Old Testament
Job 31:27
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and my heart has been secretly enticed, or my mouth has kissed my hand—
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And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
What Job 31:27 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Job Holds Fast His Integrity (Job 27:1–31:40)
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Job
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying Job 31:27
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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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 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.
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