Job 31:18 but from my youth I reared them as a father would, and from my birth I guided the widow--

◄ Job 31:18 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
but from my youth I reared them as a father would, and from my birth I guided the widow--

English Standard Version
(for from my youth the fatherless grew up with me as with a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow),

New American Standard Bible
(But from my youth he grew up with me as with a father, And from infancy I guided her),

King James Bible
(For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;)

Holman Christian Standard Bible
for from my youth, I raised him as his father, and since the day I was born I guided the widow--

International Standard Version
(even a poor man had grown up with me as if I were his father, and even though I had guided the widow from the time I was born),

American Standard Version
(Nay, from my youth he grew up with me as with a father, And her have I guided from my mother's womb);

Douay-Rheims Bible
(For from my infancy mercy grew up with me: and it came out with me from my mother's womb :)

Darby Bible Translation
(For from my youth he grew up with me as with a father, and I have guided the widow from my mother's womb;)

Young's Literal Translation
(But from my youth He grew up with me as with a father, And from the belly of my mother I am led.)

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

31:16-23 Job's conscience gave testimony concerning his just and charitable behaviour toward the poor. He is most large upon this head, because in this matter he was particularly accused. He was tender of all, and hurtful to none. Notice the principles by which Job was restrained from being uncharitable and unmerciful. He stood in awe of the Lord, as certainly against him, if he should wrong the poor. Regard to worldly interests may restrain a man from actual crimes; but the grace of God alone can make him hate, dread, and shun sinful thoughts and desires.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

18. Parenthetical: asserting that he did the contrary to the things in Job 31:16, 17.

he—the orphan.

guided her—namely, the widow, by advice and protection. On this and "a father," see Job 29:16.