Old Testament
Job 11:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
if iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and do not let wickedness dwell in your tents —
Compare translations
If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.
What Job 11:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job's friend Zophar is advising him to remove any wrongdoing from his life. The phrase 'iniquity in your hand' suggests that if Job is holding onto sin or guilt, he should let it go. The instruction to 'put it far away' emphasizes the need for a conscious effort to distance oneself from wickedness. The mention of 'tents' or 'tabernacles' symbolizes the home and personal life, indicating that sin should not be allowed to take root in one's life or surroundings. This advice reflects a common belief that personal integrity and righteousness are essential for a good relationship with God. Zophar implies that if Job can rid himself of sin, he may find favor with God and experience restoration. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of self-examination and the need to actively reject sin to maintain a pure and holy life before God.
How to apply Job 11:14 to your life
To apply this verse, regularly assess your life for any sinful habits or attitudes. Make a conscious effort to remove these from your life, creating a space for righteousness. Surround yourself with positive influences that encourage holiness and integrity in your daily actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 11:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 11:14
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 11:14 mean?
Job 11:14 means that if you have sin or wrongdoing in your life, you should actively remove it and not allow it to influence your home or personal life. It emphasizes the importance of distancing oneself from wickedness to maintain a good relationship with God.
What is the meaning of iniquity in Job 11:14?
Iniquity in Job 11:14 refers to sin or moral wrongdoing. The verse advises that if you are holding onto sin, you should let it go to create a more righteous and pure life.
How can I apply Job 11:14 in my life?
To apply Job 11:14, regularly evaluate your actions and attitudes for any sinful habits. Make a deliberate effort to eliminate these from your life and surround yourself with positive influences.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.