Job 31:22-24

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Job 31:22 sn Here is the apodosis, the imprecation Job pronounces on himself if he has done any of these things just listed.
2. Job 31:22 tn The point is that if he has raised his arm against the oppressed it should be ripped off at the joint. The MT has “let fall my shoulder [כְּתֵפִי, k^etefi] from the nape of the neck [or shoulder blade (מִשִּׁכְמָה, mishikhmah)].”
3. Job 31:22 tn The word קָנֶה (qaneh) is “reed; shaft; beam,” and here “shoulder joint.” All the commentaries try to explain how “reed” became “socket; joint.” This is the only place that it is used in such a sense. Whatever the exact explanation—and there seems to be no convincing view—the point of the verse is nonetheless clear.
4. Job 31:23 tc The LXX has “For the terror of God restrained me.” Several commentators changed it to “came upon me.” Driver had “The fear of God was burdensome.” I. Eitan suggested “The terror of God was mighty upon me” (“Two unknown verbs: etymological studies,” JBL 42 [1923]: 22-28). But the MT makes clear sense as it stands.
5. Job 31:23 tn The form is וּמִשְּׂאֵתוֹ (umiss^eʾeto); the preposition is causal. The form, from the verb נָשָׂא (nasaʾ, “to raise; to lift high”), refers to God’s exalted person, his majesty (see Job 13:11).