Old Testament
Job 31:26
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Job is expressing his integrity and moral standards.
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
if I beheld the sun when it shone, or the moon walking in brightness,
If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job is expressing his integrity and moral standards. He is reflecting on the natural beauty of the sun and moon, which symbolize the glory of creation. By stating that he has not gazed at these celestial bodies with lust or idolatry, Job emphasizes his commitment to purity and righteousness. He is essentially saying that he has not allowed the beauty of the world to distract him from his devotion to God. This highlights the importance of maintaining focus on spiritual values rather than being swayed by physical allurements. Job's declaration serves as a reminder of the need for self-control and the significance of honoring God in all aspects of life, including our thoughts and desires. It also illustrates the broader theme of the struggle between temptation and faithfulness, which is central to Job's narrative as he defends his character amidst his suffering.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Job 31:26 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the things that capture our attention. Are we allowing the beauty of the world to lead us away from our values? We should strive to maintain our focus on what truly matters, ensuring that our thoughts and actions align with our commitment to God.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 31:26 mean?
Job 31:26 expresses Job's commitment to integrity by stating that he has not gazed at the sun or moon with lust or idolatry. It highlights his focus on spiritual values over physical allurements.
What is the significance of the sun and moon in Job 31:26?
In Job 31:26, the sun and moon symbolize the beauty of creation. Job uses them to illustrate his moral purity and refusal to be distracted by worldly beauty.
How does Job 31:26 relate to temptation?
Job 31:26 relates to temptation by showing Job's determination to resist the allure of the sun and moon, which represent distractions that can lead one away from faithfulness to God.
What themes are present in Job 31:26?
The themes present in Job 31:26 include integrity, moral purity, temptation, faithfulness, and the significance of creation, all of which underscore the importance of self-control in one's spiritual life.

The Book of Job
Job 1: Job's Integrity and First Test
Job lives in the land of Uz and is known for fearing God and turning away from evil. He has seven sons, three daughters, and great wealth. His sons hold feasts in their homes, and Job regularly sends for them and offers burnt offerings in case any of them sins in their hearts.
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