do Job's self-imposed curses in Job 31 compare with New Testament passages emphasizing mercy and forgiveness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_job's_prosperity_historically_plausible.htm">Could Job’s remarkable prosperity and divine favor (Job 29:4–6) be historically or scientifically plausible? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_31_5-8_oppose_human_fallibility.htm">Does Job’s assertion of moral completeness in Job 31:5–8 conflict with the broader biblical theme of universal human fallibility? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_boaz's_actions_typical_in_the_ot.htm">Ruth 2:19–20 – Are Boaz’s generous actions consistent with other Old Testament depictions of social norms, or do they present an uncharacteristically benevolent culture?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If I have withheld the poor from their desire</span>. As Eliphaz had maintained (<a href="/job/22-6.htm">Job 22:6, 7</a>), and as Job had already denied (<a href="/job/29-12.htm">Job 29:12, 16</a>). The duty of relieving the poor, solemnly enjoined upon the people of Israel in the Law (<a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-11</a>), was generally admitted by the civilized nations of antiquity. In Egypt it was especially insisted on. "The Egyptian's duties to mankind," says Dr. Birch, "were comprised in giving bread to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothes to the naked, oil to the wounded, and burial to the dead" ('Egypt from the Earliest Times,' p. 46). <span class="cmt_word">Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail</span>. "Thou hast sent widows away empty," was one of the accusations of Eliphaz (<a href="/job/22-9.htm">Job 22:9</a>). "I caused the widow's heart," replied Job, "to sing for joy" (<a href="/job/29-13.htm">Job 29:13</a>). The widow's weakness has always been felt to give her a special claim on man's benevolence (see <a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/14-29.htm">Deuteronomy 14:29</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/16-11.htm">Deuteronomy 16:11, 14</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/24-19.htm">Deuteronomy 24:19</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/26-12.htm">Deuteronomy 26:12, 13</a>; <a href="/psalms/146-9.htm">Psalm 146:9</a>; <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Proverbs 15:25</a>; <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/7-6.htm">Jeremiah 7:6</a>; <a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/5-16.htm">1 Timothy 5:16</a>; <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/31-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have denied</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֭מְנַע</span> <span class="translit">(’em·na‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4513.htm">Strong's 4513: </a> </span><span class="str2">To debar, from benefit, injury</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the desires</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵחֵ֣פֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥê·p̄eṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2656.htm">Strong's 2656: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasure, desire, a valuable thing, a matter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the poor</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּלִּ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(dal·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1800.htm">Strong's 1800: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dangling, weak, thin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or allowed the widow’s</span><br /><span class="heb">אַלְמָנָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(’al·mā·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_490.htm">Strong's 490: </a> </span><span class="str2">A widow, a desolate place</span><br /><br /><span class="word">eyes</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעֵינֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ê·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - cdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to fail,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲכַלֶּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḵal·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3615.htm">Strong's 3615: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/31-16.htm">OT Poetry: Job 31:16 If I have withheld the poor (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/31-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 31:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 31:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/31-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 31:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 31:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>