Job 21:31

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 21:31 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Who shall declare his way to his face? And who shall repay him what he hath done?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Who shall declare his way to his face? And who shall repay him what he hath done?
Job 21:31 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 21

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
31Who shall declare his way to his face? And who shall repay him what he hath done?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Who shall declare his way to his face? etc.] Jarchi and Aben Ezra think that Job here returns to God, and speaks of him, as in (<182122>Job 21:22); signifying that no man can or ought to presume to charge the ways of God in his providence with inequality or injustice, in sparing the wicked now, and reserving them to wrath and destruction hereafter; since he is a sovereign Being, and does what he pleases, and none can hinder him, nor ought any to say to him, what dost thou? nor does he give an account of his matters to the children of men; but this respects the wicked man, and describes his state and condition in this life, as being possessed of such wealth and riches, and living in such…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That is, who dares to charge him openly with his bad ways? namely, in this present life. He shall, I grant (Job 21:30), be "repaid" hereafter.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Who shall declare his way to his face? - That is, the face of the wicked. Who shall dare to rise up and openly charge him with his guilt? The idea is, that none would dare to do it, and that, therefore, the wicked man was not punished according to his character here, and was reserved to a day of future wrath. And who shall repay him what he hath done? - The meaning is, that many wicked people lived without being punished for their sins. No one was able to recompense them for the evil which they had done, and consequently they lived in security and prosperity. Such were the tyrants and conquerors, who had made the world desolate. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Declare - His power and splendor are so great, that scarce any man dare reprove him. Job 21:32”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“declare: Sa2 12:7-12; Kg1 21:19-24; Psa 50:21; Jer 2:33-35; Mar 6:18; Act 24:25; Gal 2:11 repay: Job 21:19, Job 41:11; Deu 7:10; Isa 59:13; Rom 12:19; Jam 2:13 Job 21:32”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification