Job 31:27
And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
Job 31:27 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the speaker is reflecting on the inner desires of the heart and the temptations that can lead to sin. The phrase "And my heart hath been secretly enticed" suggests that the speaker has been lured by something that is not in line with their values or beliefs. The following phrase "or my mouth hath kissed my hand" symbolizes the act of giving in to temptation and indulging in sinful behavior. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's moral compass and resisting the urge to give in to temptations that can lead us astray from our faith. It cautions against the dangers of being swayed by desires that are not in alignment with God's will. By meditating on this verse, one can reflect on the power of temptation and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith.
Theological Overview
Within this verse from the book of Job, we see the mention of a heart being secretly enticed and a mouth kissing one's hand. This imagery has been interpreted in various ways by theologians and scholars. Some see it as a metaphor for the temptation that Job is facing, with his heart being lured towards sinful thoughts or actions. The act of kissing one's hand could symbolize a gesture of reverence or submission, indicating a form of self-indulgence or self-gratification. Others view this verse as a reflection of vanity or self-admiration, where the individual is drawn towards their own actions or words. The use of the word 'secretly' suggests a sense of hidden desire or attraction that is not openly acknowledged. Overall, this verse prompts readers to contemplate the inner motivations and inclinations of the heart, highlighting the complex nature of human emotions and temptations.
Job 31:27 in other translations
American Standard Version
And my heart hath been secretly enticed, And my mouth hath kissed my hand:
World English Bible
and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth,
Douay-Rheims
And my heart in secret hath rejoiced, and I have kissed my hand with my mouth:
Geneva Bible (1599)
If mine heart did flatter me in secrete, or if my mouth did kisse mine hand,