Old Testament
Job 31:27
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 expresses a deep concern about the integrity of his heart and actions.
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
and my heart has been secretly enticed, or my mouth has kissed my hand—
And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job expresses a deep concern about the integrity of his heart and actions. He acknowledges the possibility of being secretly tempted or led astray by desires that are not visible to others. The phrase 'my mouth has kissed my hand' suggests a form of idolatry or inappropriate affection towards something that is not God. Job is emphasizing his commitment to righteousness and his desire to avoid any form of betrayal to his faith. This reflects a broader theme of self-examination and the struggle against hidden sins that can corrupt one's character. Job is determined to maintain his integrity and not allow any secret enticements to lead him away from his devotion to God. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant about our inner thoughts and desires, ensuring they align with our values and beliefs.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Job 31:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own hearts and motivations. We should be vigilant against hidden temptations that may lead us away from our values. Regular self-examination and prayer can help us stay aligned with our faith and resist any secret enticements that may arise in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 31:27 mean?
Job 31:27 expresses Job's concern about being secretly tempted or led astray by desires. He acknowledges the risk of hidden enticements that could compromise his integrity and faithfulness to God.
What is the meaning of 'my mouth has kissed my hand' in Job 31:27?
The phrase 'my mouth has kissed my hand' suggests a form of idolatry or inappropriate affection towards something other than God. It indicates a potential betrayal of Job's commitment to righteousness.
How can Job 31:27 apply to my life?
Job 31:27 encourages us to reflect on our own hearts and motivations. It reminds us to be vigilant against hidden temptations and to engage in regular self-examination to stay aligned with our values.
What themes are present in Job 31:27?
The themes in Job 31:27 include integrity, temptation, self-examination, faithfulness, and idolatry. These themes highlight the struggle to maintain one's commitment to righteousness amidst hidden desires.

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.
Unlock the full Job summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Job — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 42 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Job summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.