The Meaning of Job 31:11 Explained

Job 31:11

KJV: For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.

YLT: For it is a wicked thing, and a judicial iniquity;

Darby: For this is an infamy; yea, it is an iniquity to be judged by the judges:

ASV: For that were a heinous crime; Yea, it were an iniquity to be punished by the judges:

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For this [is] an heinous crime;  yea, it [is] an iniquity  [to be punished by] the judges. 

What does Job 31:11 Mean?

Context Summary

Job 31:1-40 - The Clean Life
Job had specially guarded against impurity, for its heritage is one of calamity and disaster. He is sure that even if he were weighed by God Himself there would be no iniquity discovered in him. He even goes so far as to invoke the most awful results if he has sinned against the seventh commandment. It is well for us if we are able with similar sincerity to appeal to the verdict of God and of our own heart. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to beget in us purity and separateness from sin, that we may walk with unsullied garments.
Job also protests the even-handedness of his dealings with his servants, alleging the principle which underlies the whole Christian teaching on the point, that we all have been made by the same Creator. He insists on his benevolence to the widow and the fatherless. He is careful to show that he had not failed in doing all the good that was within his reach. Alas, how few of us can say as much! How many such occasions cross our path every day, which we heedlessly let pass!
With this appeal Job goes into the presence of God, and asks for a reply. In the strong gospel light we are too deeply convicted of sin to dare to do this, and must rely upon the merits of Christ. In these alone can we approach the uncreated light. [source]

Chapter Summary: Job 31

1  Job makes a solemn protestation of his integrity in several duties

What do the individual words in Job 31:11 mean?

For that that [would be] wickedness it Yes it [would be] iniquity [deserving of] judgment
כִּי־ [הוא] (הִ֥יא) זִמָּ֑ה [והיא] (וְ֝ה֗וּא) עָוֺ֥ן פְּלִילִֽים

[הוא]  that 
Parse: Pronoun, third person masculine singular
(הִ֥יא)  that  [would  be] 
Parse: Pronoun, third person feminine singular
Root: הוּא 
Sense: he, she, it.
זִמָּ֑ה  wickedness 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular
Root: זִמָּה  
Sense: plan, device, wickedness, evil plan, mischievous purpose.
(וְ֝ה֗וּא)  Yes  it  [would  be] 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Pronoun, third person masculine singular
Root: הוּא 
Sense: he, she, it.
עָוֺ֥ן  iniquity  [deserving  of] 
Parse: Noun, common singular
Root: עָוֹן  
Sense: perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity.
פְּלִילִֽים  judgment 
Parse: Noun, masculine plural
Root: פָּלִיל  
Sense: judge, assessment, estimate.