Does not disaster come to the unjustThis phrase reflects the principle of divine justice, where wrongdoing is met with consequences. In the biblical context, the concept of retribution is prevalent, as seen in
Proverbs 11:21, which states that the wicked will not go unpunished. The term "unjust" refers to those who act contrary to God's laws and moral order. Historically, the Israelites understood that God governed the world with justice, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked. This belief is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience brings blessings and disobedience results in curses, as outlined in
Deuteronomy 28.
and calamity to the workers of iniquity?
The "workers of iniquity" are those who actively engage in sinful behavior, opposing God's will. Calamity, in this context, signifies severe misfortune or disaster as a consequence of sin. This idea is echoed inPsalm 37:9-10, where it is stated that evildoers will be cut off. The cultural understanding of the time was that sin inevitably leads to suffering, both in this life and the next. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and separation of the righteous from the wicked, as seen in the parables of Jesus, such as the wheat and the tares inMatthew 13:24-30. Theologically, it underscores the holiness of God and His intolerance of sin, pointing to the need for redemption through Christ, who bore the calamity of sin on behalf of humanity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobA 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.
2.
The UnjustRefers to those who act unrighteously or unfairly, often in opposition to God's laws and principles.
3.
Workers of IniquityIndividuals who engage in sinful or immoral behavior, deliberately acting against God's commands.
4.
Disaster and CalamityThese terms describe the consequences or judgments that befall those who live in opposition to God's righteousness.
5.
The Book of JobA poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and the sovereignty of God.
Teaching Points
The Certainty of Divine JusticeGod's justice is inevitable. The verse assures believers that God will bring disaster upon the unjust and workers of iniquity, affirming His righteous nature.
The Consequences of SinSin has real and often severe consequences. This verse serves as a warning to avoid unrighteousness and iniquity, as they lead to disaster and calamity.
The Importance of Righteous LivingBelievers are called to live righteously, trusting that God sees and will reward their faithfulness while dealing justly with the wicked.
Trust in God's SovereigntyEven when it seems like the wicked prosper, believers can trust that God is sovereign and will ultimately bring justice.
Self-ExaminationThis verse encourages self-reflection to ensure one's actions align with God's standards, avoiding the path of the unjust and workers of iniquity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 31:3?
2.How does Job 31:3 define consequences for the "wicked" and "wrongdoers"?
3.What actions can we take to avoid the fate described in Job 31:3?
4.How does Job 31:3 connect with Proverbs 11:21 about divine justice?
5.How can Job 31:3 guide us in evaluating our personal integrity?
6.What role does accountability play in avoiding the pitfalls mentioned in Job 31:3?
7.How does Job 31:3 reflect God's justice towards the wicked and the unrighteous?
8.What historical context supports the themes presented in Job 31:3?
9.How does Job 31:3 challenge the belief in divine retribution?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 31?
11.Does God create both good and evil?
12.In Job 31:1-4, how can Job claim such purity given other scriptures teach no one is entirely sinless?
13.Proverbs 19:3 implies misfortune is always self-inflicted--how does this reconcile with natural disasters or innocent suffering?
14.Job 34:10 - If God never does wrong, why do the innocent still suffer without clear divine intervention?What Does Job 31:3 Mean
Does not disaster come- Job voices a truth woven through Scripture: God actively governs the moral order so that evil actions invite painful consequences.Psalm 34:16 affirms, “The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth,” whileProverbs 22:8 echoes, “He who sows injustice will reap disaster.”
- Disaster is never random in God’s economy;Isaiah 45:7 reminds us that the Lord “forms light and creates darkness, brings prosperity and creates calamity.” When disaster falls, it signals divine oversight, not cosmic chaos.
to the unjust- “The unjust” are people who reject God’s righteous standard and oppress others.Proverbs 11:18 contrasts them with the righteous: “The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.”
- Scripture consistently shows that injustice draws God’s judgment.Amos 5:11-12 depicts God confronting landowners who exploit the poor; their gains will crumble. Job is stating what he has observed and what revelation confirms: turning from God’s justice invites His corrective hand.
and calamity- Calamity intensifies the idea of disaster, pointing to devastating, often sudden, judgment.Deuteronomy 32:35 declares, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near.”
- Calamity functions as both penalty and warning. It penalizes sin and simultaneously calls survivors and observers to repentance, as illustrated inLuke 13:4-5 when Jesus refers to the tower of Siloam: tragedy urges reflection and turning to God.
to the workers of iniquity- “Workers” stresses deliberate, practiced sin.Psalm 94:4-7 speaks of such people who “pour out arrogant words” and “crush Your people.” Their continuous plotting invites proportionate response from the Lord who “will not abandon His people” (Psalm 94:14).
- Job’s point aligns withGalatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” The repetitive lifestyle of iniquity guarantees eventual divine confrontation.
summaryJob 31:3 affirms a timeless principle: God governs the universe with moral precision. Persistent injustice and practiced iniquity do not escape His notice; they invite disaster and calamity that He sovereignly directs. Believers can trust that evil will not ultimately prosper, while unbelievers are warned that sin’s harvest is certain unless they turn to the Lord for mercy.
(3)
Isnot--
i.e.,Is not this the
portionof
Job 31:2?
Verse 3. -
Is not destruction to the wicked? The inheritance of the wicked is "destruction" - ruin both of soul and body. This is what I should have to expect if I yielded myself to the bondage of lust and concupiscence
. And a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? The rare word
neker (
גכר), translated here by "strange punishment," seems to mean "alienation from God" - being turned from God's friend into his enemy (comp. Buxtorf, 'Lexicon Hebraicum et Chaldaicum,' who explains
גכר by "alienatio;" and the comment of Schultens on
Job 31:3, "
Necer, a Deo alienatio").
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Does notהֲלֹא־(hă·lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nodisasterאֵ֥יד(’êḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 343:Oppression, misfortune, ruincome to the unjustלְעַוָּ֑ל(lə·‘aw·wāl)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5767:Unjust, unrighteous oneand calamityוְ֝נֵ֗כֶר(wə·nê·ḵer)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5235:To act or treat as foreign or strange, to disguiseto workersלְפֹ֣עֲלֵי(lə·p̄ō·‘ă·lê)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6466:To do, make, to practiseof iniquity?אָֽוֶן׃(’ā·wen)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 205:Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol
Links
Job 31:3 NIVJob 31:3 NLTJob 31:3 ESVJob 31:3 NASBJob 31:3 KJV
Job 31:3 BibleApps.comJob 31:3 Biblia ParalelaJob 31:3 Chinese BibleJob 31:3 French BibleJob 31:3 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Job 31:3 Is it not calamity to the unrighteous (Jb) 
